NORDP is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Fletcher as president of its Board of Directors in 2019.
Karen “Fletch” Fletcher has been in Research Development since 2010 and joined Appalachian State University’s team in 2015.
Her work at Appalachian State has led to expansion of research, but her most significant contribution to the university’s work is launching the PREParation for Appalachian Research Experiences (PREPARE) program. The program supports faculty using a matrix mentoring system while providing research related educational material with the goal of strengthening faculty's abilities to be research ready and submit stronger grant proposals. After a successful initial year, two colleges at Appalachian State committed to ongoing funding. The PREPARE program is now in its third year.
Fletch served as Vice President/President Elect over the most recent board year. During her tenure, she began an important strategic planning process for this relatively young, but quickly growing organization. This has included meaningful interactions with current, outgoing, and incoming board members among others.
As a member of NORDP, Fletch reflects positively on the sense of community it provides. “Everyone is very willing to share information and experiences,” she said, “and every member I meet seems to be one more friend I just haven’t met yet.”
NORDP provides professional development, networking, and the means to develop, evaluate and implement effective practices to support the efforts of researchers at the nation’s public and private research institutions. The organization’s members develop strategic research activities in response to the extramural funding landscape, catalyze new collaborations and partnerships and inform funding agencies about ongoing and emerging research efforts at their institutions.
“Research Development is a critical facet of institutions pursuing research,” said Karen Eck, out-going President of NORDP. “As a fast-growing organization that reflects the nation’s dynamic priorities related to discovery and innovation, NORDP is committed to providing professional development and leadership for those involved in advancing research nationwide. I’m overwhelmingly proud of Fletch’s accomplishments to date and know that she will provide the needed leadership for our organization going forward.”
NORDP was established in 2010. Membership in NORDP has grown from a grassroots movement of 60 individuals to nearly 1,000 members today. The membership reflects organizational leaders in research, including vice presidents of research, as well as professionals involved in grant proposal preparation. NORDP serves as the pre-eminent professional organization for individuals and organizations seeking to improve their competitive edge.
For more information about NORDP activities and members, visit https://www.nordp.org/.