Athens, Ga. – Following a nationwide search, Pamela Ray, has been named director of contracts and grants at the University of Georgia effective Sept. 1. Ray, the former productivity enhancement and technology transfer program administrator at Mississippi State University, brings with her more than 24 years of university and sponsored program financial experience.
“Pam’s years of experience with contracts and grants accounting, departmental financial administration, and program administration of a significant agency contract involving multiple entities, will provide the university with insight into the varied and diverse aspects of research administration,” said Holley Schramski, associate vice president and controller at UGA.
The contracts and grants department is charged with responsibility for the fiscal administration of all contracts, grants and other sponsored agreements entered into by the university for the conduct of research, instruction and public service. Ray replaces Tracy R. Walters, who left UGA after eight years to become the director of contracts and grants at Yale University.
“I am excited andlooking forwardto assuming the duties of director of contracts and grants,” said Ray.”As director, I plan tomaintain the momentum currently in process to make this department more accessible, knowledgeable and supportive to the campus research community.One of my immediate duties will be to look at staff work flow and offer solutions that will foster a better working environment for meeting the departmental goals.”
Since 1984, Ray has worked for her alma mater, Mississippi State, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in professional accountancy. She began her career at MSU as an assistant ticket manager in the athletic ticket office, but quickly rose through the ranks to become not only a research program administrator, but also a part-time instructor of college-level courses for the last 11 years.