Dr. Leath promotes research and sponsored programs across the full spectrum of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary activities carried out by UNC’s sixteen university campuses. He helps advocate for increased levels of external support from federal, state, and private sources and works closely with the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and campus research administrators to develop research and sponsored program activity in support of each campus’s mission. 

Ms. Smith provides UNC General Administration and constituent institutions with a range of pre- and post- award services for externally funded projects. Services include identification of potential funding sources, direction of the grant application process, support for adherence to a variety of compliance activities, and provision of training and support.

Dr. Thornton coordinates multi-campus efforts to improve research administration in areas of strategic importance, including centers and institutes, technology transfer, and inter-institutional collaborations. She also manages responses to external requests regarding research expertise across the University, as well as levels and sources of funding.

Ms. Bristow assists with special initiatives as well as external requests for information on UNC research by creating topical and audience-specific communications. She also maintains the UNC Research and Sponsored Programs web site. 

Ms. Rich maintains the appointment calendar for the Vice President for Research and assists with scheduling meetings and coordinating meeting materials, audio/visual presentations, location, travel, and budget. She also manages listservs and contact information for Chief Research Officers, SPARC contacts, and technology transfer officers.

Ms. Wright works closely with Sarah Smith, Director of Sponsored Programs, to support sponsored program efforts at UNC General Administration.