In order to assist faculty members and other individuals on campus with research projects and goals they hope to accomplish during their time at the university, Longwood has now set up an office specifically for that reason.
According to a Longwood University press release, Dr. Regina Maldve began Feb. 27 as the director of sponsored programs and research to assist faculty members in the grant writing process and achieving their research goals. The press release goes on to say that due to "diminishing public funding," many other universities have launched offices similar to Longwood's.
A grant proposal from a faculty member of the university is somewhat equivalent to that of an English 400 proposal. Faculty applying for a grant would have to describe everything in the grant writing process from their research and how they collect their data to vehicle transportation and food, provided that would be needed.
Grant proposals can be any length, but nonetheless have to point out why their research is important and how it would be beneficial to the sponsor. "My job is to make sure the grant is done well and gets in on time," said Maldve. "I take care of the paperwork and budget side of things, and they write the document."
Maldve hopes to do a number of things once she has found out more about the university faculty and all the projects they would like to pursue. A website that will include grant deadlines and organizations looking for research candidates is one aspect once the office is up and in full swing. She also explained she would like to send targeted emails or newsletters to faculty to help them with the process and steps of writing a grant.
Maldve said that the first month of her work has consisted of understanding the way the current grant writing process has gone but also going out and meeting faculty. She explained she wants to find out more about programs they want to build up and bring to light. One example Maldve drew on was the herbarium located in the basement of the Greenwood Library. The herbarium is apparently the largest of native, Virginia plant specimens in the state, the second largest located at Virginia Tech. "I'm finding a lot of unique jewels that with some funding, could be brought to light" said Maldve.
The reason the collection resides in the basement now is because there is not any space for it on campus. Maldve said the education factor of this collection is fantastic and her job is to help bring factors like these to light. Other programs she mentioned were the study abroad program and Hull Springs Farm.
The grant office could also potentially support undergrad students in their research as well, provided it would be research driven or scholarship research. Maldve said this is not typical of the grant office, but it is a possibility.
The money gained from the research usually supports the research programs of the faculty, brings recognition to faculty members as well as the school and supports the infrastructure at Longwood, covering the direct as well as indirect costs, said Maldve.
In the press release, Dr. Ken Perkins, interim vice president for academic affairs, said, "This is a new position, which will be a great resource for faculty and other offices. [It]is not about just getting more money for Longwood; it's about faculty development and university support." Maldve said the office is essentially ready for business. "The faculty asked for support for their research programs, and the president listened" said Maldve.
