But then, of course salaries for positions in Sponsored Programs would
have to increase to attract MBAs and others with advanced degrees and it
has been my observation (and experience) that most schools are reluctant
to do so.

-----Original Message-----
From: Research Administration List [mailto:xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG] On
Behalf Of Rhodes, Kris E
Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 10:06 AM
To: xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Master's Degree in Sponsored Programs

More thoughts on a day when I don't even have time to think....

I think academic degrees do represent a general understanding of subject
matter, but more than subject matter, academic degrees are measure of
one's stick-to-itness and ability to work within a structured
environment.  And of course in a university environment surface respect
is divvied out based on who-has accomplished "what I have", so PhD's
rule; J.D.'s also receive special consideration in our field.  Long-term
respect is dependent not upon degrees, but one ability to accurately
analyze and respond to situations, with follow through being the final
component.

And I should have thought a little broader yesterday on standardized
degrees, but the JD and the MBA are also provide some of the tools that
will assist someone in excelling in this field.

When it comes to technical understanding, assessment, and application of
topics relevant to research administration, one of THE sharpest and most
thorough people I have worked has a Bachelor's degree; this is a person
who has completely earned the respect (and at time annoyance) of
faculty.  This person has Master degreed staff and JD's under her
supervision.

Some of the assessment of what degrees does a person have in research
administration, has to do with what where the choices a person made
along the way.  For example in my case a Ph.D. is in my long range
plans, but pursuit of another degree would mean committing less energy
to my office and my profession and this is not a choice I want to make
at this time, I hope to at some point to have my shop in such an
even-keeled state that boredom propels me on to pursuit of the degree.
Still the actual battle experience will drive individual competence.

I too would like Pattons and Rommels under my command, but Einstein's
work was much more efficient ...... I respect the talent individuals
bring to the table and talent comes in many different packages.

On the Masters in Sponsored Project Administration, there is some
question as to whether such a degree would universally generate the same
level of respect as a Masters in an established field and would it be a
cost effective program for an academic institution.

Kris

__________________________________________
Kris E. Rhodes, MS CRA
Associate Director
Office of Sponsored Programs
University of Kentucky
213 Kinkead Hall
Lexington, KY 40506
Phone:  859-257-4826; Fax 859-323-1060

-----Original Message-----
From: Charlie Hathaway [mailto:xxxxxx@AECOM.YU.EDU]
Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 9:17 AM
To: xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Master's Degree in Sponsored Programs

Kris' comments left me thinking that creating a masters level program
may sound good, and follow the pattern of numerous disciplines, but may
be more feel good than do good.  What are the goals?  Increase the
talent pool?  Make research administration work better?  Or...use a
degree to attract and retain people?  Use the facade of a degree as yet
another substitute for competence?

Has the MEd improved teaching?  Have most good journalists gone to
journalism school?  Do musicians get master's degrees in performance so
they can play better?

When grant deadlines roll around, I think I would prefer to have an
office with more Pattons and Rommels than Freuds and Einsteins.

Charlie Hathaway

At 07:05 PM 10/16/03 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi Carolyn - I'll be at SRA this year, will I by chance see you there?
>
>I am unaware of any Master's Degrees that have a significant focus on
>sponsored projects administration. Higher education administration is
>probably the closest customizable degree to fit the activities
>associated with leadership in sponsored projects administration.
>Public administration is probably the next best fit.
>
>SRA has discussed options for the collaborative development of such a
>program, but I don't think significant progress has been made on
program
>creation.   There are training programs to assist individuals in
>mastering the skills associated with sponsored projects administration,

>SRA has the Department Administrator certification and passage of the
>CRA (Certified Research Administrator) exam is one measure of expertise

>in the field.  NCURA has the SPA II and FRA session which tend to focus

>on advanced topics in the field.  There are also a couple for-profit
>organization that also provide training.
>
>Being a CRA I'm biased, but I think the CRA is probably the best
>testament to skill in the field at this time, the next best would be an

>individual's experiences.
>
>Hope all is well in Texas!
>
>Kris
>
>__________________________________________
>Kris E. Rhodes, MS CRA
>Associate Director
>Office of Sponsored Programs
>University of Kentucky
>213 Kinkead Hall
>Lexington, KY 40506
>Phone:  859-257-4826; Fax 859-323-1060
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Carolyn Pate [mailto:xxxxxx@TXSTATE.EDU]
>Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 6:18 PM
>To: xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
>Subject: [RESADM-L] Master's Degree in Sponsored Programs
>
>
>I know there has been discussion at SRA regarding the development of a
>master's degree program in Sponsored Programs Administration. I've also

>heard discussion of developing an emphasis on sponsored programs
>administration as part of an already-existing master's program in
>Public Administration.  Do any of you know of any such programs
>anywhere in the country?  And if so, do you know any of the details?
>Thanks.
>
>
>Carolyn Pate, Director
>Office of Sponsored Programs
>J. C. Kellam Bldg., Suite 489
>Texas State University-San Marcos
>601 University Drive
>San Marcos, TX 78666-4616
>512-245-2314
>512-245-3847 (fax)
>
>
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 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
======================================================================

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
======================================================================

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
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