DOR Newsletter
Key Updates and Highlights from Across the Division of Research
Message from the Interim Vice President for Research
Dr. Costas N. Georghiades
Interim Vice President for Research
Colleagues, the new semester is officially underway, and it’s great to have our students, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars back on campus.
To our staff, your hard work and dedication throughout the year does not go unnoticed. We know the Division of Research staff are committed to their roles, and we truly appreciate your efforts.
This newsletter is designed for our division, by our division. It’s a place to share spotlights, highlights, and news from across our many and diverse units. To make sure it’s a success, we encourage you to submit your content to vpr@tamu.edu. Jen will start working on the next issue in late November for a mid-December release, so be prepared to showcase your unit’s activities.
Thank you all for your continued commitment to service excellence and for promoting Texas A&M research.
Costas
Division of Research Wellness Committee
The Division Wellness Committee started out the new semester with the Division of Research Fall Wellness Kick-Off, offering 10-minute chair massages for staff members in the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB) and Sponsored Research Services (SRS) location. A total of 58 staff members registered and we hope to see many more when it is next offered. It is our desire to add the Crystal Park Plaza as an additional location.
The 2025-2026 Division Wellness Committee consists of university Well Leaders, Tiffany Inbody, Charlotte Salas, Catherine Yancy, and Kourtney Hennigan, and Office of the Vice President for Research representatives, Jen Swartz and Ashley Montgomery. If you are interested in volunteering, please email vpr@tamu.edu with your name, contact number and interest in the committee or complete the survey below.
The committee is also in the planning stage of wellness activity offerings for all of 2025-2026. Stay tuned for communications from the committee throughout the year.
If you have suggestions on what type of wellness activities you would like to see or if you have participated in a wellness event, please complete the short survey at https://u.tamu.edu/DORWellness.
2025 Division of Research Staff Excellence Awards
The 2025 Division of Research Staff Excellence Awards program planning is underway. The nomination window opened on October 1 and will close on October 17.
The 2024 Division of Research Staff Excellence Award winners were announced at the December Division Holiday Luncheon. Individual awardees included: Wesley Brashear, Lauren Douglas, Laura Hollingsworth, Hunter Parsons, and Konstantinos Pappas. The inaugural team award was presented to the MAESTRO Development Team, comprised of: Mohammad Al Banna, Abdullah AbuLaban, Alejandro Alaniz, Justin Chandler, Allie Hill, Eon van Tonder, Keerthana Rangisetty, and Scott Self.
2025 Division of Research Incentive Program Begins
The Division of Research is committed to promoting work-life balance and cultivating a culture of wellness, recognition, and engagement among its staff. As part of this effort, OVPR is offering an incentive program for a second year, and it is open to all full-time staff beginning September 1 through April 30.
How to participate:
- Get involved – Actively engage in activities that reflect the core values of Aggieland.
- Track your efforts – Document your participation for inclusion in your FY26 Performance Evaluation.
- Submit your info – Complete the Incentives Form, available in March 2026.
2025 State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC)
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2025 State Employees Charitable Campaign to launch! The SECC is the only workplace campaign in which state employees can make a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution to charities through payroll deduction (may be one-time or per pay period, $2 min./mo., cash, check, credit card or even by fundraising).
The campaign runs annually from September 1 – October 31. Check out the DOR SECC webpage to view division statistics, a link to the Texas A&M University System page, goals set, find your unit coordinator, and see what the DOR prize drawings, that coincide with Texas A&M’s drawing, are along with eligibility information and deadline dates.
We are looking forward to topping our goal this year and showing the University & System what the Division of Research is made of!
2025 Division of Research Holiday Luncheon
2025 Division of Research Holiday Luncheon will be held on Friday, December 12 from 11:30 A.M. – 2:00 PM. A formal Save the Date and RSVP invitation will be shared with all DOR staff in the coming months. We look forward to celebrating together!
Football Ticket Drawing Winners
David Perez
David Perez, Manager of the High Containment Laboratory, won the Division of Research drawing for two tickets and a parking pass to the Aggies vs. UTSA game on August 30. Chosen from 128 entries, he and his wife, who have two season tickets, were able to take both his daughter and son to the game for a family day of fun. This was David’s son’s first football game! Congratulations David!
Chasiti Benson
The bonus drawing for the Texas A&M vs. UTSA for a pair of tickets was won by Chasiti Benson, Business Coordinator III with Research Enterprise Business Services. Chasity was chosen out of 87 entries and took her husband, Kenneth, to watch the Aggies BTHO UTSA! Congratulations Chasiti!
Sheri Stebenne
Congratulations to Sheri Stebenne, Sr. Administrative Coordinator I with the High Performance Research Computing group, for winning a pair of tickets to the Texas A&M vs Utah State game. Sheri was selected via a random draw from 78 entries and took her husband.
Sheri stated, “It has been over 10 years since my husband and I have been to a game. He works at the Small Animal Hospital and helps on the Veterinary Emergency Team. Everything about the day was exciting and so much has changed. The Fan Zone, the tailgates, Aggies everywhere! The positive energy not just on the field but in the whole area was phenomenal. Aside from learning the “new to us” digital seating app, the crowds went in and out of Kyle Field so smoothly! The seats were supreme, and that was enhanced by the fact that we met and talked to everyone around us, which made the game extra special. Even found out that Susan Wilganowski ’83, ’84 and I are “eighties girls” since I was class of ’86, ’94. We enjoyed catching up on how things have changed and grown here. There just was not a better afternoon to be had. Thank you to everyone in the Division of Research who made this drawing possible – it is the little things that make a huge impact for staff – and my Aggie bucket is refilled to the brim!”
Susan Wilganowski
The second drawing for the Texas A&M vs Utah State game was SALT member, Kristi Billinger, who graciously offered them to SRS employee Susan Wilganowski ’83 & ’84, via a random drawing.
Susan stated, “Thank you so much for the tickets! We loved our time at the game. It was so fun! I took my daughter Rebecca Wilganowski, Class of 2019! I am a graduate of ’83 and ’84. We come from a long line of Aggies in our family, so we took lots of pictures and shared in the fun! I want to thank the Division of Research for the wonderful experience. It was not either of our first Aggie game but my first time back in Kyle Field in quite some time. It was truly so much fun! It was nice visiting with other folks from TAMU. We met a couple of students from our TAMUG campus who were sitting right behind us. I have a new friend and colleague Sheri Stebenne. Thank you again.” Congratulations on your win, Susan!
Events
University Staff Council Update
From Division of Research Staff Representatives: Laura Hollingsworth, Rebecca Luckey and Wendy Wright
August 28, 2025, was the fall kick-off meeting for the new academic year for 2025-2026 University Staff Council (USC) Representatives. At the kick-off we heard from the Texas A&M University Strategy and Business Services team: Katy Pleasant and Courteney Lawson. They provided USC Representatives with an update on the TAMU Employee Engagement Survey. Divisions and colleges have received the data and will begin sharing the information with all employees in the month of September.
The September USC was September 16, 2025, and the Common Grounds topic was “Understanding IT Security and Risk at Texas A&M,” with presenters Mr. Adam Mikeal Chief Information Security Officer and Mr. Kyle Levenick Program Director, both from Texas A&M Information Technology, Security and Risk. TAMU Information Technology Services noted per an email dated mid-August from Technology Services “Duo Push Security Updates Begin This Fall” upcoming changes to Duo Push. Please note at the beginning of October, faculty and staff are going to have an upgraded process of utilizing Duo. The importance of this change is noted below:
To help protect your Texas A&M University account and university data, Technology Services is making important security updates to Duo Multi-Factor Authentication. These changes are mandated by The Texas A&M University System and are designed to enhance protection against emerging cybersecurity threats in higher education.
What’s Changing?
Beginning this fall, Duo will look slightly different when you log in. You’ll be asked to enter a 3-digit code from your login screen into the Duo app — this extra step helps confirm it’s you. This login method is called Duo Verified Push. Additionally, text message and phone call notifications will no longer be
available. University community members with telephone-only authentication will receive a separate communication with additional details.
Going forward, only the following Duo methods will be supported:
- Duo Verified Push (with the 3-digit code)
- Passkeys (like Touch ID)
- Hardware tokens (such as a Yubikey) for users without smartphones
If you have any questions about the upcoming changes to Duo, please contact Help Desk Central at helpdesk@tamu.edu or 979-845-8300.
USC Mission: The University Staff Council cultivates a collaborative work environment for Texas A&M staff under the Office of the President through quality representation, impactful service, innovative programs, and open workplace communications.
USC Vision: Staff feel supported, included and valued in this environment where we practice respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service.
The next schedule USC General Meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2025, at General Services Complex, 1:30-2:30PM with the Common Grounds presentation by Mr. Ethan Braden, Vice President for Texas A&M Marketing and Communications. All are welcome to come in person to participate and hear this presentation or can join via Zoom. A Zoom link will be posted on the USC website shortly.
The Division of Research Staff is reminded that USC represents all staff. To stay connected with what is going on and future monthly meetings, check out the University Staff Council website.
Division Unit Updates
Strategic Initiatives and Research Development Services
Research Development Services
RDS Workshops and Consultations
RDS has released its 2025-2026 calendar of professional development opportunities for the research community. The calendar at https://u.tamu.edu/RDScalendar includes registration links for various proposal development events including six NSF CAREER-targeted events, other young investigator programs, as well as events supporting faculty to retool and adapt to the new funding priorities and requirements of federal funding agencies including NSF (e.g., broader impacts criterion), NIH, and DOE.
Multidisciplinary Proposal Support
RDS provides proposal development support to Texas A&M University. Our services include proposal process management, assistance with non-scientific documents, proposal writing, editing, and formatting, and strategic proposal review. Discover the full range of support available or to request personalized assistance for your team. Let us help you turn your research ideas into successful, funded projects!
Limited Submission
RDS oversees and coordinates the Limited Submission Proposal process. Many federal agencies and private foundations restrict the number of proposals an institution may submit for specific funding opportunities. Our office ensures a fair and transparent internal selection process while ensuring A&M submits the strongest possible application. To explore current limited submission opportunities and learn more about the process, please visit our Limited Submission Webpage. Contact us at limitedsubmissions@tamu.edu for any questions or guidance.
Internal Funding Programs
Active RFPs
- Advancing Discovery to Market – To demonstrate the commercial potential of recent discoveries within TAMU, bridging the “valley of death” in innovation and de-risking discoveries to facilitate commercialization or licensing.
- $4.5M available; Pre-proposals due September 15, 2025.
- Targeted Proposal Teams – The Targeted Proposal Teams (TPT) funding program was initiated in 2023 as an investment to foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research and enhance leveraging of extramural funding at Texas A&M University. The Division of Research is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 TPT Request for Proposals (RFP) – the third year of the program. The TPT program is designed to provide seed funding for innovative research and creative ideas in three categories: 1) Collaborative Seed Grants; 2) Proposal Planning Grants; and 3) Grants on the Edge.
- Proposals due October 1, 2025
Policy Updates Affecting Faculty, Staff and Students
Texas A&M University is implementing several changes following new laws that took effect Sept. 1. Key updates include:
- Faculty Advising Bodies: The Faculty Senate ended Aug. 31. A new Faculty Advisory Council (up to 60 members) will begin after Nov. 1. Interim mechanisms are being set up for curricular advice until the council is in place.
- Research Security: New state requirements (Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 127) strengthen research protections. Texas A&M has updated practices and is preparing student organization training and certification.
- Foreign Land Ownership: Restrictions (Senate Bill 17) apply to land ownership by citizens of certain countries. Faculty Affairs and the Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness are preparing guidance for employees.
- Free College Application Week: Texas residents applying through ApplyTexas to undergraduate programs can apply without fees Oct. 13–19.
- Student Expression: A draft rule implementing Senate Bill 2972 (student expressive activity on campus) will go to the Board of Regents in November.
- Vital Statistics Data: In line with House Bill 229, surveys must reflect only two biological sexes. All institutional surveys must go through the Survey Approval Process.
- Remote Work and Telework: System Regulation 33.06.01 has been updated under Senate Bill 2615 and House Bill 5196. All Alternative Work Location arrangements ended Aug. 31; new agreements must follow the revised regulation.
- Artificial Intelligence Training for Employees: In compliance with House Bill 3512, a System-wide employee artificial intelligence training program will roll out once a vendor contract is finalized.
For details, see the Message from the Provost for Sept. 5.
The Texas A&M Employee Survey and the Division of Research Action Items
The Texas A&M Employee Engagement Survey, completed by 161 (30%) Division of Research (DOR) employees, identified a key strength in the effectiveness of work teams, with high positive agreement (92-94%) with statements of a commitment to quality services, understanding goals, cooperation, and mutual support. Staff also expressed trust in their immediate supervisors (86%), who support their development (89%). Although DOR survey responses were generally more positive than university averages, two main opportunities for improvement within DOR’s control emerged: performance management and workload. Performance management concerns included low agreement that poor performance is effectively addressed (34%) and that regular feedback is provided (65%). Workload issues were evidenced by low agreement that there are no significant job barriers (60%) and sufficient staffing (under 50%). These DOR-specific perceptions were consistent across units and length of service. Read more of the survey results here:
Addressing performance management, DOR will collaborate with HROE to implement a required 90-minute workshop for supervisors on performance management and progressive discipline, emphasizing its constructive nature. Success will be measured by supervisors reporting increased understanding and future improvements in survey responses measuring satisfaction with performance management. For workload challenges, DOR plans to have a two-step intervention to leverage AI for enhanced work efficiency. Step 1 focuses on increasing AI literacy for routine tasks like writing and summarization to free time for more strategic work, while Step 2 supports the adoption of AI tools for unit-specific specialized tasks. Success will be measured by staff reporting increased AI tool usage, perceived usefulness, and time benefits, alongside improved future survey agreements on fewer job barriers and sufficient staffing. Both initiatives aim to advance the university’s research mission and Core Values.
The paragraphs above were largely generated by Notebook.AI, an example of a tool that is available to Texas A&M staff and faculty to, among other things, decrease the time required for document summarization. To evaluate how well Notebook.AI accomplished the task, read the full submitted report here. If you have questions about the findings or the report, please do not hesitate to reach out to Gerianne Alexander, galexander@tamu.edu.
Submissions
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