DOR Newsletter
Key Updates and Highlights from Across the Division of Research
Message from the VPR
Dr. Costas N. Georghiades
Interim Vice President for Research
Howdy!
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received as I enter the end of my first month as interim Vice President for Research.
The last month has been challenging with news of funding agency actions almost daily. But, while there is uncertainty in the research community across the country related to new federal policies and actions, rest assured the Division of Research and Texas A&M leadership at all levels are engaged in being proactive, communicating, and ready to act to provide needed critical support. As we deal with the changes and proactively plan, let’s not panic and let’s not pause our long-term research activities.
I am grateful to the DOR leadership and staff, especially those at Sponsored Research Services who have been and continue to be fully immersed in making sure we have a good grasp of the effect of federal and funding agency actions on our research. From the chaos of change, opportunity shines a light. For all our change-makers within the division, let’s continue to put forth new ideas and innovations that will advance Texas A&M research to the next level.
Our newsletters will be quarterly going forward. If you have any topics you’d like considered or have updates to share, please email us at vpr@tamu.edu.
Costas
Division’s incentive program runs through April 30
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 open to all full-time staff 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 FY25 Performance Evaluation.
- Submit your info – Complete the Incentives Form, now available online.
Updates from your University Staff Council representatives
President Welsh to address next Upcoming Staff Council meeting
Join us for the next University Staff Council meeting on April 15 at the General Services Complex. This afternoon meeting will feature the President of Texas A&M University, General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III , as our Common Grounds speaker. More details and a Zoom link will be shared soon.
Meet Sarah Franke
Director of Staff Advocacy and SupportSarah Franke, the university’s new director of Staff Advocacy and Support, is eager to connect with staff across campus. She offers a neutral, confidential space for staff to share concerns or seek help with university-related issues, and is available for departmental visits or one-on-one meetings.
Learn more about her role and servicesVolunteers needed
President’s Meritorious Service Awards: We are looking for volunteers to assist with the President’s Meritorious Service Awards on April 16. Your support helps make this special event a success.
Explore Texas A&M Youth Summer Camps
Check out the new website from the Office for Youth Engagement highlighting all Texas A&M youth summer camps.
Visit the new website5K event on May 3 will raise money for staff emergency fund
The 2025 Maroon and White Fun Run takes place Saturday, May 3, at Aggie Park, bringing the Aggie community together to support the Texas A&M Staff Emergency Fund, which aids employees who are facing hardships.
Register by April 14 and receive a commemorative T-shirt.
February USC meeting focuses on wellness and benefits
Kourtney Bassett, program manager for Living Well at Texas A&M Human Resources, was the featured speaker at the University Staff Council’s monthly meeting on Feb. 18.
Bassett shared an overview of wellness programs and employee benefits available through Texas A&M, many of which come at no additional cost to employees. Her presentation, combined with updates from the System Employee Benefits Advisory Committee, spotlighted a wide range of resources available to salaried and hourly employees.
Staff are encouraged to explore and utilize the following resources:
- Benefit and Services: The USC’s online guide to on-campus and off-campus resources.
- Living Well at Texas A&M: A catalog of in-person and virtual wellness programs, many offered at discounted rates or free of charge to Texas A&M employees and their families.
- BENEFITS: A comprehensive guide to benefits available across The Texas A&M University System.
- Benefit Briefs Newsletter: Sign up to receive regular updates on benefits and retirement plan changes.
In addition, USC encourages staff to check out two important support resources:
- GuidanceResources: The official assistance program for free and confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
- Staff Emergency Fund | University Staff Council: A fund that provides financial assistance to staff in need, supported in part by events such as the annual Maroon & White 5K Fun Run/Walk.
For questions or additional information, contact your USC representatives (Laura Hollingsworth, lhollingsworth@tamu.edu; Rebecca Luckey, rluckey@tamu.edu; Wendy Wright, wendy.wright@tamu.edu) or reach out through the USC contact page.
Updates from Research Infrastructure
The Division of Research hosted Research Network Day on Feb. 13 at the Rudder Forum and Exhibit Hall, in collaboration with Facilities and SSC. The event aimed to strengthen connections between research labs and the infrastructure teams that support them. Facilities leaders and SSC managers gave presentations on the maintenance and custodial management of research spaces, offering insights into their roles and sharing tips to streamline service requests. The day concluded with a networking session featuring Networking Bingo and prize giveaways. Attendees received slides and a summary after the event; others may request a copy by emailing amontgomery@tamu.edu.
The Division of Research Core Facilities will present a showcase event on March 17. This come-and-go event will feature vendor exhibits, core facility posters, research presentations and opportunities to connect with local industry partners. It’s designed as an educational and networking event to highlight the many research resources available on campus.
The Division of Research Core Facilities will host the fourth annual Core Facility Colloquium on Tuesday, April 15, titled “Funding Mechanisms: Internal and External.” Dr. Travis Moore from UT Health Science Center will share insights from his experience securing an NIH S10 instrumentation grant for a core facility. The event will also feature presentations from other external grant recipients, an update on the Research Development Fund (RDF), new administrative initiatives from the Division of Research, and a discussion on alternative revenue strategies.
Wellness Committee Updates
Walk Across Texas
Congratulations to all the division teams for their participation in the Walk Across Texas Challenge, which concluded on March 21. This year, 15 teams and 104 team members took part—an increase of six teams and 58 participants compared to last year’s challenge. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make this year’s event a success.
results from recent drawings
Recognizing 17 winners across three categories
1. For pre-walk registrations
A drawing from among all team members who registered prior to Jan. 25.
2. For team members who achieved 50% of their personal goal as of Feb. 22.
Winners in order of highest numbers of miles submitted:
3. For pictures or stories submitted about activities during Walk Across Texas.
*These winner’s submissions were shared with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and are featured in their weekly newsletter.
Final Drawing, April 2
Please note: All team members must have their miles logged by Monday, March 31.
Prizes for the following:
- Every team member contributing at least 104 miles is eligible for:
- Gift Certificate to PopStroke
- Gift Certificate to Grand Station – Bowling, Bowling Pin
- Gift Certificate to Grand Station – Laser Tag
- One team member: Highest number of miles contributed during the challenge.
- Brazos Running Company is providing the DOR Wellness with a one-time discount towards a pair of shoes. Maximum monetary contribution from DOR is $100.
- Team captains:
- Gift Certificate for Grand Station – Mini Golf, Fanny Pack
- Gift Certificate for CryoRecovery
- Mindful Guided Breathing Exercises, Nightlight Mode
Your DOR Wellness Committee: Kourtney Hennigan, Tiffany Inbody, Ashlyn Montgomery, Charlotte Salas, Mona Somers, Jen Swartz and Catherine Yancy