Kati Chipps, Director of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPARC), has announced a decision to step away from her position with UNCW. After leading as SPARC Director since 2020, Chipps’ last day at UNCW will be Jan. 16.
"Kati has led UNCW sponsored programs through a challenging period with rapid growth,” said Dr. Stuart R. Borrett, associate provost for research and innovation. “Throughout, she has creatively solved many challenges, and implemented many improvements that will continue to serve our researchers for years to come.”
During Chipps’ tenure, the SPARC team has supported tremendous growth in the university’s sponsored research. When Chipps arrived in 2020, sponsored research was averaging a $10 million enterprise. Since then, it has more than doubled, with fiscal year 2023 recording $25 million in new awards.
“Leading the exceptional team at SPARC has truly been a privilege,” said Chipps. “Over the past 3.5 years, their passion and dedication in advancing sponsored programs have been a constant source of inspiration. As I say farewell to UNCW, I’m confident in this talented group and wish them continued success.”
Chipps oversees a team including Pre- and Post-Award Managers, Sponsored Programs Officers, and Grants and Contracts Officers. Collectively, the SPARC team provides support for faculty and staff across the university engaging in sponsored research, including finding funding, submitting proposals and managing compliance for awarded grants and contracts. SPARC is one of seven units on the Research and Innovation Service Team.
As director, Chipps has facilitated, enhanced and expanded sponsored programs across the university while ensuring compliant management of sponsored research initiatives. Her critical support for sponsored research administration includes university compliance with external regulatory requirements, management of UNCW regulations, implementation of a new electronic research system (OSPREY), promotion of SPARC’s role and services for faculty and staff and more.
Chipps celebrates the SPARC team by commending their collective successes and encouraging them to continue to “embrace the challenges, relish the victories and contribute meaningfully to the dynamic world of sponsored programs.”
Over the spring, Research and Innovation will begin a search process for the next director of SPARC.
This article has the following tags: Academics Research & Innovation