Kristen Hartung, a research advancement specialist in the College of Education and Health Professions, was recently recognized by the National Council of University Research Administrators with the Pam Whitlock Rising Star award.

Hartung received the award at the NCURA Region III spring meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

Each year, NCURA Region III honors a member in the early stages of their service to their region while demonstrating willingness, enthusiasm and dedication to their work.

NCURA Region Chair Jeanne Viviani-Ayers nominated Hartung and expressed admiration for the energy she brings to her work as a research advancement specialist.

"Kristen represents the future of research administration," Viviani-Ayers said. "Her energy, enthusiasm and growing expertise and collaboration are a breath of fresh air. The many times I have heard her speak, discuss and explore topics related to our profession give me resounding confidence that she will be in the next generation of leaders in research administration."

Hartung started in research administration at NorthWest Arkansas Community College before working as an administrative analyst in the U of A's Office of Sponsored Programs. She worked as a grant specialist for SOAR, CONNECT and ESOL Academy projects in the College of Education and Health Professions before joining the college's research leadership team in May 2022.

She earned her Certified Research Administrator credential in November 2022 and joined the National Council of University Research Administrators after stepping into her current role.

"Being chosen for the Rising Star Award among so many dedicated research administrators across our region is a true honor," Hartung said. "This recognition reflects not only the hard work I've put in, but the investment others have made in my career. I'm inspired to pay that forward by investing in others and advancing a culture of research excellence."

In addition to this honor, Hartung was selected to participate in NCURA's National and Regional Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., this August to discuss membership engagement.

The College of Education and Health Professions' research office supports staff and faculty efforts to achieve research and grant success. The team, led by Associate Dean for Research, Strategy, and Outreach Michael Hevel, advances the impactful research priority of the college's WE CARE strategic plan.