RCA Budget and Program Officer Recognized with 2020 NDSU Staff Award

Cindy Eleson, a budget and program officer in the Office of Research and Creative Activity at NDSU, is the recipient of a 2020 NDSU Staff Recognition Award. The annual peer-nominated awards recognize staff members who have made an impact on the business of NDSU.

Cindy became the first hire at NDSU’s newly formed American Indian Public Health Resource Center in 2014 after working 30 years in various roles in human services and in the support of people with developmental disabilities in Montana. In 2015, she joined the RCA Sponsored Program Administration team in her current role.

Cindy’s role as a budget and program officer requires her to provide advice and guidance to faculty, researchers and staff in various areas including preparation of proposal budgets, verifying appropriate and allowable F & A rates, providing guidance on proposal routing and proposal application compliance, and helping researchers streamline and improve their proposal budget process.

One nominator commented how Cindy, “completes assigned tasks with care, attention to detail, and in a timely manner,” how Cindy is a “shining star” in providing direct support, and how she serves faculty and researchers with excellence, integrity, and patience. The nomination also stated that when a researcher walks into her office, their needs take priority and they receive Cindy’s full attention. Given that the total of NDSU sponsored awards was more than $67 million in FY 2019, the nominator highlighted Cindy’s important impact and role in the university receiving these funds.

“I can’t say enough good things about Cindy and all that she brings to the SPA team,” said Val Kettner, associate vice president of sponsored programs at NDSU. “She always gives 100% and is willing to assist our faculty, staff and students in any way that she can. Cindy puts the needs of a principle investigator and their proposal first and her focus is on providing the best and most complete advice and service that she can. We are so fortunate to have Cindy as part of our team, and she is very deserving of this recognition.”

Jane Schuh, Vice President of Research for the Office of Research and Creative Activity added, “Thank you Cindy for being such a fantastic reason to come to work every day. You are what makes NDSU great.”