Office of Sponsored Programs
After 12 years of serving the University, assisting faculty and programs to obtain millions of dollars in grants, Jayne Smith, director of sponsored programs, is leaving Drake to join the Iowa Department of Education, where she will serve as an educational consultant to the state community colleges. Jayne’s last day will be Oct. 14, and she is working with faculty with grant applications currently in process or pending to provide whatever assistance she can before she leaves.

Fortunately, we are in the final stages of hiring a senior grant specialist, a position that has been open since last November. We should have that position filled within the next few weeks. We will also initiate a search for a new director of sponsored programs. In the meantime, I ask anyone who is anticipating a FEDERAL grant between Oct. 14 and Dec. 1 to contact me with the name of the grant and PI, the agency (e.g..NSF, NEH, NIH, DOD) to which it is being submitted, and the expected date of submission.

There will be a reception for Jayne on Oct. 14, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Levitt Hall, where you will have an opportunity to thank her for her years of good work at Drake and wish her well in her new endeavor.

Save the Date
I am pleased to announce that the next Drake social, open to all faculty and staff, will be on Thursday, Oct. 29,  4–6 p.m. in Shivers Hospitality Suite, adjacent to The Knapp Center. Attendees will receive one complimentary ticket for beer or wine. Water, soda, etc. are also on the house. Nearby parking is available in Lot 2 east of Shivers at the NE corner of Forest and 25th St.

Open Office Hour
This week appearing at the Olmsted Cafe, 10–11:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8.

—Submitted by Joe Lenz, Provost