Campus News

New director of contracts and grants named

Following a nationwide search, Pamela Ray, has been named director of contracts and grants at UGA. Her appointment was effective Sept. 1.

The former productivity enhancement and technology transfer program administrator at Mississippi State University, Ray has more than 24 years of university and sponsored program financial experience.

“Pam’s years of experience with contracts and grants accounting, departmental financial administration, and program administration of a significant agency contract involving multiple entities, will provide the university with insight into the varied and diverse aspects of research administration,” said Holley Schramski, associate vice president and controller at UGA.

The contracts and grants department is responsible for the fiscal administration of all contracts, grants and other sponsored agreements entered into by the university for the conduct of research, instruction and public service.

Ray succeeds Tracy R. Walters, who left UGA after eight years to become the director of contracts and grants at Yale University.

“As director, I plan to maintain the momentum currently in process to make this department more accessible, knowledgeable and supportive to the campus research community,” Ray said. “One of my immediate duties will be to look at staff work flow and offer solutions that will foster a better working environment for meeting departmental goals.”

Since 1984, Ray had worked for her alma mater, Mississippi State, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in professional accountancy.

She began her career at MSU as an assistant ticket manager in the athletic ticket office, but quickly rose through the ranks to become not only a research program administrator, but also a part-time instructor of college-level courses for the past 11 years.