The WVU Office of Sponsored Programs has named Sandra Garcia, with research experience spanning nearly three decades in higher education, as its new director, effective today (April 8).
Garcia replaces Katie Schneller, who stepped down as OSP director in November to pursue a new professional opportunity and spend more time with family.
Garcia recently served as assistant vice president of sponsored project administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and has also worked in various leadership roles at the University of Houston and Texas A&M.
The primary mission of the OSP is to provide support to the University community in the acquisition and administration of externally funded projects for research, teaching and service. The department consists of three sub-departments — pre-award, award initiation and management and award negotiation.
“WVU has a longstanding history of being a top R1 and land-grant university, and I am looking forward to being part of the continued commitment and growth for their research and innovation,” Garcia said. “I am looking forward to contributing to the Univeristy’s legacy of excellence while working with a great team of researchers and staff.”
Garcia’s experience includes compliance, providing strategic and operational leadership, and assisting with sizable cross-disciplinary research opportunities for faculty and professional staff.
As a certified research administrator for nearly 20 years, Garcia possesses extensive knowledge of federal regulations, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, system and institutional policies.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Garcia to West Virginia University,” said Katie Stores, associate vice president for finance, operations and research administration. “We are fortunate that Sandra is joining OSP and the Research Office at such a critical time in the University’s research infrastructure building. She has extensive experience to share as we implement a new electronic research administration system, among other continuous improvement initiatives.”