About Sponsored Programs Administration

Sponsored Programs Administration is NIU’s central office for external funding and the official contact for administrative matters related to awards. We’re authorized to submit funding proposals and accept awards on behalf of the university.

We strive to provide a seamless external funding process and are committed to continuous internal improvement. We’re also dedicated to reducing administrative burdens, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork, and advancing the highest ethical standards.

Our Teams

Our employees support faculty and staff throughout the entire external funding process.

Pre-award

Led by Donna Martin, associate director of pre-award, and Rai Nihei, assistant director of pre-award.

Team functions:

• Review proposal budgets
• Confirm non-technical proposal components meet administrative requirements
• Provide a final administrative review of proposals
• Submit proposals as the NIU Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
• Record proposals in InfoEd
• Review and submit just-in-time requests and other pre-award sponsor requests

Award Acceptance

Led by Sarah Senechalle, associate director of award acceptance, our award coordinators review and accept awards and manage other award actions.

Team functions:

• Authorize advance accounts
• Review grant and contract award terms and conditions
• Address problematic terms and conditions before accepting awards
• Negotiate sponsored contracts
• Accept grant and contract awards as the NIU Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
• Record awards in InfoEd
• Draft and execute sub-recipient agreements
• Approve and submit progress reports requiring AOR endorsement
• Review and approve non-financial award changes requiring institutional or prior agency approval

Post Award 

Led by Barbara Whitesel, associate director of post-award, and Carrie Blackwood-Williams, assistant director of post-award.

Team functions:

• Set up awards in PeopleSoft
• Monitor and approve expenditures
• Manage sub-recipient monitoring
• Create and submit financial reports
• Manage cash (e.g., invoicing, drawdowns)
• Calculate and distribute facilities and administrative costs
• Complete time and effort reporting
• Assist with grant audits
• Serve as the NIU Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) on financial transactions