Dr. Linda Blockus, Director of Undergraduate Research at the University of Missouri – Columbia (Columbia, MO), has been elected to serve on the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Board of Directors as an officer in the Presidential Path. Blockus will serve a four-year term with a stepped rotation of: Treasurer (2025-2026), President-Elect (2026-2027), President (2027-2028), and Immediate Past President (2028-2029). Blockus will become Treasurer on June 1, 2025.
“CUR has been my professional home throughout my career,” says Blockus. “I’ve appreciated the opportunity to help the organization grow and evolve as undergraduate research has become a vital high-impact practice in higher education. I look forward to contributing to CUR’s continued efforts to enhance undergraduate research and expand access for all students.”
Blockus brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to undergraduate research as she steps into the role of incoming Treasurer for the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). With a long-standing track record of strategic leadership, fiscal responsibility, and advocacy for student-centered programming, Linda is well-positioned to guide CUR’s strategic body during a time of growth and innovation. Her collaborative approach and institutional insight will ensure that CUR continues to serve its members with transparency and impact. As she begins her pathway toward the CUR presidency, Linda’s unwavering dedication to the community will help strengthen the organization’s national influence and shape its future trajectory.
“Dr. Linda Blockus brings a deep commitment to the undergraduate research community,” said Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research. “Having had the pleasure of collaborating with Linda as a CUR volunteer over the past 15 years, I deeply value her insight and passion for our mission. I look forward to partnering with her as we harness her extensive experience to build on CUR’s momentum and advance the future of undergraduate research.”
Leaders at her home institution echoed this recognition of her national leadership and impact. “Mizzou is so pleased that Dr. Blockus has been recognized by her peers from across the country for her expertise and leadership in how faculty guided/mentored undergraduate research and creative scholarship experiences impact learning outcomes for college students,” explained Dr. Jim Spain, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies.
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.
