Jeanne Mekolichick, associate provost of academic programs at Radford University in Radford, VA, has been elected as president of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). Mekolichick will become president-elect in summer 2020, taking a seat on CUR’s Executive Board and succeeding 2020–2021 CUR president Silvia Ronco (Research Corporation for Science Advancement) in summer 2021.
Mekolichick’s diverse roles within CUR have included service as a member of the CUR Executive Board, as a councilor in the CUR Social Sciences Division, as chair and newsletter editor of the division, and as a member of the Advocacy Advisory and Program Review Committees. She also was a member of the Assessment Task Force and served on a subcommittee of the Executive Board on governance. In addition, she is active in the CUR Transformations Project, which seeks to infuse research into curricula. At her institution, she has served as professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, director of the Center for Social and Cultural Research, director of interdisciplinary studies in the liberal arts, interim director of the International Education Center, assistant vice provost for high-impact practices, and assistant provost of academic programs.
Mekolichick earned a BA in sociology from Kent State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She also earned an MA and PhD in sociology from Kent State.
Mekolichick said, “My experience as an undergraduate researcher altered the trajectory of my career and my life, compelling me to carry forward this opportunity to others. I am excited about the prospect of serving CUR, supporting a broader group of enthusiastic students, dedicated faculty, and committed institutional leaders to transform lives and society through undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.”
Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, stated: “Jeanne Mekolichick’s commitment to and experience with key CUR issues such as assessment, curricula, diversity, mentoring, and support will provide invaluable benefits to the organization and the wider undergraduate research community. Her previous work within CUR has nurtured the Social Sciences Division, including an important collaboration with the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research, and the organization as a whole. Her leadership will be an asset as CUR continues its mission to advance undergraduate research.”
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.
Radford University: Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 11,870 students that serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service, and research programs.