Dan Nordquist, deputy vice president for research in the Office of Research, has received the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Helen Carrier Distinguished Service Award. The honor will be presented during the NCURA Region VI and VII meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized for the contributions I’ve made to NCURA and the research administration community,” said Nordquist. “Throughout my time with NCURA, I have been committed to advancing the profession of research administration through mentorship and professional development. I am proud to leave a lasting impact on both WSU and the research administration community at large.”
The Helen Carrier Distinguished Service Award honors individuals or groups that have contributed to NCURA Region VI activities that are especially commendable or praiseworthy. This includes activities such as development and implementation of an innovative program to enhance the conduct of regional activities, programs, or business; the creation of research administration tools; or the sustained support for regional or national activities or services to the region.
“Dan Nordquist’s contributions to NCURA, Region VI, and the field of research administration make him a standout candidate for the Helen Carrier Distinguished Service Award,” noted in the nomination letter. “Dan established a nationwide listserv for land-grant universities in 2004, which is a vital communication tool. His ability to conceptualize and implement initiatives that keep the community informed reflects his forward-thinking approach. Region VI has greatly benefited from Dan’s leadership. His active participation in regional initiatives and strategic vision have had a lasting impact on the community.”
Founded in 1959, NCURA is a non-profit professional society dedicated to advancing the profession of research administration through education and professional development programs, sharing of knowledge and experiences, and fostering of diverse, collegial, and respected global community. With over 9,000 individual members from over 1,100 colleges, universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutions in 40 countries, NCURA is actively involved in furthering communication and understanding between research administrators both within and outside the U.S.
“Dan’s lengthy service record showcases his commitment to advancing research administration and his significant impact on both NCURA and Region VI,” said his nomination letter. “His leadership, innovative contributions, and active involvement exemplify the qualities celebrated by the Helen Carrier Distinguished Service Award.”
Nordquist’s has a wide-ranging record of service to NCURA and Region VI, reflecting his dedication and leadership within the research administration community. Some of his notable roles include serving as NCURA president in 2012, Region VI chair in 2001, senior editor of NCURA Magazine from 2013–2015, and starting the e-Xtra Weekly News Supplement, all in addition to his many contributions as presenter and workshop leader, publication author, committee chair and task force leader, and volunteer.
Nordquist serves as deputy vice president for research for operations in the WSU Office of Research Support and Operations (ORSO). He has worked in research administration at WSU since 1990, joining the Office of Research in 1995. In 2002, Nordquist was appointed permanent director of the Office of Grant and Research Development, now the Office of Research Support and Operations. He was appointed associate vice president in 2015 before becoming deputy vice president for research in 2018.
Nordquist oversees pre-award support, the OR Information Technology team, and manages operational initiatives and special projects. He plays an essential role in policy development and ensuring that WSU is compliant with federal regulations.