By Xoel Cardenas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research

The University of Utah’s research portfolio is expanding, supported by the dedication of faculty, students, staff, and partners. Behind every project is a network of support, and one of the most critical pieces is research administration.

To strengthen that support and position the university for continued success, Casey Erickson has been named Executive Director of Research Management and Compliance. Erickson brings experience from two R1 institutions, most recently serving as Assistant Vice President of Sponsored Programs Finance at the University of Washington.

Erickson shares her priorities, the role her team plays in research success, and how they’re working to make navigating the financial side of sponsored research easier for investigators.

Welcome to the U

Erickson has lived in the greater Salt Lake City area for nearly three years and says the opportunity to join the U felt like the right next step.

“It’s hard to pass up an R1 institution in your own backyard,” said Erickson. “Even before joining the U, it was clear to me that this is a place with incredible momentum. President Randall’s vision for the university is bold and this is an exciting time to be part of advancing it.”

Erickson and her teams’ role in U Research

Erickson oversees three key areas of post-award research administration, with a primary focus on the financial side.

“Most are probably familiar with Grant and Contract Accounting as one of the bigger and more visible groups – they do the invoicing and reporting for sponsors, draw federal funds and ensure payments are applied correctly,” she explained.

The office also manages the institution’s facilities and administration (F&A) rate agreement, from proposal through federal negotiation and oversees compliance functions including effort reporting, service and recharge centers, and subrecipient monitoring.  “All of it is about safeguarding the university’s research funding while supporting investigators in moving their work forward.”

Erickson’s top priorities

Her first focus is understanding the current landscape and ensuring the team is positioned to adapt as the research portfolio expands.

“Huron recently concluded a nearly year-long assessment of how we’re operating and whether we’re organized around the work in ways that make sense as the portfolio grows,” Erickson said. “I’m taking that, adding my own assessment, and making sure we’re situated to continue supporting an increasingly complex research enterprise.”

Day to day, that means monitoring shifts in compliance areas like F&A rates, organizational structure, and tools such as UCareer and being prepared for potential federal changes. She’s also keeping a close eye on the broader funding and compliance environment.

“Right now, F&A is a topic of much debate on Capitol Hill, and we’re watching closely to see how that might shift the model for research funding,” she said. “Part of my job is making sure we’re prepared, that our systems and processes can adjust quickly so the research keeps moving forward no matter what comes our way.”

Insights & practices learned

Drawing from her experience at Washington and Washington State, Erickson says one of the most valuable lessons has been the importance of consistency.

“It’s foundational, making sure our constituents across campus know they can call us and get the same timely, accurate, and consistent guidance no matter who they talk to,” she said. “That comes back to standardizing our business processes, ensuring the team receives ongoing professional development, and ensuring controls are placed where appropriate.  In pursuing these foundational goals, I also recognize the importance of considering the burden we place on campus partners when implementing new policies and procedures.”

Erickson’s background also includes leading two major finance ERP implementations, which she says gave her a systems-based approach to problem-solving. Just as important, she adds, is fostering a culture of customer service.

“We’re here to help researchers succeed in moving their work forward,” Erickson said. “That means knowing our business inside and out, staying on top of best practices and being creative in finding solutions when challenges arise.”

How Erickson and her team support U researchers

Erickson says supporting the university’s expanding research portfolio requires subject matter expertise and a structure that can grow with the work.

“Every decision we’re making right now – from our organizational structure to our operating model – is about building the capacity to grow alongside the research enterprise,” she said. “Everything is designed to scale with the scope and complexity of the portfolio. We recognize that we are critical process partners for the investigators whose work we shepherd, and we’re committed to making the administrative side of research as seamless as possible.”

‘An exciting time’ to be at the U

Erickson says joining the U now feels like the right move both professionally and personally.

“Having lived in the community for a few years, and having a few alums in the family, I can see the energy and pride the U inspires,” she said.

“Research is a huge part of that, and with the President’s vision and renewed investment in research administration, there’s a unique opportunity to shape what’s ahead. I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received and energized by the opportunity to work alongside such talented faculty, staff and students.  It’s an exciting time to be here, and I’m eager to contribute to the U’s continued success.”

The Office of the Vice President for Research welcomes Casey Erickson and her new role as Executive Director of Research Management and Compliance.