Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR)

The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) at Tougaloo College serves as the central administrative unit for supporting and overseeing externally funded research and institutional programs from non-private entities. Guided by a mission to promote academic excellence and institutional advancement, the OSPR plays a critical role in facilitating the pursuit and management of sponsored funding across the College.

Under the leadership of Marta Collier-Youngblood, Director, the OSPR assists faculty, staff, and administrators in the development, submission, and administration of proposals to federal, state, and other public/non-private funding agencies. In collaboration with the Division of Finance and Administration and others, the office ensures compliance with internal policies and external regulations, while fostering a research environment rooted in ethical standards, collaboration, and community engagement.

Key Services and Responsibilities

• Proposal Development and Submission: The OSPR provides guidance and technical assistance throughout the proposal lifecycle—from identifying funding opportunities to budget preparation, internal approvals, and submission to sponsors.
• Award Negotiation and Acceptance: The office reviews and facilitates the acceptance of award agreements, ensuring that institutional interests are protected and that project terms align with Tougaloo's mission and capacity.
• Post-Award Support: In coordination with relevant administrative offices, OSPR supports the financial and regulatory management of awards, including budget monitoring, reporting, and closeout activities.
• Regulatory and Ethical Oversight: OSPR coordinates with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects and promotes compliance with federal and state research regulations.
• Training and Outreach:The office offers workshops, consultations, and resource materials to build internal capacity in grantsmanship, compliance, and sponsored project administration.