Joy M. Dismukes of UNC Greensboro’s Division of Research and Engagement has been named a recipient of the Society of Research Administrators International’s (SRAI) prestigious Future of the Field Award.
SRAI’s Future of the Field program is designed to elevate the next generation of research administration professionals whose leadership is shaping the industry. Dismukes was selected by a committee of research administration peers following a competitive process that drew nominations from around the globe. Candidates were evaluated on the basis of career history, demonstrated professional growth, and significant contributions to the advancement of research administration.
As director of the Office of Sponsored Programs, Dismukes oversees all external funding for UNCG research activities. In her role, she interacts with government agencies, nonprofit foundations, and private industry to ensure compliance with grants, contracts, and agreements made with the University. Her administrative processes are crucial to UNCG’s path to R1 status.
“I’m honored that my work has been recognized by the SRAI,” said Dismukes, who has been with UNCG since 2023. “I came to UNCG to support the groundbreaking work our faculty researchers do every day. I’m deeply committed to strengthening the infrastructure that enables research to thrive.”
It’s been a successful year for Dismukes, who earlier this year was accepted into UNC-Chapel Hill’s BRIDGES leadership development program for higher education professionals. Dismukes begins the program in the fall.
“Joy’s recognition by SRAI is richly deserved and reflects the exceptional caliber of leadership she brings to UNCG’s Office of Sponsored Programs,” said UNCG’s Vice Chancellor for Research Sherine Obare. “Her work strengthens the foundation on which our entire research enterprise is built. This honor is a testament to her dedication, her expertise, and the positive impact she has on researchers, students, and staff across our campus every day.”
The SRAI describes itself as “the premier global research management society, empowering research administrators with the knowledge, resources, and community they need to excel, collaborate, and drive impactful research.”
“In a field as dynamic and rapidly evolving as research administration, the need for visionary, adaptable leaders has never been greater,” said Dara C. Little, President of SRAI. “SRAI’s ‘Future of the Field’ recipients represent the next generation of changemakers who will not only navigate complexity but shape the future of our profession.”
Dismukes and fellow Future of the Field honorees will be formally recognized at SRAI’s Annual Meeting in October 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she will be speaking about AI tactics in research administration and the closeout phase of the award lifecycle.
Story by Brian Clarey, University Communications
