2026 Joan Howeth
National Travel Award
NCURA Region V is pleased to announce the availability of one (1) travel award opportunity to support travel to the upcoming NCURA Annual Meeting of the Membership in New York City, New York on August 1 – 4, 2026. The Joan Howeth National Travel Award is designed to help support early career Region V research administrators, allowing them to attend the NCURA Annual Meeting by offsetting the cost of attendance and travel to the regional meeting.
About the Award
The Region V National Travel Award is named in honor of Joan Howeth, a devoted NCURA member since 1995 who served in key leadership roles, including Region V Chair and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 2005. Joan was known for her tireless volunteerism, welcoming spirit, and her ability to bring people together. She played a pivotal role in building our community and inspiring others to get involved. In her memory, this award supports Region V members in pursuing the same spirit of engagement and service that Joan championed.
The Region V Awards Committee may select one eligible individual to receive the Joan Howeth National Travel Award to reimburse actual travel expenses (transportation, lodging, and/or meals) up to $2,000 to attend the NCURA Annual Meeting of the Membership. The Awards Committee will select award recipients based on their need for support and the benefit to the nominee, their home institution, and NCURA Region V. Self-nominations will be accepted.
Deadline and Application Submission
Please complete the online form and email the supporting information to Awards Committee Chair – Liz Kogan, by May 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. CDT, with “Joan Howeth Travel Award Application – Nominee Name” in the subject line of the email. If you have questions, please reach out at ncuraregionv@gmail.com.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Joan Howeth National Travel Award are:
- Nominees must currently work as a research administrator at an institution located in the Region V geographical area (Oklahoma and Texas).
- Nominees should have worked in research administration for at least one year, but not more than four years, from the time of the award.
- Nominees may not have previously attended a NCURA national annual meeting. Participation in NCURA traveling workshops (e.g., Fundamentals of Sponsored Projects Administration) or NCURA webinars does not preclude eligibility.
- Nominees are NOT required to be members of NCURA at the time of nomination, but they must become members to register for the meeting. Membership fees may not be covered by this travel award.
Nominees must provide:
- A written statement demonstrating:
- The applicant/applicant institution’s need for the award,
- How the award will benefit the nominee and their home institution, and
- How the award will benefit Region V.
- A written statement demonstrating:
2. At least one letter of support from the nominees’ home institution.
- This letter of support must demonstrate that the applicant has secured their manager’s or supervisor’s approval to attend the meeting. If the nominee is traveling of their own accord, the letter should indicate the nominee intends to travel at their own expense and that they have the vacation or other time necessary to attend the meeting.
Information about the NCURA Annual Meeting of the Membership can be found here.
To nominate an individual or self-nominate for the Joan Howeth National Travel Award, please fill out the nomination form included below: