Engagement, Inclusion, and Access
NCURA's Region II EI&A Committee
aligns with the Council's goal of
promoting a culture of respect for all.
It is the responsibility of EI&A Committee to:
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Review Region II selection processes for officers, committees, and awards to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion
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Ensure Region II events and meetings are accessible and inclusive
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Advise and support the Chair, and Regional Steering Committee, as requested
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Ensure engagement, inclusion, and access are front and center of all work of Region II so that all members feel a sense of belonging
To this end, the committee continually seeks
your suggestions for EI&A learning opportunities, speakers and/or events, as well as
feedback on Region 2 EI&A offerings.
EI&A Events
Upcoming Events
Create a Thriving Workplace: The Secret Sauce of Employee Engagement
In celebration of Research Administrators' Appreciation Day
September 23, 2026, 11:30am-1:00pm (Eastern Time)
Register to Receive the Zoom Link
Session Description
Employee engagement doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of intentional choices, meaningful relationships, and workplace conditions that allow people to bring their best selves to work. In this interactive session, participants will explore Gallup's 12 elements of employee engagement (Q12) and examine how these factors influence motivation, performance, retention, and workplace culture.
Participants will also explore Patrick Lencioni's three root causes of job misery and consider how these often-overlooked workplace experiences contribute to disengagement, frustration, and burnout. Through reflection and discussion, attendees will identify practical ways to create greater connection, purpose, recognition, and accountability in their own work environments.
Whether you supervise others, lead a team, or contribute as an individual employee, this session will provide actionable strategies for fostering a more engaging and meaningful workplace experience.
Speaker
Krystal N. Clark, M.Ed.
Organizational Learning Specialist
Center for Leadership & Organizational Change (CLOC)
University of Maryland
Pronouns: she/her/hers
With nearly two decades of experience in leadership development, employee learning, and organizational effectiveness, Krystal Clark serves as the Organizational Learning Specialist in the Center for Leadership & Organizational Change (CLOC) at the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to her return to Maryland, she held leadership development and employee learning roles at Duke University and Vanderbilt University.
Krystal earned a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology from the College of William & Mary and an M.Ed. in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and is certified in ToP Facilitation Methods and The 6 Types of Working Genius.
Krystal serves as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant. She has partnered with Fortune 500 and Inc. 5000 companies, nonprofits, law firms, membership organizations, fraternities and sororities, educational institutions,
and community organizations nationwide to help individuals and teams thrive.
A passionate volunteer leader, Krystal is a Past President of the Junior League of Nashville and currently serves with the Junior League of Washington and Girls on the Run Montgomery County. Her mission is simple: to equip
talented and imperfect people with the tools they need to thrive at work, in leadership, and in life.
Past Events
Book Discussion: Building Inclusive Teams in Research Administration
April 23, 2026, 12:00pm-1pm (Eastern Time)
NCURA Region II invites you to join our upcoming book club on April 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM, where we’ll dive into Say More About That: Finding Moments for Radical Honesty and Collective Healing by Amber Cabral.
The 2024 EI&A Book Club Selection and Speaker Series
As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting engagement, inclusion, & access (EI&A) in research administration, the Region II Engagement, Inclusion & Access Committee is excited to announce our 2024 book club selection as The Inclusive Organization: Real Solutions, Impactful Change, and Meaningful Diversity by Netta Jenkins!! This book offers a comprehensive exploration of EI&A issues in organizational settings and provides practical strategies for creating inclusive environments. With its diverse range of topics covered in each chapter, we hope that The Inclusive Organization will promote introspective dialogue among our research administrators.
We are also thrilled to announce that in the fall, we will be hosting a series of talks featuring guest speakers who will further delve into the themes explored in The Inclusive Organization. These talks will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for implementing EI&A initiatives in research administration. We encourage all participants to pick up the book this summer and prepare for these forthcoming events, as they will offer unique opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Book Discussion: The Inclusive Organization: Real Solutions, Impactful Change, and Meaningful Diversity
September 25, 2024, 12:00pm-1pm (Eastern Time)
Bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of Chapter 1: “Decoding Human Behavior.”
Book Discussion: The Inclusive Organization: Real Solutions, Impactful Change, and Meaningful Diversity
October 26, 2024, 12:00pm-1pm (Eastern Time)
Bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of Chapter 4: “The Most Underrated Leader.”