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Cheryl-Lee-Howard Headshot

For more information, contact Hilary Mosher at hmosher@UR.Rochester.edu.

On December 18, 2013, the Region II Steering Committee voted to rename the ‘Mentor Me’ program in honor of Cheryl-Lee Howard.

Learn more about Cheryl-Lee, and her sterling career in research administration.

The Cheryl-Lee Howard Mentor Me Program is a mentoring program providing educational and professional development opportunities by and for the members of the Region which will strengthen and increase the number of new and emerging leaders in research administration actively involved in NCURA. Both the Mentee and Mentor must be NCURA members in order to participate.

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The 2026 mentors pool includes the following individuals. Please head to NCURA Collaborate for member profile information.

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  • Anusha Naganathan, University of Rochester​​

  • Erin Pyrek, Cornell University

  • Gillian Silver, Morgan State University

  • Hilary Mosher, University of Rochester

  • Jenna Bishop, University of Maryland, College Park

  • Magui Cardona, University of Baltimore

  • Mary Louise Healy, Johns Hopkins University

Overview

The Mentor Me Program provides a one-on-one, targeted approach to learning about the field of research administration and NCURA at both the regional and national levels. The program uses your application responses and stated development goals to pair you with a mentor whose skills, background, and experience complement yours. This match is designed to help you identify and achieve your leadership and professional development objectives. The mentee will benefit from the one on one pairing, but will also participate and draw from experiences of the group as a whole. A benefit of the program structure is connection with a group of experienced research administrators with a complement of skills.

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Based on the goals you define as a mentee, the mentor will work with the mentee to create a Leadership and/or Professional Development (L&PD) Plan. The program also includes selecting a presentation topic for the regional meeting.

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Additionally, each mentor-mentee pair will lead one of the monthly group calls, focusing on a topic of interest that is either new or related to previous discussions.

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Professional development may include creating a career plan for promotion, transitioning to a new role, or improving performance in a current position. This process is a collaborative effort between the mentor and mentee. 

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The program will culminate with a presentation by the mentee at the NCURA Region II meeting. This presentation will be drafted and presented as part of the retreat, and feedback will be given to each presenter by the mentors. 

 

Applicants should ensure availability for a pre-Regional Meeting retreat in Saratoga Springs, NY from Saturday to Sunday afternoon. Meals and 1 night of lodging during the retreat will be covered by NCURA Region II; the mentee’s institution will be responsible for all other travel costs associated with the retreat as well as travel to the NCURA Region II fall meeting. Registration for the conference will be covered.


Successful mentees have leveraged this program and the connections with other professionals to aid in promotion, volunteer in Regional and National leadership roles, serve as a mentor, in leadership and presentation skill-building, job changes, enhancement of skills/knowledge, and to increase their professional network.

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Additionally, all graduates of the program will have the opportunity to lead NCURA Region II webinars on topics of their choice. The Group will discuss other means of networking, volunteerism, and engagement with NCURA resources throughout the course of the program.

Roles and Responsibilities


Mentee will:

  • Develop and refine a Leadership and/or Professional Development Plan, in consultation with the Mentor, that includes measurable and achievable leadership and/or professional development goals and objectives

  • Be available, responsive and respectful of time commitments

  • Participate fully in scheduled online meetings

    • Group meetings will be held monthly from April through December​

    • Separate meetings with mentee/mentor pairs will be held at least monthly and by design of your development plans and goals

  • Remain open to feedback from Mentor

  • Attend and fully participate in the Mentor Me Retreat and be ready to present a draft version of their NCURA Region II meeting presentation

  • Seek opportunities to continually grow professionally, and to contribute to NCURA at the regional and national levels.  This includes:

  • Obtain their institution’s written support, including partial financial support for travel to and attendance at the Region II meeting and the Mentor Me retreat, and time for their participation in this program for its duration.

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Mentor will:

  • Assist Mentee in setting his/her/their goals and objectives

  • Help the Mentee devise and refine a viable Leadership and/or Professional Development Plan as appropriate

  • Participate in 1:1 mentee meetings based on a mutually agreed upon schedule and be accessible to mentee as needed and appropriate

  • Participate in monthly group calls with all mentors and mentees

  • Enthusiastically share information, skills and knowledge

  • Provide constructive feedback

  • Serve as a thoughtful listener and supportive advisor

  • Encourage opportunities for professional growth and volunteer contributions

  • Be available for programmatic meetings as neeed

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Mentor Me Leadership Committee Will:

  • Include Chair, Immediate Past Chair, and Co-Chair, if named

  • Develop and refine Mentor Me Program, content and materials annually

  • Identify and recruit suitable Mentors

  • Match Mentors with Mentees

  • Help resolve issues and concerns

  • Monitor Program progress, including through monthly calls/meetings with all Mentors and Mentees

  • Provide programmatic guidance and helpful on-line resource tools

  • Annually evaluate the Mentor Me Program

  • Arrange all logistics for all cohort activities

Timeline - 2026 Mentor Me Cycle

March 13, 2026:  Nominations/self-nominations due
March 27, 2026:  Mentees are notified of selection

April 2026 - December 2026: Mentor Me program timeline
November 7 - 8, 2026: Mentor Me retreat in Saratoga Springs, NY (prior to Regional Meeting)

November 8 - 11, 2026: Regional Meeting, Saratoga Springs, NY

December 2026:  Program conclusion

FAQS

  • What is the time commitment?

    • Nine (9) months, 3-4 hours per month, including:

      • Monthly group meetings (1 hour)​

      • 1:1 Mentor/Mentee meetings

    • 1.5 day retreat prior to the NCURA Region II conference in Saratoga Springs, NY 

    • Participation at the NCURA Region II conference 

      • Presentation of a topic related to research administration​

      • Volunteer at the NCURA Region II conference registration desk 

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  • How much does it cost?

    • Costs covered by the Mentor Me Program

      • Retreat lodging in Saratoga Springs, NY on Saturday, November 7, 2026​

      • All retreat meals (dinner on November 7; breakfast and lunch on November 8)

      • Registration for the NCURA Region II conference (Mentees only)

    • Costs that need to be covered by the Mentee/Mentee's Institution

      • Travel expenses associated with attending BOTH the Mentor Me retreat and the NCURA Region II conference in Saratoga Springs, NY, November 7-11, 2026​

      • Lodging and Meal Expenses associated with attending the NCURA Region II conference in Saratoga Spring, NY, November 8-11, 2026 

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  • How many slots are available?

    • Up to five (5) mentees will be chosen per year.​

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  • How do I sign up?

    • Download Mentee Application: PDF

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