Courtesy of GSU Communications
Theodore Callier, Grambling State University’s Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs and president of the National Sponsored Programs Administrators Alliance, led NSPAA’s 30th Annual National Conference and Technical Assistance Workshop June 1–5 at Caesars New Orleans.
The event brought together representatives from 53 colleges and universities, along with federal agency partners, sponsors and research administration professionals focused on strengthening sponsored programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions.
The 2026 gathering opened with pre-conference sessions June 1–2, followed by the main conference and technical assistance workshop June 3–5. This year marked NSPAA’s 30th year of convening research administrators, institutional leaders and funding partners for training, collaboration and technical assistance.
Grambling State had a strong presence throughout the week. President Martin Lemelle, Jr. delivered remarks during the opening reception, GR2 served as a conference sponsor and GSU team members facilitated panel discussions during the event. In total, seven Grambling State staff members attended or participated.
The conference was supported by 10 major sponsors and included participation from federal agencies, including NASA, the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. The Quality Education for Minorities Network also served as a sponsor and facilitated meetings with former federal program officers, giving attendees access to guidance on funding strategies, proposal development and building institutional research capacity.
“It is significant that, for this conference, we partnered with an organization with a strong history and dedication to advancing the HBCU research community,” Callier said. “One-on-one and small group engagements with the HEROES team provided an enhanced experience for attendees and practical guidance they can take back to their institutions.
Programming included one-on-one consultations, small group sessions, interactive roundtables, best-practice presentations and technical assistance workshops. Sessions focused on helping institutions strengthen sponsored programs operations, improve competitiveness for external funding and support faculty and staff engaged in research and grant development.
The event also featured national leaders, including luncheon speaker Emily M. Dickens, J.D., chief administrative officer for SHRM, and plenary speaker Victor Santos of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Callier said the annual gathering continues to play an important role in helping HBCUs and minority-serving institutions expand their research enterprise.
“Research administrators are essential to helping institutions compete for funding, manage sponsored programs and create new opportunities for faculty, staff and students,” Callier said. “NSPAA provides a space for professionals to learn from one another, connect with federal partners and return to their campuses with tools that can strengthen their work.”
The next NSPAA National Conference and Technical Assistance Workshop will be held June 8–11, 2027, in Savannah, Georgia.
Through his leadership at NSPAA and Grambling State, Callier continues to support efforts that expand research capacity, strengthen institutional partnerships and position HBCUs for greater success in securing federal and major grant funding.
