51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s Division of Research and Creative Activity is pleased to announce that Bethany Spurrier has been promoted into the position of director of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Spurrier has been a research administrator at 51ĀŅĀ× for the past 12 years, beginning as a pre-award proposal administrator in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). OSP manages the submission of externally sponsored proposals and the negotiation of awards on behalf of 51ĀŅĀ×, a portfolio totaling $83.3 million in FY 2025. 

ā€œI am honored to continue the good work of my predecessors at such a pivotal time in the history of 51ĀŅĀ×,ā€ said Spurrier. ā€œThe current funding landscape presents new challenges, and with careful navigation and creative problem solving, new opportunities.ā€ 

In addition to her work in the Office of Sponsored Programs, Spurrier is an enthusiastic member of the Actors Guild of Parkersburg. Her puppetry and prop design can be seen in ā€œDracula: A Comedy of Terrors,ā€ opening on Sept. 19. She will also appear onstage as Mrs. Pugh in ā€œAnnie,ā€ in November and is slated to direct a cast and crew of 60 local teens and tweens in ā€œFinding Nemo Jr.,ā€ opening in February.

Spurrier is a graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, and resides in Parkersburg with her spouse and two children.