When Linda Grant started working for the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) thirty years ago, she sat at the front door reception area. This week she retires from the role of fiscal officer, along with the accolade of Outstanding Staff Member of Year from the College of Business and Public Policy.
“I’ve loved working for UAA, especially ISER,” Grant said. “I never thought about leaving. The Institute has always had a good reputation and a great bunch of people to work with. ISER has always offered me opportunities to do new things and take on new responsibilities. I’ve grown personally and professionally over the years. Never a dull moment!”
Perhaps that love of learning new things inspired Grant’s willingness to tackle expanded duties in the midst of remote operations last year. Many of ISER’s research initiatives are funded by grants, which require administrative support both before and after they are awarded. As fiscal officer, Grant has been responsible for a variety of post-award functions. In July 2020 she was asked to add pre-award duties as well.
Her dedication earned both admiration and gratitude from ISER researchers and faculty, who unanimously nominated her for the Outstanding Staff Member of the Year award. “She showed tremendous grace and initiative in stepping up to these new demands and demonstrated broad problem-solving skills as she took on new tasks,” they wrote. “We are so grateful for Linda’s extraordinary contributions over the last year.”
“I’d like to thank Ralph Townsend, ISER’s director, and everyone that put in my nomination,” Grant said. “I’m so honored that they thought enough of me to put the nomination in for my work over the years. I was overwhelmed when it was announced. It was very humbling.”
Grant says retirement plans will include trips outside Alaska to visit grandchildren, some home remodeling and time to do “whatever I want to do.”
Congratulations to Linda Grant on both her award and her retirement!