Rene C. Hearns, MPA, CRA

Office: (318) 342.1039

Fax: (318) 342.1479

E-mail: hearns@ulm.edu

Biographical Sketch: Rene Hearns has worked in the field of research administration and management since 1991; prior to this, she has worked in various accounting positions since 1978.  She began her career in research administration at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio and continued her career path with positions of increasing responsibility at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.  At Cleveland State University, her path began with coordinating the central research office through her last position as Fiscal Officer and Budget Manager of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. During this time, she was able to pass the national exam to earn a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) designation.  Rene joined ULM in July 2008 as Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. 

Ms. Hearns has held a number of appointments in the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA).  Currently, she is an elected At-large Member of SRA’s Board of Directors and is the President of the Midwest Section.  Previous positions were Ohio Chapter President, Midwest Section Treasurer, Chair of the International Membership Committee, Chair of the Midwest Membership Committee and Chair of the Midwest Communications Committee. 

Ms. Hearns received various honors for teaching from her institution, as well as, SRA.  In 2006, Ms. Hearns received the Founders Award from the Midwest Section of SRA International in recognition of her service and contributions to teaching members of her profession.  In 2007, the Ohio Chapter of SRA honored her with their Founders Award.  She has presented locally, and to professional groups, colleges and universities on various topics in research administration. 

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration majoring in Accounting from Baldwin Wallace College, Berea Ohio in 1987.  In 2001, she received her Master of Public Administration in Public Management from Cleveland State University, Cleveland Ohio.  She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs at Cleveland State University, Cleveland Ohio. Her research focuses on the impact of engaged learning on direct and indirect citizens’ participation.

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