The 70’s Weren’t Just About Bell Bottoms, Bobby Mcgee and Bad Hair…

The Southern Section was launched on June 9 with 17 members.
The Midwest Section started similarly with 24 members present on June 11.
The Society decided to sell booth space at the Annual Meeting.
Membership had grown to 427 members and the first membership directory was published.

The Executive Committee (EC) approved the geographical outlines of the four sections located within the US.
The Annual Meeting would occur in October each year.
The national office (HQ) would be expanded into a full-time function.
Dues increase, to $20, was approved.

SRA was awarded a grant of $99,221 from the HEW Office of Grants Administration Policy for its proposal to test a pilot program of grantee management review. The project planned to have SRA members serving on teams to evaluate the management of research and project funds at a select number of institutions. It was hoped that a successful outcome would lead to a research management accreditation program. Unfortunately, during the Nixon administration this grant money was not forthcoming after all.
NSF awarded the Society a 37-month grant, of $18,400, for the Journal of Research Administration.

The name of the Distinguished Service Award was changed to the Hartford/Nicholsen Award in honor of the first two presidents of SRA.
The National Office became known officially as the Executive Secretariat.
The Journal changed its format from an 8.5 x 11 size to its present size.
The newsletter would become a monthly, rather than a bi-monthly, publication.
The IRS granted SRA its tax exempt status as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization.

Members voted at the Annual Meeting to increase the dues to $25.
The Board of Advisors was established, comprised of seven members, six of whom were appointed for three-year staggered terms, with the seventh member being the sitting president of the Society.
The Journal started its Book Review section.

Membership topped the 1,000 mark, ending the year at 1,188.
The Canadian Section was formed with 60 research administrators attending the organizing meeting on March 6 in Toronto.
Two new categories of members were approved, Retired Members and Student Members.
SRA’s off ice was officially renamed the Executive Office.

SRA workshops began to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Membership dues were increased to $30.
Membership information was maintained on computer tape with interest codes compiled into a database.

The bylaws were changed to give institutional members the right to vote on Society business.
Proceedings of the Annual Meeting sessions were offered to the members at a cost of $7.50.

Members voted to increase dues to $40.
A salary survey was conducted which showed the median income for a male research administrator was $30,000 and female was $21,400.

For more SRA historical moments in the 80’s to present time, check out the interactive historical timeline.