The 70’s Weren’t Just About Bell Bottoms, Bobby Mcgee and Bad Hair…
The 1970’s had many historical moments for SRA International.
1970
- 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.
1971
- 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.
1972
- 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.
1973
- 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.
1974
- 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.
1975
- 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.
1976
- 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.
1977
- SRA celebrated its tenth anniversary with a membership now totaling 1,205.
- The Executive Office was moved to Westwood, CA., adjacent to the UCLA campus.
1978
- 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.
1979
- 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.