UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Robin Riglin, assistant vice president for research and lead negotiator for the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at Penn State, has been named interim director for OSP, effective July 1. The role was formerly held by John Hanold, associate vice president for research, who now oversees the newly established Office of Research Administration Services (ORAS).
OSP, which is now under the purview of the ORAS, provides central coordination and oversight of sponsored projects that come into Penn State, including research, instruction, and outreach awards. As interim director, Riglin oversees proposal submission, contract negotiation, and subaward issuance .
“I couldn’t be happier to see Robin assume the role of interim director of OSP,” Hanold said. “As OSP’s longstanding lead contracting officer, she has a better understanding than anyone of the challenges associated with Penn State contracting. And she has a proven record of working with faculty, colleges, sponsors and other administrative offices to identify solutions, compromises and new efficiencies.”
In addition to her more than 18 years in OSP, Riglin also has served on the National Council of University Research Administrator’s Traveling Workshop Faculty and frequently presents at national and regional research administration conferences.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead OSP through this period of transition,” Riglin said. “The restructuring will benefit the University research community, and the Office of Research Administration Services couldn’t be in better hands with John as their leader. John has been my role model and mentor for much of my tenure in OSP. I am looking forward to continuing the great work he has done and to build on that to keep up with the growth of our research enterprise.”
Riglin received a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Pittsburgh and a juris doctor degree from William & Mary Law School. Prior to coming to Penn State, she practiced law for several years before working as a contract administrator and subcontract adviser at a major defense contractor.