teaching & learning

Sylvia Bradshaw, Director, SPARC Office
Area of Expertise: Grant Life Cycle

Meet Sylvia, the spirited leader of SPARC! Hailing from the breathtaking landscapes of southern Utah, she's the SPARC Director with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master's in Research Administration from Johns Hopkins. Sylvia's true joy comes from learning, but it's multiplied when she's surrounded by mountain air, aspen leaves, pine trees, and her beloved family!

Jenn Stewart, Research Administrator 
Area of Expertise:  Pre-Award

Introducing Jenn, the epitome of brilliance and curiosity! Hailing from Arizona, she conquered English during her undergrad years. With a master's degree in technical writing and digital rhetoric, she's a scholar extraordinaire. Her thirst for knowledge with her pre-award role at SUU makes Jenn an unstoppable force!

Katie Gomez Freeman, Research Assistant
Area of Expertise:  Life-Cycle Compliance

Introducing Katie, another superstar of SPARC! From Mapleton, Utah, she's been rocking the office for 7 amazing years. From intern to full-time team member, she's the longest reigning member of the SPARC team. With a passion for pickleball, outdoor adventures, and movie marathons, Katie knows how to have a blast!

Carrie Childs, Research Administrator (Post-Award)
Area of Expertise:  Post-Award

Meet Carrie, the SPARC office's incredible Assistant Director! With a background in Accounting Services and fluent "Banner" skills, she's a powerhouse. Armed with an accounting degree and an MBA from SUU, she can’t be stopped. Catch her exploring nature, experimenting in the kitchen, or immersed in a captivating book. 

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

Southern Utah University's Sponsored Programs, Agreements, Research, & Contracts (SPARC) office provides assistance to faculty, staff, and administrators seeking external funding for their projects and programs. From concept development and planning (pre-award) through implementation and management of funded projects (post-award), we will support you every step of the way. Assistance is provided in identifying potential extramural funding sources, developing proposal narratives and budgets, completing standardized application forms, assuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and university regulations, negotiating grant awards and contracts, and administering and closing out funded projects.

Learn more about SUU's SPARC Office

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

Donna Law is the executive director of development and government relations at Southern Utah University. Previously, she directed the non-partisan Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service on campus. She enjoys the opportunity to teach as an adjunct in the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies and Arts Administration programs at SUU.

With a background in communication, public relations and marketing, Law now serves as a liaison between SUU and the Utah State Legislature on issues related to higher education.

In addition to her work at the University, she is involved with a number of boards and committees. In 2016, former Utah Governor Gary Herbert appointed Law to the Utah Transportation Commission and she previously served as chair and on the board of the Utah Office of Museum Services. She has served as board member and vice-president of the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America, chair of the Cedar City - Brian Head Tourism Board and the Iron County Lodging Association, and currently serves on Cedar City's RAP Tax Board.

In 2005, the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce recognized Law as Woman of the Year.

Law earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Governors University and a master's degree in arts administration from Southern Utah University. She now serves SUU as the Associate Vice President of Community and Government Relations.

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.