Kris Ackerson joined the university as the Grant Development Manager for the center in 2017. Ackerson provides grant development support to secure grant funds for faculty, scientific staff, and graduate students in the social sciences. As a program developer and grant writer, Ackerson has written more than 30 successful funding proposals – large and small – totaling $11.2 million for public organizations. 

He is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners through the American Planning Association and the Research Administrators Certification Council. Kris is also an active member of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP).