Barrow Receives Award for Excellence

Photo by Laura Kroeger

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Katie Mosher, 919-515-9069, kmosher@ncsu.edu


Mary Beth Barrow, fiscal officer for North Carolina Sea Grant and the state’s Water Resources Research Institute, recently received an Award for Excellence from NC State University’s Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development.

Rogelio Sullivan, program manager from PowerAmerica Institute, was also honored with an award.

Barrow and Sullivan move to the university-level awards program, part of a statewide program to honor employees for going above and beyond the call of duty.

As fiscal officer, Barrow manages budgets totaling over $30 million and oversees technology projects. But Barrow brings much more to the table, notes Susan White, executive director for Sea Grant and WRRI.

“Our team members regularly seek Mary Beth’s expertise to brainstorm solutions to a variety of challenges — not just on budgets and grants. This reflects wonderfully on her ability to think outside the box and to provide potential options that many, including myself, may not have considered,” White says.

She also played key leadership roles through varied changes in recent years, such as two office moves and the addition of North Carolina Space Grant to a collaborative team working under White’s leadership.

“Mary Beth could give us all lessons in multitasking with a smile,” White adds. “It is a pleasure to work with her on a daily basis to support Sea Grant and WRRI.”

Barrow began her career in an administrative position 15 years ago with Sea Grant. After gaining additional experience at other NC State offices, she returned to Sea Grant in 2009 and soon added WRRI duties. Her responsibilities have continued to evolve as new fellowships and other programs have been added and more partnerships have formed.

She also has led the National Sea Grant network of fiscal officers, and is a certified research administrator. A native of Wake Forest, Barrow has a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University.

The NC State Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development and Vice Chancellor Alan Rebar extend their congratulations to all nominees and the award winners. Learn more at research.ncsu.edu/about/.

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