How integral is Kevin Brooks to George Mason University's Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)?
His co-workers describe him as a hard worker and a team player. They speak of his high level of motivation, professionalism and excellent customer service.
“He's a stickler to detail, and always finds things to be fixed no matter how small,” said Elaine North, senior grants administrator for OSP. “As a result, he has saved OSP a great deal of time and money.”
For his dedication and work ethic, Brooks is August Employee of the Month.
“I have been on cloud nine since finding out,” Brooks said.
He’s honored, as he has never before received an employee of the month award in his 30 years of work, he said.
Brooks, who has worked for OSP for the past 13 years, started as a grants administrator, then a senior grants administrator, and currently holds the position of research administrator.
“It is an honor to work in OSP knowing everyone is making a difference, working with and supporting our faculty on their research endeavors,” Brooks said.
Brooks is in charge of setting up and managing grant awards for the College of Science.
He reviews awards to ensure they meet compliance criteria and sets them up in Mason’s systems so faculty can begin their work. Additionally, he assists with all aspects of the proposal preparation and submission process.
When guidance or support with resolving problems is needed, Brooks readily steps in to collaborate and offer his expertise to the OSP team or Mason faculty, his coworkers said.
“He is, in my personal opinion, the most well-versed and knowledgeable person when it comes to federal and university regulations in OSP, and an individual who simply makes sure that all transactions are not only accurate, but on time and error free,” North said.
According to Karen Sauer, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, “Kevin’s integrity and commitment to research success and productivity is unquestionable.”
How he got to Mason:
I was working for a for-profit company when the economic downturn hit in 2008. It hit that company hard, and they had to make cuts. At first my hours were reduced, and then I was told I was going to be let go at the end of month. Thankfully, I received two job offers. I picked Mason and have been here ever since.
Best day on the job:
I would have to say my best day was several years ago when I received news that a large proposal and budget I worked on and submitted for a faculty member was going to be funded by the sponsor. At the time, I believe it was the largest sponsor award the university received. My proudest day was back in 2016 when we found out Mason earned the Carnegie R1 research activity designation.
What he likes best about working at Mason:
The people. OSP has a lot of awesome workers. I feel that we are not only a part of a team, but we are like family. I also belong to a van pool with Mason employees from different offices and get to spend my commute with them. I have enjoyed all the different people at Mason I have worked with over the years, knowing we are part of the same team striving for the same goals.
What he does when not working:
I spend time with my wife and our two grown-up kids. I like hiking in the mountains and walking in nature. I enjoy going to concerts and listening to music. I spend a lot of time taking care of our yard, and I love cheering on my Green Bay Packers.