Posted May 1, 2026 by Dan Moser
Nathan Meier, associate vice chancellor for research, capacity and competitiveness, has received two significant honors from the National Organization of Research Development Professionals.
Meier received the Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski Service Award and was named a NORDP Fellow at the organization’s annual Research Development Conference in Indianapolis April 26-29.
The service award is NORDP’s most prestigious award and is conferred by the board of directors to an individual who is committed to the growth of the organization, furtherance of the research development profession and service to peers.
“Nathan has played a central role in research development at UNL and, as these honors reflect, he’s taken his expertise and vision nationwide,” said Jen Nelson, interim vice chancellor for research and innovation. “He’s truly a leader in this important field.”
Meier, a 13-year member of NORDP and its former president, was cited for his leadership and mentoring work. In 2020, he co-developed the Leadership, Engagement and Development (LEAD) program, which has created a pipeline for future NORDP leaders. He also developed the Career Stories series to highlight the variety of career opportunities for advancement in the profession.
The Fellows designation is the highest professional distinction NORDP can bestow on a member. No more than 1% of members can be named Fellows annually.
Meier has been in research development since 2003. Nominators noted that under Meier’s leadership, UNL has been “an engine of research development innovation.” “UNL’s Research Leaders Program, which Nathan designed and continues to lead, is one of the earliest, longest-running research leadership programs in the country,” said Jill Jividen, assistant vice president for research development at the University of Michigan.
Another Office of Research and Innovation staff member also was honored at the annual conference. Petrina Suiter, director of research development, received NORDP’s Rising Star award, which is given to members who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to the organization.
Suiter has helped to more than double the number of faculty earning external honors, an outcome that reflects her skill in nomination development and her ability to cultivate recognition pipelines across disciplines, Meier said.
She is also a highly sought resource for institutions and practitioners establishing new awards functions, often serving as one of the first individuals they consult.
“Petrina has transformed how the Office of Research and Innovation approaches external faculty recognition,” Meier said.
