Mills leads health system grants administration and development

Jennifer Mills

Jennifer Mills recently joined the Whiddon College of Medicine as executive director of the Health System Grants Administration and Development Office. In her new role, she provides leadership and guidance to the grants administration and development team, ensuring they effectively assist in proposal and budget development, submissions, reporting, and post-award processes.

“Jennifer joins us at a time of exciting growth in our research enterprise, as we look forward to the new Whiddon College of Medicine building and recruitment of new faculty researchers,” said Christopher Davies, Ph.D., associate dean for research.

Mills brings a wealth of experience in research administration, research administration training, and research reporting using advanced analytics tools. She is a Certified Research Administrator and an active member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).

Most recently, she was the manager for electronic research administration, training and reporting at the University of Alabama (UA). In this role, she directed electronic reporting for UA’s research enterprise, and developed and led training programs for research administrators.  Prior to that, she was the senior grants and contract specialist for UA, preparing submissions and managing awards for more than 15 departments.

“I was drawn to the University of South Alabama and the Whiddon College of Medicine due to their outstanding academic reputation and commitment to excellence,” Mills said. “Additionally, the diverse research opportunities available at the Whiddon College of Medicine were a significant factor in my decision.” 

Mills said her goal is to provide excellent customer service to researchers while maintaining compliance with federal, state and sponsor requirements, and adhering to university policies. 

“Everyone here has been very helpful and welcoming, and I look forward to developing more relationships across campus in the coming months,” she said.  

Mills earned an executive MBA from the University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.