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Melinda Stoops
Director, Office of Sponsored Programs at Whitworth University
Professional Background
Melinda Stoops is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in museum studies, research administration, and grant writing. Currently serving as the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Whitworth University, Melinda plays an integral role in securing funding for various academic initiatives and research projects. Her career spans several esteemed organizations where she has successfully contributed to the cultural and educational sectors, fostering partnerships and facilitating grant opportunities.
Before her current position, Melinda demonstrated her expertise as the Sponsored Projects & Grants Officer at Concordia University-Portland. In this role, she was pivotal in developing and enhancing grant applications, ensuring that the administrative processes aligned with institutional goals. Melinda's journey began with her passion for the arts and education, which she showcased in various roles, including as a Grant Writer and Associate Director of Philanthropy at the Pacific Northwest College of Art + Museum of Contemporary Craft.
Melinda's work has left a significant mark on the organizations she has served, including her contributions as a Founding Board Member at Pixel Arts Game Education, emphasizing her commitment to integrating technology and the arts in educational settings. She has also lent her expertise to collections management, having worked as a Collections Practicum intern at the Labor Archives and Research Center, where she honed her skills in archival research and artifact preservation.
Education and Achievements
Melinda's academic background is impressive, with a Master’s Degree in Museum Studies from San Francisco State University, a Graduate Professionals Program in Research Administration from Emmanuel College in Boston, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art History from Eastern Washington University. This educational foundation has underpinned her professional achievements, endowing her with a robust understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of museum operations, research, and funding.
Throughout her career, Melinda has successfully navigated various roles that have solidified her expertise in grant writing and project management. Her tenure as a Gallery Assistant at Lorinda Knight Gallery and an Administrative Assistant & Receptionist at the Inland Massage Institute shows her versatility and commitment to supporting arts and culture initiatives. The intern positions she held at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and Museum at the Brig, Farragut State Park, provided her with vital practical experiences that enriched her understanding of museum operations and community outreach.
Melinda's rich experience is complemented by her proactive approach to fostering collaboration between educational institutions and the arts community. Her remarkable ability to seek out funding opportunities has empowered organizations to expand their impact and engage with broader audiences.
Achievements
Melinda Stoops' achievements are a testament to her dedication and skill in her field. As the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Whitworth University, her leadership has been instrumental in guiding faculty and staff through the grant application process, leading to substantial financial support for research projects and institutional initiatives. Her strategic vision and ability to build relationships with funding agencies have resulted in increased grant awards.
In her previous roles at Concordia University-Portland, Melinda not only mastered the intricacies of grant writing but also served as a key player in fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. Her dual roles as Sponsored Projects & Grants Officer and Grant Writer underscore her capability to see projects from conception through to funding.
As a Founding Board Member at Pixel Arts Game Education, Melinda has demonstrated her commitment to diversifying arts education, advocating for the incorporation of digital media and gaming into art curriculums. This forward-thinking approach positions her as a leader in bridging the gap between traditional arts and contemporary forms of expression.
Melinda’s career reflects a harmonious blend of administrative expertise and a deep passion for arts and culture. With a notable focus on grants and funding opportunities, she has helped empower a wide array of projects that enrich the community and support the next generation of artists and researchers. Her achievements in the museum sector and beyond showcase her as an exemplary leader and an invaluable asset to any organization she is a part of.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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