Laney McLean, MPA, CRA

In Memoriam: Laney McLean. Laney was a dynamic and dedicated research and administrative leader who spent the majority of her career at Florida State University. As Director of Strategic Implementation & Project Operations for the Office of the Provost she used her comprehensive skills in policy development, process evaluation, proposal review and management, office operations, process improvement, contract management, and research administration to help launch FSU InSPIRE.

As Director of Research Administration for FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Laney evaluated all staff and processes and provided recommendations for improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness while supporting joint college faculty research. She was responsible for operational management of and administrative direction for large, interdisciplinary proposals along with oversight of launch and set up of major initiatives and projects in collaboration with the Assistant Deans of Research and Finance.

While she served as Director of Special Projects for the Office of the Dean in the College of Engineering, Laney provided guidance and direction to department chairs and research administration staff regarding administration operations. She also managed the preparation and submission of all large, complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-partner proposals and large initiatives including proposals such as: NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC), US DOT University Transportation Center (UTC), NASA University Leadership Initiative (ULI), Air Force Research Lab University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) and similar.

Prior to this, Laney was the Assistant Director, Center for Advanced Power Systems where she oversaw growth of center research expenditures from $5 million to $11 million from 2015-2018. Her strategic oversight of all administrative and financial functions including management of operating budgets, sponsored projects, service center, and foundation budgets totaled $12+ million in FY 19.

Laney earned both her Masters of Public Administration (MPA), Leadership and Strategic Management and her Bachelors in American and Florida Studies from FSU. She received formal recognition for her extensive talents and dedication with the Sandy Barber Volunteer Award, given to an individual who has demonstrated an exceptional and enthusiastic commitment to volunteerism. She remains a valued member of the InSPIRE implementation team who is remembered for her immense support, vibrant dedication, and irreplaceable talents.