Information and updates for UTRGV researchers
Division of Research Winter Holiday Closure and Service Availability
December 8, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
The Division of Research (DoR) extends our best wishes to you and your families for a safe and restful holiday season. As we approach UTRGV’s Winter Holiday Break, we would like to provide you with some essential information regarding office closures and service availability.
In observance of UTRGV’s Winter Holiday Break, the Division of Research will be closed starting Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, January 2, 2026. The university will reopen for regular business on Monday, January 5, 2026.
To uphold our commitment to supporting research activities, designated DoR staff will remain available for urgent, research-critical matters that may arise during the break. Should an emergency occur that materially affects your project or compliance (IRB, IBC, and IACUC) obligations, please contact the appropriate department head by email for guidance; see below.
Should you have a proposal, report, compliance requirement, or deliverable deadline item due during the holidays, please ensure that it is submitted and confirmed before the break by no later than close of business on Wednesday, December 17th. Normal operations will resume when the university reopens.
Summary details are included below:
Office Closure: DoR will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, January 2, 2026. The university will resume regular business on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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Pre Award |
Lizette Gonzales – Associate Director of Sponsored Programs (lizette.gonzales@utrgv.edu) |
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Post Award |
Suelema Gonzalez – Director of Grants and Contracts (suelema.gonzalez@utrgv.edu) |
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Payments |
Alicia Moreno – Director of Grants Accounting (alicia.moreno01@utrgv.edu) |
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Compliance |
Eric Allen – Director for Research Compliance (eric.allen@utrgv.edu) |
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Export Control |
Preston Broadfoot – Director for Research Integrity & Export Compliance (preston.broadfoot@utrgv.edu) |
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Animal Resources |
Cordelia Rasa – Lab Animal Resources |
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Any other items: |
Aide Garza - Admin. Manager - Division of Research (aide.garza@utrgv.edu) |
NOTE: Other departments may be providing different support options during the winter holiday break. Please reach out to them directly to ensure they are aware of your needs.
We greatly appreciate your support over the past year and look forward to working with you in 2026.
Happy Holidays,
Thomas B. Spencer, PhD, MBA
UT Rio Grande Valley | 956-665-7477
Senior Associate Vice President: Research Operations
Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) & Signing Official (SO)