Ms. Carolyn Strong, MRA, CRA, CIM
Director, Office of Research Integrity and Compliance
Research Integrity Officer (RIO), James Madison University

Carolyn Strong received an Associate of Arts from Pellissippi State Technical Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Tennessee, and a Master in Research Administration (MRA) from the University of Central Florida.

She joined James Madison University in 2003 and spent ten years in the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration. In May 2013, she was tasked with establishing the Office of Research Integrity, where she now serves as Director. In this role, she also serves as the university’s Research Integrity Officer (RIO), providing leadership in promoting and safeguarding ethical research practices.

Carolyn is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and a Certified IRB Manager (CIM) with extensive experience in higher education research compliance. She provides strategic oversight for JMU’s research compliance infrastructure, encompassing regulatory, ethical, and operational responsibilities across the university’s research enterprise. Her portfolio includes leadership in areas such as research ethics, safety, security, and integrity, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and institutional standards.

In addition to her responsibilities as Director and RIO, Carolyn leads the newly established International Research and Engagement Services (IRES) unit, which supports global research initiatives and encompasses research security and export control compliance.

She also serves as the data manager for the Research, Economic Development, and Innovation (REDI) division and represents REDI on the University Policy Committee (UPC), where she manages and coordinates all division-related policies.

Carolyn actively contributes to numerous compliance committees and task forces and is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement in research at JMU and beyond.