UNH Today

Marian McCord, UNH senior vice provost for research, economic engagement and outreach, has been honored with a 2022 Outstanding Women in Business Award from NH Business Review. The annual awards celebrate the successes and achievements of women who have had a lasting impact on New Hampshire’s business community as leaders and role models.

McCord, who joined UNH in February 2020, oversees the university’s research, innovation, outreach and Cooperative Extension activities. A biomedical engineer and entrepreneur who was previously an associate dean for research at North Carolina State University, she also leads UNH’s COVID testing and tracing and spearheaded the creation of UNH’s state-of-the-art COVID-19 test lab, hailed as a national model. In addition to regularly testing the UNH community, the lab now provides testing for more than 125 K-12 schools, long-term care facilities, shelters and other colleges in New Hampshire. Despite pandemic challenges, McCord has also led UNH to new levels of success in research support and impact, including securing a record-breaking $260 million in external research funding in FY21.

“It is virtually impossible to imagine a leader who has made such an important, meaningful and positive impact on UNH — in fact, on the health of New Hampshire’s citizens, communities and businesses — in such a short time,” said UNH President James Dean and Provost Wayne Jones in their nomination letter. “Marian’s leadership is an inspiration to us.”

“It is virtually impossible to imagine a leader who has made such an important, meaningful and positive impact on UNH — in fact, on the health of New Hampshire’s citizens, communities and businesses — in such a short time.”

“Under her leadership, UNH was not only able to stand up COVID-19 prevention measures, testing, and isolation and quarantine facilities to serve their university community, but also to implement innovative testing methodologies and conduct valuable research to inform the broader COVID-19 response,” said Beth Daly, chief of the NH Department of Health and Human Service’s Bureau of Infectious Disease Control in a recommendation letter. “To say it plainly, Marian did not just settle for the minimum necessary, she pursued innovation and excellence in the university’s response, which has proven to be one of the most effective in U.S. higher education.”

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award,” said McCord. “Although my time in New Hampshire has been brief, I’m proud of the positive impact UNH’s COVID response, research enterprise and outreach activities have made on the state. Creating conditions for women’s success, particularly in academia, is a passion of mine, so it’s especially gratifying to share this award with other outstanding woman leaders.”

In addition to McCord, other recipients of the 2022 Outstanding Women in Business Award are:

• Amy Heymans, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Mad*Pow
• Elizabeth Cash Hitchcock, CEO, Founder, Owner, and Real Estate Developer of Orbit Group, Minim, The Bookery Manchester and Factory on Willow, LLC
• Judy Rogers, Owner, Prime Roast Coffee Co.
• Michelle McEwen, President & CEO, Speare Memorial Hospital
• Sandra Almonte, Owner, Don Quijote Restaurant

“It is a pleasure to recognize and celebrate these outstanding women leaders who have all made such a positive impact within the Granite State and continue to make tremendous accomplishments in both their personal and professional lives,” said Jeff Feingold, editor of NH Business Review.

NH Business Review will recognize this year’s six recipients during an inspiring panel session on February 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register here for the free event.