Gary D. Esham, associate dean for finance and administration for The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences, has been given the 2008 Distinguished Research Administrator Award.

The award, established by the UA’s Office of the Vice President for Research, Graduate Studies and Economic Development, is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the ideals of integrity and sustained excellence in research administration.

Esham is responsible for all financial operations of the College of Optical Sciences, including management of externally funded research awards, state funds and auxiliary and designated funds.

He facilitates the negotiation of federal and industry research award terms and conditions, and is responsible for ensuring compliance with sponsor, UA and state regulations. Esham’s expertise in finance, sponsored research, and intellectual property and technology transfer issues related to contract negotiation has benefited the college and the entire University.

"It is a tremendous honor to receive the Charles H. Peyton Distingished Administrator Award," Esham said. "I had the privilege of working with Mr. Peyton and have such a great respect for him as a person and for his achievements in research administration."

Because of his broad institutional knowledge, collegiality, outstanding communication skills and ability to work with and motivate others, Esham has been sought after for service on numerous University committees – including the Business Operations Committee, the Facility & Administration Strategy Team, the Network Funding Implementation Team, the Employment Policy Committee, the Council of Academic Business Officers and various search committees.

The award was established in 2006 to honor Charles Peyton for his nearly 34 years of service and commitment to the UA’s research mission. Peyton was hired in 1958 in the College of Engineering and served as director of communications in the then newly formed Office of the Vice President for Research.

He served as associate vice president for research from 1976 until his retirement in 1992. Peyton played a pivotal role in building the UA into one of the nation’s leading research universities.

In the call for nominations issued by Tolbert, Peyton was acknowledged as one who “personified the very best in research administration, never viewing problems from the standpoint of what cannot be done; but rather, finding a way to facilitate the research community’s ability to do what was needed to be successful. He was a man of great dignity and integrity; his word was his bond and finding creative solutions to complex problems was his forte.”