12 minute read
Forward Momentum
Kat Lawrence
Chancellor Gaber begins planning UNC Charlotte’s future
BY PHILLIP BROWN
Assuming the chancellorship of UNC Charlotte in the midst of a global pandemic has energized Sharon L. Gaber’s resolve to create a vision for the University that moves it forward.
Among the nation’s most respected university administrators, Gaber, who arrived in mid-July, intends to take the same reasoned approach to guiding UNC Charlotte’s future that she exhibited as the president of the University of Toledo and provost at the University of Arkansas.
To launch her chancellorship, Gaber is devoting much of her first semester to a listening tour (page 22), holding hundreds of virtual and small in-person meetings with campus constituents, particularly students, faculty, staff and alumni, and key stakeholders including city, county and state government leaders; economic development officials; business leaders from a range of industries; and donors and friends of the University.
“Everyone is awaiting the next chapter in this great University’s story,” said Gaber, who was aware of UNC Charlotte’s strong partnerships within the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. “Everywhere I go, people mention that UNC Charlotte is a crown jewel, not only for our region but the state. I intend to build upon the passion that Niner Nation members have for their University as well as its well-documented upward trajectory as we become an outstanding national university.”
A determined analytical thinker known for asking the right questions, Gaber uses an academic background in economics and urban planning to her advantage. A California native, she completed a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College, a master’s in urban planning from University of Southern California and a doctorate in city and regional planning from Cornell University.
“I value input, and I want to make decisions that result in the best scenario possible, even though everyone may not be happy,” said Gaber. “I will ask everyone their opinions and try to arrive at a solution that we all feel good about.”
Focusing on students first
Students are fundamental to the existence of all colleges and universities, and they are central to Gaber’s leadership philosophy.
“A student-centered approach acknowledges that they are critically important, and while students may not agree with every course of action we take, they will recognize our commitment to helping them succeed academically and personally,” said Gaber.
Chancellor Gaber voted in the November 2020 election at UNC Charlotte’s Belk Gym, a Mecklenburg County voting site, which was among the busiest in the county throughout the early voting period and on Election Day.
Kat Lawrence
This has been the case with UNC Charlotte’s back-to-school plan, designed to prioritize the safety of students, faculty and staff during COVID-19. The fall 2020 semester began virtually on Sept. 7 and transitioned to in-person classes on Oct. 1 with a specific emphasis on those who need access to facilities, equipment or other resources necessary to maintain the best environment for instruction and courses, serving primarily first-year and transfer students to aid in their acclimation to University life.
Another sign of Gaber’s listening approach is the appointment this fall of a special assistant to the chancellor for diversity and inclusion (page 41). Students, faculty and staff expressed the need for a Cabinet-level position to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to UNC Charlotte’s efforts to address issues of equity, inclusion and social justice.
“Those we serve, especially because our population consists of a broad range of people, are vital to UNC Charlotte’s future,” Gaber explained. “We want Niner Nation members to stay engaged throughout their lives. Perhaps they will be able to hire other 49ers or offer them internship opportunities. Or they become ardent supporters, attending Charlotte 49er football and basketball games. They also could become donors, financially supporting their alma mater or by advocating on our behalf in their communities. We value that longterm engagement that begins with placing students at the center of all that we do.”
Raising UNC Charlotte’s profile
UNC Charlotte is North Carolina’s urban research university, a familiar definer that Gaber acknowledges can be challenging to articulate. As the University approaches its 75th anniversary, Gaber aims to support efforts to clearly define the role of research within UNC Charlotte’s brand. It will likely be a prominent focus of the University’s new strategic plan, due next year.
“We are a research university located in an urban environment, but in actuality, our faculty are conducting research with far-reaching implications and applications, both in terms of rural and metropolitan locations,” said Gaber. “Not to mention, cancer research, energy research and the amazing STEM opportunities afforded students through our School of Data Science and College of Computing and Informatics with its Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics.”
Darlene Heater
Executive Director for University City Partners
“Chancellor Gaber will be a great leader not just for UNC Charlotte but for University City and the Charlotte region. She has an exceptional understanding of urban planning and we look forward to her contributions and thought leadership as we continue to build and grow University City.”
Rep. John A. Fraley
95th District
“It was a distinct pleasure to meet Chancellor Gaber on the UNC Charlotte campus in late July. I was immediately convinced she would carry on the great efforts of the University’s previous chancellors while expanding and enhancing their work with her vision and resolve. She is a strong listener, thoughtful decision-maker and will be a leader and a strong partner in nurturing the success of UNC Charlotte students and faculty and the future of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and our great state.”
Vi Lyles
Mayor of Charlotte
“I have known the past chancellors of UNC Charlotte including Chancellors Dubois, Woodward and Fretwell, and my impression of Dr. Gaber is that she has the same qualities: a great listener, actionoriented and a commitment to be an integral part of our city. Sharon and I share the sentiment that ‘great cities have great universities,’ and I look forward to working with her to build both; our success depends on it.”
Peter Hans
President of the UNC System
“Chancellor Gaber and I started our new roles within a few days of each other, so we’re both going through the strangest freshman semester in the University’s history. We’ve bonded through this trying time, and I’m pleased to work together as she takes UNC Charlotte into a new era. I’ll also be excited when we can share a meal instead of just a Zoom screen.”
Research funding will take on an increased emphasis as Gaber establishes the path to move UNC Charlotte from a Research 2 to a Research 1 institution as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. While such a move may take time, it will enhance UNC Charlotte’s rising academic reputation, another priority for the chancellor.
“A university’s ranking and reputation speak to the institution’s efforts related to graduation and retention rates, alumni support and faculty quality, frankly, factors that UNC Charlotte currently regards as important,” said Gaber. “To make others aware of UNC Charlotte’s strengths, we’ll need to be intentional in how we communicate these particular points of University pride.”
Continuing to build UNC Charlotte’s research funding will result in attracting greater numbers of graduate students, employing more post-doctorate and faculty researchers, creating a positive multiplier effect for the economic growth of the region.
“We want the greater Charlotte region to recognize that UNC Charlotte is their research university. And we want Charlotte-based businesses and industries and those looking to relocate to the area to know that we are here to respond to their research needs,” said Gaber.
Approaching 75 years
Gaber’s enthusiasm to lead a relatively young institution is contagious, as she looks to capitalize on UNC Charlotte’s past and present to propel its future.
“We have far surpassed where more established universities were at the 75-year mark in their histories,” said Gaber. “The pieces are in place: An outstanding faculty and staff with superb researchers, a diverse and academically talented student body, and strong support from the community, businesses and industries that value our role in providing the workforce for today’s knowledge economy. And light rail that strengthens our connection to Uptown.
“A continual influx of entrepreneurs and young people to the Queen City generates a synergy and energy that are palpable. They want to share in our journey and contribute to UNC Charlotte’s positive momentum — and we are eager to work with them to help keep Charlotte growing as well.”
Kat Lawrence
Upon arriving at UNC Charlotte, Chancellor Gaber met with University leaders, including each dean to learn about their vision and goals for their areas. She met with Anne Cooper Moore, dean, Atkins Library at the University’s iconic library.
Phillip Brown is assistant director of internal communications for University Communications and editor of this publication.
Tahlieah Sampson
Student Body President
“We can all agree that this year is unlike any other. Despite these unprecedented difficulties, Chancellor Gaber has done a great job interacting with the student body. The two of us communicate often to discuss student wants and needs, plans for the University and the overall well-being of UNC Charlotte. Chancellor Gaber genuinely puts the students first and is doing all she can to address our concerns during a difficult time. The Student Government Association and I appreciate the transparency she provides and look forward to the work we will do together this year.”
Joan Lorden
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
“Chancellor Gaber’s campus tour gave the deans an opportunity to showcase their colleges’ points of pride and discuss issues that are top of mind. In true pandemic form, faculty popped out of offices, peered over masks or were beamed in by Zoom. The beauty of the campus and the breadth of programs and facilities were evident. The only thing missing was our students and their energy.”
Krista Manns ’95
President UNC Charlotte Alumni Association
“When I met Dr. Gaber during her interview process, I was immediately drawn to her sincere desire to become a member of the UNC Charlotte family. Her depth of knowledge about UNC Charlotte, experience and personal approach makes her the right person to lead the institution to the next level. In Dr. Gaber’s short time on campus, she has conducted listening tours, engaged alumni and immersed herself in becoming a 49er. I’m excited about the next era of our great university.”
Chancellor Gaber’s research experience in urban planning will be a benefit as she meets with campus stakeholders to plan for UNC Charlotte’s future.
Solution-focused
Wade Bruton
Urban planning leads Sharon Gaber to NC’s urban research university
BY PHILLIP BROWN
“Acollege campus is much like a city,” explained Chancellor Sharon L Gaber. “There are concerns with housing, transportation, parking, safety and security, and other essential services, and you are working to meet the needs of the people in your city or in my case, the needs of my campus.”
Drawing these comparisons comes naturally to Gaber, an urban planner, whose credentials and expertise provide a springboard for steering UNC Charlotte through continued excellence and toward new heights.
Gaber traces her interest in urban planning, in part, to a childhood memory related to the construction of the 210 Freeway in Pasadena, California, her hometown. Similar to other projects across the country at that time, the new highway resulted in the demolition of 1,000-plus homes and historic buildings, displacing families and destroying established small businesses. “Even at the age of 8, I knew there was something very wrong with that,” she said.
It was an urban economics course a decade later at Occidental College that lit a fire, prompting interest in a series of planning-related courses. Shifting from the business career that was her initial consideration, Gaber went to work for the city of Long Beach, California,
—CHANCELLOR SHARON L. GABER
as an undergraduate, gaining experience in both planning and economic development. She continued to work there after enrolling in the Master of Urban Planning program at the University of Southern California.
“I loved my work in Long Beach,” said Gaber. “It’s where I discovered my passion for uncovering answers to problems and developing solutions to address community needs. When I informed the planning director of my decision to pursue a Ph.D. in city and regional planning at Cornell, he said, ‘That’s a real waste.’ And from his perspective, it may have been. But for me, it was the best decision of my life.”
As a doctoral student, Gaber became entrenched in the study of serious questions that affected people, and delighted in researching ways to resolve them.
With a new doctorate, Gaber accepted a faculty position at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. There she and colleagues investigated the influx of refugees into the Great Plains states, where the majority of resettled international refugees relocated during the latter part of the 20th century. The study touched on a number of her research interests, including community needs assessment, transportation, NIMBY (not in my back yard) and homelessness.
This experience led Gaber to Auburn University, where she was associate dean and professor in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction. The transition to administration continued as she was named Auburn’s associate provost for academic administration, then senior provost and interim provost, before she served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas, where she also held a faculty appointment as professor of sociology in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to joining UNC Charlotte, Gaber was president of the University of Toledo. Numerous published articles throughout her career on regional and urban planning, public policy and community decision-making, and a book that she coauthored on planning research methods, populate Gaber’s curriculum vitae.
She regards her background as a strength for leading UNC Charlotte and a voice for championing the University’s impact on the Charlotte region.
“UNC Charlotte, when you account for the number of students, faculty and staff, is the equivalent of a good-sized company that can have a major impact on its region,” Gaber said. “We’d like the Charlotte community to consider ways to strengthen its reciprocal relationship with the University, similar to those in Silicon Valley or Research Triangle Park. A relationship where everyone works together so the broader community continues to flourish.”
Wade Bruton
Early this fall, Chancellor Gaber held a press conference at Hauser Alumni Pavilion, where the media were able to participate according to social distancing guidelines. She shared the University’s plans for opening the campus safely, which included distribution of Welcome Back to Campus kits for each student and employee that contained face coverings, hand sanitizer, a thermometer and other helpful information and resources.
