UNC Charlotte Magazine, Summer 2020

THE DUBOIS LEGACY An Era of Visionary Leadership for Niner Nation School of Data Science First in the Carolinas

April 30 A Virtual Remembrance

A VIEW FROM THE TOP

Guests of the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at UNC Charlotte will have a spectacular panorama of the campus; completion is slated for mid-2021. Given its location on campus and proximity to the nearby J.W. Clay Boulevard/ UNC Charlotte Station for light rail access to Center City, the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at UNC Charlotte will be the perfect location to host academic conferences and research symposia, not to mention Niner Nation visiting their alma mater for alumni, sporting or cultural events.

WADE BRUTON

Contents UNC Charlotte Magazine • Summer • 2020

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The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Dubois Legacy: 15 Years of Visionary Leadership UNC Charlotte’s exponential growth in academics, research and commitment to the greater Charlotte region resulted from the leadership of Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, who retires June 30, 2020.

Signature accomplishments include The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, light rail, 49ers football, a more diverse campus and unprecedented growth in infrastructure.

First Partner As the University’s first lady, Lisa Lewis Dubois used her legal training to strengthen UNC Charlotte and the community. She also provided wise counsel for her husband.

First in the Carolinas UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science takes an interdisciplinary approach to the evolution of data science, involving faculty and researchers from the Belk College of Business, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Health and Human Services and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

A Virtual Remembrance Plans for the University’s first anniversary of the campus shooting on April 30, 2019, were altered due to the coronavirus pandemic. “United: A Remembrance Program” brought Niner Nation together virtually.

Pandemic Pivot Spring semester is disrupted as a result of COVID-19, but faculty, staff and students persevere as courses move to online environments and teleworking is deployed. Professors pitch in to produce 3-D printed face shields, and Niner Nation responds to assist students facing severe hardships.

Exponential Success Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte concluded successfully, surpassing its $200 million goal. One result of this largest fundraising effort in University history—more than 200 scholarships benefiting students have been created.

Departments 4

News Briefs

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49ers Notebook

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Class Notes

VOLUME 26, NUMBER 2

Colleen Penhall Chief Communications Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor for University Communications EDITOR Phillip Brown Assistant Director of Internal Communications CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Phillip Brown Jonnelle Davis Jennifer Howe Susan Messina Jared Moon Paul Nowell Katie Thomas ART DIRECTOR Ryan Honeyman Director of Creative Services PHOTOGRAPHERS Wade Bruton Ryan Honeyman Kat Lawrence DESIGN & PRODUCTION SPARK Publications

UNC Charlotte is published by The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001 ISSN 10771913

EDITORIAL OFFICES Foundation Annex The University of North Carolina at Charlotte 8730 University City Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28223 704.687.7214

Cover photo of Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and Lisa Lewis Dubois inside the PORTAL Building by Wade Bruton.

18,500 copies of this publication were printed at a cost of $.81 per piece, for a total cost of $14,950.

Printed on recycled paper

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is open to people of all races and is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.

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CHANCELLOR'S LETTER

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Wade Bruton

A reflection on 15 years of growth and achievement As of early March, my spring calendar was full with the typical end-of-academic-year events that led to our commencement ceremonies and the celebration of nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students receiving their hard-earned degrees and certificates. Sadly, our spring schedule included campus and community remembrance ceremonies to mark the first anniversary of last April’s campus shooting and the loss of our students Riley Howell and Reed Parlier.

No one knew, of course, that the coronavirus was bigger than the best-laid plans of UNC Charlotte—and those of our city, state, country and, in fact, the world [page 42].

Over the past several weeks, we have been reminded of the challenges of making difficult decisions that inconvenienced many—transitioning to online or remote modes of instruction, requiring faculty and staff to work from home, asking most students to vacate residence halls, and requiring 2

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employees who perform critical functions on campus to practice social distancing while doing so.

Doing our part to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 also required that event schedules be altered, including the postponement of commencement and the conversion of the April 30 memorials to an online format. Lisa and I are disappointed that campus and community events that had been planned to mark our 15 years as chancellor and first lady also were not possible, eliminating the only opportunity prior to our June 30 departure to bid farewell in person to those who have made our time at UNC Charlotte so rewarding.

Global pandemic notwithstanding, it remains appropriate as the calendar marches forward to reflect a bit on the ways UNC Charlotte has changed over the past 15 years. The most obvious signs of change are those we see across our beautiful 1,000-acre campus. Capital investments of more than $1.2 billion since 2005 [pages 25-27] have resulted in the renovation of many existing

NONE OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST 15 YEARS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE TALENT AND COMMITMENT OF OUR FACULTY AND STAFF, AND THE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS OF TIME AND TREASURE FROM OUR TRUSTEES, CAMPUS ADVISORY BOARDS, ALUMNI, FRIENDS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS.

facilities and the addition of important new ones, including the Center City Building, Popp Martin Student Union, the University Recreation Center, EPIC, PORTAL, Jerry Richardson Stadium, and several residence halls and dining facilities, among others.

These investments made it possible for us to accommodate explosive enrollment growth, the delivery of new undergraduate and graduate programs, expansion of the University’s research capacity, and the availability of student life opportunities that ensure a complete collegiate experience for students. Hopefully, before the arrival of next spring’s pollen, the continuing momentum of this institution will be marked by the opening of the new Science Building and the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

Mindful of our location in North Carolina’s largest city and the tremendous diversity that is among UNC Charlotte’s greatest strengths, the creation and implementation of programs that assure representation, inclusion, and consideration of the perspectives of students from all walks of life are notable [page 24]. While these efforts are certainly a work in progress, we have made strides toward creating and sustaining an inclusive campus environment that values the presence, ideas, and voices of people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Continued dedication to making sure all students have an excellent shot at the kind of success they imagine is essential to these principles becoming permanently fixed in UNC Charlotte’s culture.

Evident before I was chancellor and something that by now should be crystallized for anyone who lives or works in Charlotte is the intrinsic connection between the success of UNC Charlotte and that of the Queen City. The health of the business community, particularly the finance, information technology, and health care sectors, is dependent in part on the University’s ability to meet Charlotte’s workforce needs. Lisa, through

involvement and leadership with a number of arts and community organizations [page 30], is keenly aware of UNC Charlotte’s impact on the city. The opening in 2018 of the CATS light rail northeast extension [page 20] connects our students to our Center City campus, internship and research opportunities, and the city’s impressive array of cultural and entertainment opportunities.

Light rail also provides a safe and affordable option for citizens to explore campus events, lectures, arts, and 49ers Athletics without the challenges of Charlotte traffic and interstate highways.

A sure sign of a healthy institution is its ability to inspire its donor community to commitment and action. To that end, Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte exceeded expectations. With a $200 million goal, the most ambitious campaign in UNC Charlotte’s history concludes having produced wide-ranging benefits across the institution, including significant scholarship and financial support for students, expanded educational opportunities, enhancements to academic and athletic facilities, new distinguished professorships and chairs, new equipment and technologies, and expanded public programs and lectures. The generous alumni and friends of UNC Charlotte who have made these important investments are making a life-changing difference for thousands of current and future 49ers.

Of course, none of the achievements of the past 15 years would have been possible without the talent and commitment of our faculty and staff, and the generous contributions of time and treasure from our trustees, campus advisory boards, alumni, friends, and community partners. We have celebrated great times together, and we’ve also weathered difficult times—most notably the Great Recession, the campus shootings of last April, and this spring’s global pandemic. If adversity makes one stronger, then Niner Nation is stronger than ever.

As I’ve said at every turn, our reaction to challenging events and not the events themselves will define Niner Nation. My sincere wish for Sharon Gaber, who becomes the University’s fifth chancellor later this summer, is that she experiences firsthand the strength and resilience of the UNC Charlotte community and feels the same sense of Niner Pride that Lisa and I will carry with us always.

We ARE all Niners.

Philip L. Dubois Chancellor

The Dubois Legacy, a digital collection of stories that outlines UNC Charlotte’s achievements in academics/ research, campus growth, civic connection and student life during Chancellor Dubois’ tenure, is available: inside.uncc.edu/the-dubois-legacy.

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News Briefs

www.UNCC.edu

‘Education leader to watch’ named UNC Charlotte’s fifth chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., was appointed UNC Charlotte’s fifth chancellor by the UNC Board of Governors on April 28.

Gaber, who will join the University on July 20, has been president of the University of Toledo since 2015, where she was nationally recognized for her efforts to increase enrollment, improve graduation and retention rates, keep education affordable, and make the campus environment diverse and inclusive. Education Dive, a leading publication devoted to K-12 and higher education, named her one of five higher education leaders to watch in 2018 and beyond.

Mike Wilson ’93, chair of the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees and the Chancellor Selection Committee, stated, “This is a historic moment for UNC Charlotte at a historic time in our nation and in higher education. We are fortunate to have found a strong, innovative and accomplished leader like Sharon Gaber to guide UNC Charlotte through the next chapter in its history and to solidify our position as a top-tier, nationally recognized university.”

Gaber mentioned that the connection and camaraderie she already feels with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members make UNC Charlotte feel like home. “It is the dedication and commitment of each of you to serve the needs of others and the critical role UNC Charlotte plays as an economic engine for this growing region. I hope to continue that legacy.”

She added, “UNC Charlotte is well-positioned to impact the city, region and state. I am impressed with UNC Charlotte’s outstanding reputation in academics, its growing research capabilities and its diverse student population.”

Interim UNC President Bill Roper, who selected Gaber for approval by the UNC Board of Governors, said her impressive career at each level of education makes her the ideal candidate to lead UNC Charlotte.

“Her many past achievements and future goals will benefit both the UNC System and UNC Charlotte,” stated Roper. “I have great confidence that UNC Charlotte will continue to grow and develop under her strong leadership.”

Prior to being named the 17th president of the University of Toledo, Gaber served six years as provost

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and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas. In addition, she held faculty and administrative positions at Auburn University, including interim provost, and was a faculty member and administrator at the University of Nebraska.

A graduate of Occidental College with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Gaber earned a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University.

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New leaders designated for Engineering, Business and Office of Urban Research and Community Engagement Robert Keynton and Byron White will join UNC Charlotte to start the fall 2020 semester. They, along with Jennifer Troyer, a member of the faculty for two decades, recently were named to key University leadership positions.

Troyer will become dean of the Belk College of Business, a position she has held in an interim capacity since last year.

Keynton will serve as dean of the William States Lee College of Engineering, and White was appointed associate provost for Urban Research and Community Engagement.

“We sought innovative, accomplished leaders who are gifted in building nationally recognized programs and research, developing strong internal and external partnerships and possessing a deep commitment to student success,” said Joan Lorden, provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. “Following national searches, we believe these three leaders embody the right qualities to further UNC Charlotte’s mission as we enter the next chapter in the University’s story.”

Coming from the University of Louisville, Keynton was interim executive vice president for Research and Innovation and the Lutz Endowed Chair of Biomechanical Devices in the Department of Engineering at the Speed School of Engineering.

His expertise includes development of biomedical micro-electromechanical systems and cardiovascular mechanics. An elected fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biomedical Engineering Society and the National Academy of Inventors, he completed a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

His master’s and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering are from the University of Akron.

Prior to being named interim dean of the Belk College of Business, Troyer was

senior associate dean and professor of Economics. In addition, she has served as chair of the Department of Economics, associate dean for research and graduate programs and interim dean of the College of Health and Human Services. She has taught courses in health economics and econometrics and has conducted policyrelevant research on the quality of U.S. nursing homes, the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions and strategic behavior in the pharmaceutical industry.

A graduate of the University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Troyer completed master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Economics from Florida State University.

White will lead the reorganized UNC Charlotte Office of Urban Research and Community Engagement. Formerly called Metropolitan Studies and Extended Academic Programs, the Office of Urban Research and Community Engagement focuses on connecting UNC Charlotte’s collaborative research and engaged scholarship to expand community and regional partnerships. It includes the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, the Women + Girls Research Alliance, the Charlotte Action Research Project and Engaged Scholarship.

White comes to the University from StrivePartnership, where he was vice president and executive director of the public-private collaborative focused on cradle-to-career outcomes in urban education. Previously, he was vice president for University Engagement and chief diversity officer at Cleveland State University and vice chancellor for Economic Advancement at Xavier University, following a career at the Chicago Tribune. He completed a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University, a master’s degree in Social

Robert Keynton

Jennifer Troyer

Byron White

Science from University of Chicago and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from University of Pennsylvania.

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James Walsh

Suzanne Leland

Political science researchers honored Suzanne Leland and James Walsh, faculty members of the Public Policy Ph.D. program and professors in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, are the 2020 recipients of the Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award and First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal, respectively.

Leland’s research focuses on state and local government service delivery. She has published a variety of books including “American Cities and the Politics of Party Conventions” and “City-County Consolidation: Promises Made, Promises Kept.” In 2019, she received the Donald Stone Distinguished Scholar Award from the American Society of Public Administration.

“Dr. Leland has worked with her doctoral students in UNC Charlotte’s Public Policy program, placing them on successful career trajectories and enhancing the program’s stature,” said Justin Stritch, an assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University. “Her mentoring of students is a cornerstone of UNC Charlotte’s MPA and Public Policy programs and a key component to the demonstrated success of students in both programs.”

Walsh’s work has been published by Columbia University Press, the Journal of Conflict Resolution,

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International Studies Quarterly and other outlets. His most recent book, “Drones and Support for the Use of Force,” uses experimental research to analyze the effects of combat drones on Americans’ support for the use of force.

“I see Dr. Walsh’s work as among the most innovative and exciting research currently ongoing in international conflict studies,” said Michael Findley, professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin. “He is publishing in leading journals and landing large amounts of grant money. In all of this, he has remained committed to working with students, mentoring many of them on his various projects.”

Walsh serves as lead principal investigator on the Minerva Research Initiative grant supporting the Resources and Conflict project, which analyzes combatants’ strategic and military choices during civil war. The project also develops new research designed to improve understanding of the dynamics of conflict and contributes to the development of policies that resolve conflicts.

The First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal was created to spotlight the important contributions UNC Charlotte and its faculty are making throughout the Carolinas, the nation and the world.

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Tankersley named to statewide science/tech board Richard Tankersley, UNC Charlotte’s vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development, has been named by Gov. Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The appointment extends until 2024.

The role of the board, administered through the North Carolina Department of Commerce, is to encourage, promote and support scientific, engineering and industrial research applications in North Carolina. In doing so, it investigates areas of emerging science and technology and conducts studies on the competitiveness of North Carolina industry and research institutions—while accelerating the state’s next generation of technology and technology companies.

“As North Carolina’s urban research university, UNC Charlotte plays a critical role in advancing the state’s innovation economy and shaping the development of new technologies—particularly in manufacturing, energy and data science,” said Tankersley. “I’m honored to represent UNC Charlotte and the 17 institutions of the UNC System on the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology and Innovation at a time when the state’s universities are exploring ways to stimulate and support new technologies, drive new business development and, ultimately, create jobs.”

Richard Tankersley

Kerr Putney

Wade Bruton

CMPD’s Putney receives Distinguished Service Award Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney ’92, the 2020 UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award winner, was honored by the University for his strong leadership, listening ear and reputation as a community and relationship builder.

“We at UNC Charlotte witnessed his strength, leadership and compassion first hand following the tragedy of April 30, 2019, and in the following days,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “The overwhelming support and kindness we received from Kerr, his team and the Charlotte community helped carry us through.”

Dubois said Putney is a distinguished alumnus as well as a “terrific community partner.”

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes people who demonstrate dedication

to the University and have helped shape it and the community in significant ways.

Putney has dedicated his life to policing the Charlotte community. He started his career with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in August 1992, shortly after graduating from UNC Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. He earned a master’s degree in criminology from East Carolina University. Putney worked in various patrol, training and other special assignments before being named chief in June 2015.

The Distinguished Service Award was established in 1987 by the Board of Trustees of UNC Charlotte and the Board of Directors of the University Foundation. Each recipient receives a statue of a gold miner, cast from a sculpture by artist Lorenzo Ghiglieri.

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Children’s literacy advocate receives Holshouser Award Mark West, who has devoted his 35- year career at UNC Charlotte to advancing children’s literacy, is a 2020 recipient of the Governor James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service.

Given by the UNC System Board of Governors, this award recognizes and rewards sustained, distinguished and superb achievement in university public service and outreach, and contributions to improve the quality of life of the citizens of North Carolina.

West, who is a professor of children’s literature and former chair of UNC Charlotte’s Department of English, attributes his success to his father. “I know I would not be a professor today if it were not for my father reading aloud,” he said. “We did not have a television, but my father read to us every single night all through my childhood, up through eighth grade. Because my father read aloud to me, it

allowed me to develop a love of literature even though I struggled to read as a child.”

Throughout his career, West has been a strong advocate for children’s literacy and has brought his expertise into the community with his work with Charlottearea schools, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and others. His commitment to civic engagement is underscored by a recent grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council for the project, “The Child Character in Southern Literature and Film,” a partnership with area schools and the Charlotte Public Library to raise awareness about diversity and the history of childhood in the South as reflected in children’s literature.

Recently, West also received the most prestigious honor in his field, the Anne Devereaux Jordan Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature.

Mark West

EPIC partnering on power grid grant UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have received a $300,000 competitive award from the U.S. Department of Energy for a joint, two-year project to consider developing a centralized energy grid to effectively support critical services in the case of power outages.

“The cost to society after a major weatherrelated disaster can be far greater than the cost required to invest in resilience, but unfortunately, there are not good methods or metrics to evaluate these investments,” said Robert Cox, associate director, EPIC. The two-year project, Planning an Affordable, Resilient and Sustainable Grid in North Carolina, will include opportunities for interested stakeholders to review metrics developed by the research team and to provide input into an advanced grid scenario focused on enabling a more decentralized resilient 8

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Energy Production and Infrastructure Center at UNC Charlotte

grid, including micro/mini grids that can support critical services, such as hospitals, in the case of power outages.

EPIC will analyze outage data provided

by Duke Energy following major weatherrelated disasters that have affected North Carolina over the last several years. Once this baseline information is known, EPIC

will consider the potential impact of Duke Energy’s proposed grid-hardening measures, including distribution automation and undergrounding power lines. The team will consider the potential impact of the advanced grid scenario that would include incentives for micro-grids and other advanced technologies.

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Psychological Science professor earns UNC BOG teaching award Jennifer Webb is among the 2020 recipients of the UNC Board of Governors Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

An associate professor in the Department of Psychological Science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Webb joined UNC Charlotte in 2007. She has taught eight courses in the psychology undergraduate program and four courses for the health psychology doctoral program. Additionally, she developed two new courses for the undergraduate major.

“I do not believe in lecturing at students,” said Webb. “I view the classroom as a creative space for our collective wisdom to dynamically unfold through lively exchanges in which we can comfortably debate the merits of multiple sides of an issue.

Engaging this critical lens supports students’ consciousness-raising capacities and cognitive flexibility as personal resources.”

Webb is the 2019 recipient of the University’s Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence; she was bestowed the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship in Teaching in 2017.

Jennifer Webb

Established by the UNC Board of Governors in 1993 to highlight the importance of teaching, the Awards for Excellence in Teaching recognize the

extraordinary contributions of faculty members system wide. Each of the winners receives a commemorative bronze medallion and a $12,500 cash prize.

Universities unite to support racial healing As the Charlotte Racial Justice Consortium, UNC Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University and Queens University of Charlotte will collaborate to listen to Charlotte’s many racial truths; encourage a community that understands its history of race and racism; and develop student, university and community leaders who work across the region toward truth, racial healing and equity.

The effort is supported by the consortium’s selection as a Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center by the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U). The association created the initiative to prepare the next

generation of strategic leaders to dismantle the belief in a hierarchy of human value.

Six students from each campus will be selected to participate in a year-

long reflection of Charlotte’s history of racism and its connection to each university, while exploring racial equity and developing leadership skills. The fellowship will culminate in unique, student-led projects on the three campuses designed to foster truth, racial healing and transformation.

“Charlotte has the interest and bandwidth to listen and work collaboratively toward anti-racism, racial equity and transformation at the individual-, group- and system-levels,” said Susan McCarter, social work professor at UNC Charlotte and a principal investigator on the project.

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Advancing solar energy management Sukumar Kamalasadan, Duke Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is one of the principal investigators for a federally funded project to advance solar energy’s role in strengthening the resilience of the U.S. electric grid.

Kamalasadan and a research team received a $4.6 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office to develop an electricity grid management tool that detects cyber and physical threats and forms dynamic clusters to optimally manage photovoltaics and energy storage.

“The tool we are developing identifies clusters of energy sources, especially the solar farms in the power distribution system, and assigns a single controller that manages these clusters, so they work together to support the electric grid,” said Kamalasadan.

UNC Charlotte researchers are working in collaboration with faculty at Clemson

Sukumar Kamalasadan, back row, third left, and members of the Department of Energy project team are seeking to strengthen the nation’s electric grid through solar energy.

University, Florida International University and New Mexico State University, along with Argonne National Lab, Idaho National Lab, OPAL RT Technologies and Duke Energy.

Duke Energy will allow UNC Charlotte researchers access to real-time data from the grid. The project will benefit Duke by helping grid operators better incorporate renewable energy into grid needs, maintain reliability and respond to events like cyber attacks.

“This is just one example of EPIC’s

strategic partnerships with Duke Energy, the state of North Carolina and the federal government to bring a strong focus of resiliency to grid modernization,” said EPIC Director Mike Mazzola.

Kamalasadan’s project, “Optimal Reconfiguration and Resilient Control Framework for Real-Time Photovoltaic Dispatch to Manage Critical Infrastructure,” was one of 10 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

UNC Charlotte to operate public elementary lab school A new public elementary school developed and operated by education experts at UNC Charlotte is scheduled to open at the former Amay James Pre-K Center starting in August 2020.

Niner University Elementary at Amay James (NUE) is the sixth school across the state created in response to the North Carolina General Assembly’s UNC Laboratory School Initiative, a program created to provide enhanced educational programming to students in low-performing schools.

In its first year of operation, NUE will serve 150 students in grades K-2, adding an additional grade level each year through 2024. At capacity, the school will serve 300 students in grades K-5.

NUE will be operated by UNC Charlotte but will receive support services from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, including transportation and meals for students.

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Dozens of UNC Charlotte faculty and staff from across campus contributed to the school’s development.

“We have a few important priorities including training the teachers of tomorrow and serving our community.

We don’t just study theory, we bring it to life through practice and Niner University Elementary is a great example of this model

in action,” said Teresa Petty, interim dean of the Cato College of Education.

In addition to academic rigor, the school will have a “whole child” focus and support achievement by engaging students outside the classroom. A committee of UNC Charlotte’s Cato College of Education faculty has identified a social emotional learning curriculum that focuses on creating a supportive community and teaches skills in areas like self-awareness and responsible decision making.

NUE is developing a school-based mental health program, too, and plans to offer resources, including play therapy.

Additionally, NUE will provide the Cato College of Education the opportunity to train and support the growth of teachers, counselors and school leaders. Selected candidates will spend their junior year at the school, which will offer students extensive opportunities to observe and practice what they have learned.

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Lynn Roberson

Sara Juengst

Archaeologists discover infants buried wearing skull helmets Sara Juengst, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology, received worldwide media coverage related to the discovery of two infants unearthed in ancient burial mounds in Salango, Ecuador. They were buried wearing helmets crafted from the skulls of other children, in what researchers believe was a unique practice perhaps intended to protect the infants’ souls during their journey to the afterlife.

“This has literally not been seen before, to our knowledge. We think this is a totally novel burial practice,” said Juengst, a bioarchaeologist.

The research team is composed of UNC Charlotte’s Juengst and Abigail Bythell and Richard Lunniss and Juan José Ortiz Aguilu of Universidad Técnica de Manabí in Ecuado. Their paper, published in the journal Latin American Antiquity, attracted worldwide attention, including from major news outlets such as the Washington Post, Nature, CNN and the Smithsonian online magazine.

The infants were among 11 burials discovered between 2014 and 2016 at a ritual burial complex dated to approximately 100 BC. The mounds likely were built by the Guangala, a culture that existed on the southwest coast of Ecuador at that time.

The researchers describe the cranial coverings as helmets because they

extend to the back and sides of the heads, with the face of the infant wearing the helmet looking out of the other child’s skull. Analysis shows that skin and tissue likely held the skulls together.

Between the two skull layers in one instance, they found a small shell and a small hand bone that appear to have been placed intentionally.

The archaeologists also found stone ancestor figurines near the skeletons, which could be further indication of a desire to protect the infants’ souls.

“In future research, we would like to place these burials within the context of the larger mortuary complex of these particular mounds and other sites more broadly,” Juengst said.

It could be that the motivations of the people who conducted the rituals will remain a mystery. Juengst does think about the emotions of those who conducted the rituals, drawing some comfort from her suspicion that the rituals were intended as protection from further harm or a way to link to ancestors.

“We cannot know for sure what was in the minds of the people who performed these rituals,” Juengst said. “We think we know a lot about the past, and then we have discoveries like this.”

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Strengthening coral reef populations Corals depend on their symbiotic relationships with the algae that they host. But how do they keep algal population growth in check? The answer to this fundamental question could help reefs survive in a changing climate.

A new study published in Nature Communications by a team including UNC Charlotte researcher and lead author Tingting Xiang and Carnegie Institution for Science’s Sophie Clowez, Rick Kim and Arthur Grossman indicates how sea anemones, which are closely related to coral, control the size of their algal populations that reside within their tissues.

“Our work elucidates how the association between anemones and algae, or coral and algae, ensures that this symbiotic relationship remains stable and beneficial to both partner

organisms,” Xiang said. “With ongoing research, we hope to understand even better the various mechanisms and specific regulators that are crucial for integrating the metabolisms of these two organisms, which could eventually allow for the transplantation of hardier algae into bleached coral and also for manipulating both corals and algae to have greater tolerance to adverse conditions.”

Before joining UNC Charlotte as an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences this academic year, Xiang was a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Plant Biology with the Carnegie Institution for Science. She also was a postdoctoral researcher with Stanford University and earned a doctorate in plant biology from China Agricultural University.

Tingting Xiang is collaborating with researchers from the Carnegie Institution for Science to discover ways to strengthen corals’ ability to survive in a variety of conditions.

Lynn Roberson

Stockphoto-graf/Shutterstock.com

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LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY We love UNC Charlotte and wanted to do something special.

Our estate gift allowed us to do more than we ever thought possible. It gives us great comfort and will allow us to provide funding for students in three programs – Architecture, Athletics and the CRC – close to our hearts. We met at UNC Charlotte and have remained in Charlotte supporting it in many ways. This is a forever gift.

–Diana and Jim Hoppa »

In these uncertain times, there’s a way to support UNC Charlotte without affecting your disposable income.

To learn more, contact the Office of Planned Giving.

Amy Shehee, Director of Planned Giving 704-687-0301 ashehee@uncc.edu

Jim Hoppa, senior associate vice chancellor for student affairs, retired from UNC Charlotte in 2018 after 36 years of service. Jim met his wife, Diana, while both worked for Residence Life. Their son, Michael, graduated from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 2016 and a Bachelor of Architecture in 2017.

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15 years of visionary leadership at UNC Charlotte

BY PHILLIP BROWN

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NC Charlotte’s ascension as an innovative, urban research university is the result of strategic leadership and dedication by countless individuals. The University’s unprecedented growth in mission and commitment to the region during the past 15 years, though, is attributable to the vision exhibited by Chancellor Philip L. Dubois.

From its founding as the Charlotte Center to its evolution to Charlotte College to its inclusion in the UNC System as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University benefited from the right leader needed for the time. Since July 15, 2005, Phil Dubois has fit the bill.

As an institution, UNC Charlotte is a much different place than the campus Dubois knew as provost, a position he left in 1997 to serve as president of the University of Wyoming. Certainly, since his return and during his tenure as chancellor, the campus has grown in numbers of students and has added world-class academic, research, athletics and campus living facilities.

More important, the University has forged a stronger connection to the city of Charlotte and the greater Mecklenburg region. The sense of Niner Nation pride has never been more pervasive.

Building a responsive University

Pat McCrory, as mayor of Charlotte and governor of the state, worked closely with the chancellor. He recognized early that Dubois had a vision for how the University would be integral to the growth of Charlotte, not only in respect to light rail, which would arrive on campus in 2018, but as an important resource in meeting the workforce needs of the region.

“Charlotte and the state of North Carolina will continue to feel the positive impacts of his vision and the strategy employed to implement that vision,” said McCrory. “Chancellor Dubois recognized the importance of meeting industry needs for greater numbers of well-trained engineers and scientists, which led to my initiating the Connect NC bonds for the UNC System (as governor), the largest in state history dedicated to STEM.” Provost Joan Lorden credited Dubois with the tremendous growth in the University’s research enterprise, which has doubled since 2005, and the

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launch of programs designed to meet the demands of several of Charlotte’s key economic sectors: health care, engineering, energy and computing and informatics.

“Of course our core academic programs support all we do, but in advocating for the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), as one example, the chancellor helped create a strong research program to meet the workforce demands for a vital industry in the region. This has enabled the University to forge important research partnerships for our faculty and students,” she said.

“Charlotte and the state of North Carolina will continue to feel the positive impacts of Chancellor Dubois’

Connecting the University and the Queen City

vision.”

- PAT M CCRO RY FORMER N.C. GOVERNOR

Dubois, from his earliest days as chancellor, sought ways to connect the University to Charlotte’s dynamic urban core. The introduction of light rail and the creation of UNC Charlotte Center City were key to better positioning the University to address the cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health and social needs of the greater Charlotte region.

Faculty expertise and University resources are fundamental to addressing unique challenges and issues associated with a metropolitan area.

Internships created through partnerships with Charlotte’s leading employers provide outstanding opportunities for the University’s growing undergraduate and graduate populations, not to mention students’ chances to conduct handson research projects and develop networks with business and community leaders.

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“There is no question that our recent competitive ascent is because of the support of Chancellor Dubois.”

–MIKE HILL, ATHLET ICS DIRECTO R

Light rail makes it easier for the greater Charlotte community to enjoy all the resources of an urban research university, not only in terms of applied research and academics, but cultural amenities and a robust intercollegiate athletics program. UNC Charlotte Center City, beyond housing a number of the University’s key graduate programs and continuing education offerings, has proven to be an important convener of community-oriented events, programs, exhibits and more.

“A deep connection with the city and surrounding areas enables growth in internships, civic engagement and other forms of experiential learning,” said Lorden. “UNC Charlotte Center City has enabled partnerships that provide the basis for problem-oriented, community-engaged research valued by UNC Charlotte throughout its history.”

Invigorated pride in Niner Nation

UNC Charlotte was ready at the time of Dubois’ arrival to shed its longstanding reputation as a commuter or “suitcase” school and transition into

a place that students consider home. To do so, the chancellor presided over a number of initiatives that made possible a campus renewal that astounds Charlotteans, University alumni and prospective students and parents.

In the early 2000s, student leaders identified the need for a lively and inviting gathering place on campus. The chancellor and his executive team crafted plans to fund a new student union, now known as the Popp Martin Student Union.

Strategically located where the paths of thousands of students converge daily, the student union is headquarters for student engagement with access to more than 400 registered student organizations, up from approximately 245 when Dubois arrived as chancellor in 2005. It also houses several dining options, including the popular Crown Commons, meeting spaces for students, a movie theater, art gallery and Barnes & Noble at UNC Charlotte, not to mention Starbucks and other retail shops.

The University Recreation Center, which opened in January 2020, is adjacent.

More than 2.3 million visits were logged to the Popp Martin Student Union by students, faculty, staff and others in 2018-19. The highest-ever-usage day—when 20,156 constituents passed through its doors—was Aug. 20, 2019, the first day of classes for the fall semester.

A central hub on campus that has become a “living room” of sorts, the student union, which was ranked by Best College Values as one of the “30 Most Amazing Student Unions,” has fostered a noticeable sense of community among UNC Charlotte students.

“The Popp Martin Student Union provides a space on campus focused solely on enhancing educational, cultural and developmental social interaction through programs and events hosted by us, the student body,” said Chandler Crean, president of the Student Government Association for 2019- 20.

Major accomplishments of the Dubois Era Drove the work of two five-year institutional strategic plans, the Campus Master Plan for facilities development and land use, and nearly 20 studies to accommodate rapid enrollment growth

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Led the largest facility construction and renovation program in UNC Charlotte’s history, exceeding $1.2 billion (page 25)

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Created the Council on University Community and the Chancellor’s $150,000 Challenge Fund to support campus diversity activities and led the implementation of two five-year plans related to diversity, access and inclusion (page 24)

Supported the 2016 Connect North Carolina bond measure, influencing a favorable public vote and making possible funding for a new science building to open in 2021

Collaborated with elected officials and CATS leadership to make possible the construction of nearly 10 miles of light rail line from Uptown Charlotte to the UNC Charlotte campus (page 20)

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“Last August, we celebrated its 10-year anniversary; I can only imagine how student life looked before it opened. A student union is the core of campus life, which is what we needed for a university of our size, and Chancellor Dubois was committed to addressing the needs of the student body.”

49ers football kicks off

Collegiate football on the UNC Charlotte campus kicked off with the inaugural game on Aug. 31, 2013. Gridiron action continues to energize students, alumni and the community.

Retired athletics director Judy Rose said while the 49ers had explored football for several years, Chancellor Dubois made it happen. However, Rose noted, he was deliberate in his approach, conducting independent research and working with alumni, civic and community leaders to develop a plan that would make football feasible from a financial standpoint.

In just seven years, the Charlotte 49ers, competing first as an FCS independent team, then moving to FBS as members of Conference USA, made their first post-season appearance, playing in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl in December 2019.

“There is no question that our recent competitive ascent is because of the support of Chancellor Dubois,” said Athletics Director Mike Hill. “We would not have been able to hire Ron Sanchez, Will Healy and all of our great coaches without him.

He understands the value of athletics and how they can be fuel to help propel the institution. Athletics enhances campus life for our students and University community, and it engages and inspires our alumni and

Led the plan to start a Division I FCS-level football program in 2013 and its entry into Conference USA at the FBS level in 2015 (page 28); and for establishing a drum corps and marching band

friends, rallying them around the collective pride of Niner Nation.”

Gene Johnson ’73, the first alumnus to chair the University’s Board of Trustees and as the current chair of Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte, has worked closely with Dubois. He credits Dubois’ leadership in transforming the campus.

“The University is not the same place it was,” said Johnson. “Look at the incredible breadth and depth of our academic programs, especially those at the graduate level. Our athletics program has grown, and the student experience is much-changed. And through it all, Phil has led with integrity.”

Leading through difficult times

The economic downturn of 2008, the campus shooting in 2019, and most recently, the coronavirus global pandemic required extraordinary responses from the University.

Dubois steered the course by focusing on the people affected the most, applying the same compassionate leadership he demonstrated at the University of Wyoming in October 1998 when gay student Matthew Shepard was murdered in a hate crime, and, again in September 2001, when eight student-athletes died in a car accident.

“My simple rule is to keep focused on the families of the injured or dead and not get too distracted by all the other issues … Focus on the needs of the families and how to support them,” said Dubois.

During the Great Recession, Dubois managed campus affairs under the mantra “hope for the best, plan for the worst.”

During the worst of the economic recession, the University lost more than $53 million

Oversaw UNC Charlotte’s largest private fundraising campaign that met its goal to raise $200 million. The campaign included support to create the Levine Scholars Program and 10 new endowed chairs and professorships

Oversaw implementation of 10 bachelor’s, 17 master’s, 10 doctoral and multiple graduate certificates; externally funded research awards achieved a record level in 2019, reaching nearly $51 million (page 22)

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in state appropriations with minimal cuts in employee positions and modest tuition increases. In doing so, UNC Charlotte fared better than the majority of UNC System schools.

The April 30 campus shooting seemed inconceivable, but it left two students killed and four injured. Dubois again would place the needs of the students affected and their families as the priority. The University’s response resonated with the campus and the community. The chancellor recently spoke of the vigil held May 1, 2019. He said the memory of the scene endures. “It was both tragic and gratifying that our students, faculty, staff and the community could come together.”

Finally, the coronavirus pandemic of spring 2020 necessitated unprecedented actions to mitigate the spread of the disease. Dubois, acting in the best interests of the campus community, quickly adopted social distancing practices for the University. Traditional classes became virtual, and teleworking was implemented for employees.

“None of the achievements of the past 15 years would have been possible without the talent and commitment of our faculty and staff, and the generous contributions of time and treasure from our trustees, campus advisory boards, alumni, friends, and community partners,” said Dubois.

“We have celebrated great times together, and we’ve also weathered difficult times. If adversity makes one stronger, then Niner Nation is stronger than ever.”

Phillip Brown is assistant director of internal communications in University Communications and editor of this publication.

Created the Office of Parent and Family Services, Scholarship Office, Call Center, Transfer Student Center, Niner Central and the Office of Undergraduate Research

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Collaborated with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to create two “early colleges” for grades 9 through 13—one whose focus is science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and one for students interested in teaching

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Uptown Legacy The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City

BY PAU L N OW E L L

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NC Charlotte, whose presence in uptown Charlotte is marked by its distinctive, 11-story glass structure at the corner of 9th and Brevard Streets, recognized the legacy of retiring Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and First Lady Lisa Lewis Dubois by renaming the University’s Center City Building in their honor. With this update, the building, regarded as a centerpiece to Dubois’ 15-year term as chancellor, will be known as The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City (The Dubois Center).

The $50.4 million facility, which opened in fall 2011, is the only University of North Carolina classroom building conceived and designed specifically to serve the business, organizations and people of an urban center.

Its 25 state-of-the-art classrooms and design

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studios accommodate more than 1,300 students annually who earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees in business, architecture, urban design, education, public administration or health administration, plus about 2,600 more who participate in certificate and other continuing education options. In addition, The Projective Eye Gallery, located near the lobby, regularly exhibits the work of artists known locally, nationally and internationally.

“Phil came to me with this audacious idea of starting a new campus right in the middle of uptown Charlotte,” said Erskine Bowles, who was the UNC System’s president when the concept was first proposed. “Over time we were able to convince the legislature this building could make an enormous difference, that it could

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drive business and opportunities for Charlotte and the region for decades to come.”

Proximity to the University’s highly ranked part-time MBA evening program, acclaimed Master of Public Administration program and continuing education programs for those who live and work uptown, as well as to more than 1,800 University, corporate and community events every year fulfill Dubois’ original vision to elevate the University’s profile in the Charlotte region and beyond.

“We knew we needed to have a more substantial and visible presence,” Dubois said. “That led to the decision to make our No. 1 campus construction priority a new building in Center City.”

Dubois’ foresight has been confirmed by the subsequent development of the surrounding neighborhood, which includes installation of popular First Ward Park, positioned between The Dubois Center and the city’s thriving business district, and a new light rail station, which provides a direct connection to the University’s main campus in University City. (Trains make 100 stops daily at the two UNC Charlotte stations.)

Throughout the city, including on the main campus, there is evidence of the civic contributions of Lisa Lewis Dubois, efforts that extend far beyond the traditional role of a university first lady. A passion for providing a platform for women led to serving as co-chair of the CharlotteMecklenburg Women’s Summit, whose outcomes guided the implementation of the Women+Girls Research Alliance, which collaborates as a University entity with the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. Her imprint is evident on numerous education and cultural efforts that have made a difference in the lives of countless Charlotteans.

“The legacy of Chancellor Phil Dubois and First Lady Lisa Lewis Dubois is not limited to their leadership within the walls of the UNC Charlotte campus,” said Michael L. Wilson, ’93, chair of the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees.

“They have worked diligently to connect UNC Charlotte to the greater Charlotte community; as the city grew, UNC Charlotte grew with it.”

For the chancellor, The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City is more than just a building; it’s an embodiment of the reputation earned as North Carolina’s urban research university.

“The change in the University’s visibility has paid real dividends,” Dubois said. “I feel

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Erskine Bowles championed the chancellor’s vision for UNC Charlotte to have a visible footprint in the heart of the Queen City.

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good about leaving UNC Charlotte in a strong position as an integral partner in this great city.”

UNC Charlotte Center City provided an anchor for neighborhood development; University, government and community leaders participated in the groundbreaking for First Ward Park.

To read more about the Dubois’ leadership at UNC Charlotte, visit inside.uncc.edu/the-dubois-legacy.

Paul Nowell is a senior communications manager for University Communications.

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Light rail’s connection fuels future growth

BY JARED MOON

“B

efore Philip L. Dubois, the northern extension of the light rail line was dead in its tracks,” said former Gov. Pat McCrory, who was Charlotte’s mayor from 1995 to 2006.

In the mid-1990s, McCrory and others had initiated the vision, strategy and funding to extend the city’s light rail from Uptown to University City. After nearly a decade of planning, it had become clear that without UNC Charlotte as a partner, there would be no way for the city to qualify for the federal funding that was necessary for the project.

Fortuitously, the overall strategic vision of the University’s new chancellor, Philip L. Dubois, included deepening the University’s

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connections with the Queen City. During his first week as chancellor, Dubois visited McCrory at his office in Uptown Charlotte as a courtesy call to reintroduce himself to the mayor.

“Phil saw the vision immediately, the importance to campus and the connectivity to Charlotte,” said McCrory. “I was able to go back to Washington, D.C., and say that UNC Charlotte was on board, guaranteeing 50 percent funding for the extension.”

When the first light rail train pulled into the UNC Charlotte Main Station in March 2018, it marked the culmination of nearly two decades of committed collaboration, constant dedication and tireless hard work by Dubois and countless city, state and federal partners, including McCrory, who went on to serve as

North Carolina’s governor from 2013 to 2017, to bring the project from concept to reality.

It’s easy to see how light rail access has forever changed daily campus life. Students access the city’s business, cultural and entertainment offerings with the ease of a short train ride. And Charlotte residents throughout the city are granted a convenient link to a variety of opportunities located on campus.

“Of the three most significant decisions I’ve made as Chancellor—including building the Center City campus and launching football—implementing light rail is the most transformational project for the future of UNC Charlotte,” said Dubois.

Jared Moon is features manager for University Communications.

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EPIC’s High Bay Lab enables researchers to conduct large-scale structural design and testing.

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Academics and research expand to meet regional needs

BY PHILLIP BROWN

L

ike 40 percent of UNC Charlotte undergraduates, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois was a first-generation college student; first, as an undergraduate at the University of California, Davis, then as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He knows firsthand the power of a college degree to transform lives and the opportunities that public universities offer toward upward mobility.

In fact, it was access to public education that provided the foundation for his career. After completing a doctorate in political science, Dubois 22 UNC CHARLOTTE magazine

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joined the faculty at UC Davis, rising through academic and administrative ranks to full professor and various administrative posts, including associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.

When he became UNC Charlotte’s chancellor in 2005—after serving as its provost from 1991-97 followed by eight years as president of the University of Wyoming—he was eager to undertake what his predecessor Jim Woodward described as “the best job in higher education.”

At that time, UNC Charlotte was perched on the precipice of unprecedented growth—in enrollment, academic programming and research. Between 2005 and 2019, enrollment expanded from 20,772 to

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29,615, with graduate students making up more than 5,000 of the total, including a record 1,073 doctoral students in 2019. During the same period, the University added 37 new degree programs: 10 bachelor’s, 17 master’s and 10 doctoral.

“By the time I retire on June 30, we will have awarded 96,000 degrees during my chancellorship,” said Dubois. “This means 96,000 lives made better.”

New programs address workforce demands

Dubois has been intentional in engaging with Charlotte leaders to confirm the workforce needs of a city on the move—and develop programs that align with them. Three initiatives implemented under his leadership stand out for propelling the University’s academic and research capacity and boosting its value as a regional partner: The Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) was conceived to respond to growing regional energy industry demand in the early 2000s for engineers—and as an academic and research program for energy solutions through applied investigations. Today, EPIC is regarded as an energy think tank, where regional business partners turn for creative solutions, and as a vital engine driving Charlotte’s efforts to become “America’s New Energy Center.”

The Data Science Initiative (DSI) began in 2013 as a result of grant funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and the UNC Board of Governors. In January 2020, DSI transitioned to become the Carolinas’ first School of Data Science (SDS) (page 34). Its interdisciplinary approach recognizes the evolution of data science and the need for multiple skill sets among business managers, social scientists, statisticians and health analysts.

An SDS priority is to provide intellectual capital and outreach activities to meet employers’ needs for interpreting and applying data.

The Partnership, Outreach, and Research to Accelerate Learning (PORTAL) building spurs business growth and job creation, promotes research and innovation, and supports Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its location near J.W. Clay Blvd./UNC Charlotte Station, one of two CATS light rail stops that serve the campus, promotes collaboration with nearby UNC Charlotte research centers for bioinformatics, metrology, motorsports, biomedical, optoelectronics and energy production.

UNC Charlotte’s Bioinformatics Building

Since 2014, PORTAL has served as a launching pad for entrepreneurial endeavors (i.e. Saprex Advanced Solutions on the 2019 INC 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States), illustrating the University’s commitment to helping the region’s entrepreneurs harness the power of an urban research university.

Building research capacity to drive innovation Strategic investment between 2005 and 2019 in research facilities and infrastructure, and the recruitment of distinguished and productive researchers and scholars have established UNC Charlotte’s strong research culture.

“By the time I retire on June 30, we will have awarded 96,000 degrees during my chancellorship. This means 96,000 lives made better.”

Research capacity widens

– P H I L I P L . DU BOI S

Since 2005, research awards received by UNC Charlotte faculty have more than doubled, exceeding $51 million in 2019, and the University ranks third in the UNC System and fifth in North Carolina for research expenditures.

The University’s achievements are consistently recognized among the top five in the United States for the number of patents issued and the number of new startup companies formed based on research dollars expended.

Richard Tankersley, vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development, describes UNC Charlotte as “well-positioned to play an increasingly significant role in the innovation economy of the state and nation, and continue to make lasting, positive contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Charlotte region.”

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Toward a more inclusive campus

BY PHILLIP BROWN

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NC Charlotte is preparing its graduates to become leaders and thriving citizens in a pluralistic and multicultural society,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “We should provide students opportunities to interact with individuals from different backgrounds as well as to engage them in a range of ideas and perspectives.”

Beginning with his 2006 installation, Dubois identified campus diversity and inclusion as a priority. He announced reconstituting the Council on University Community (CUC), composed of members of his Cabinet, to accelerate efforts. The CUC developed the UNC Charlotte Plan for Campus Diversity, Access and Inclusion, the institution’s first comprehensive diversity plan, and guides divisions as they work toward their goals.

The Chancellor’s Diversity Challenge Fund, a grant program that supports programs to broaden campus and community exposure to the dimensions of diversity, underscores Dubois’ intentions. So far, more than $1.36 million in funding has supported the development of related campus programs.

Grants have supported programming related to gender equity and gender expression, age, class, culture, differing physical and learning abilities, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and veteran status.

Thousands of students have attended 325-plus workshops, lectures, presentations, films and performances made possible by this funding.

“Diversity enriches the educational experience for all students, and in an ever-increasing interconnected global environment, it’s crucial for students to learn from those whose experiences differ from theirs,” said Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “In addition, Chancellor Dubois has acted upon recommendations from students to change single-use bathrooms across campus to gender-neutral ones.”

Preparing students to succeed

The Organizational Science Summer Institute (OSSI) — This oneweek program primes undergraduate students from underrepresented populations to attend graduate school through intensive learning, GRE preparation, research activities and networking opportunities.

Sophomore Ashley Rankin said it helped solidify her career prospects.

“Even though the goals and interests of the participants were different, we all had the same overarching interest in organizational studies and the desire to prepare for future careers. OSSI put graduate study into perspective and gave me an idea about what I would have to do to prepare,” she said.

Dismantling racism Racial Equity Workshops and Racial Equity Skill Building Caucus — These sessions on campus and in the community enable participants to increase their knowledge of how to build racial equity by reflecting on their beliefs and practicing new skills. “Diversity, access, inclusion, anti-racism, intersectionality and equity are 24 UNC CHARLOTTE magazine

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complex concepts. It takes time to raise awareness of these terms and even longer to build trust so authentic truths can be shared,” said Social Work Professor Susan McCarter, the workshops’ organizer.

Participants have called them eye opening. Mary Webb from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools said, “What I thought I knew and believed about racism was challenged by the information presented.

It challenges me to review my own thinking to improve the futures of our children of color. Racism means something completely different to me now.”

Work continues

“We have made significant progress in creating and sustaining an inclusive campus environment that values people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas,” said Dubois. “But we have more work to do.”

To speed the CUC’s work, the Council on University Community Working Group (CCWG) was formed in 2017 to raise the visibility, coordination and impact of the diversity plan. The CCWG oversees and coordinates diversity programming within Academic Affairs and coordinates with other divisions to advise the provost on how resources, policies and practices can be used to advance goals related to diversity.

Chance Lewis, the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education, chairs the CCWG as the institution’s inaugural Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Access and Inclusion. “Positive change happens when stakeholders from throughout the University have a seat at the table of decision-making,” he said.

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Unprecedented Campus Growth

BY PHILLIP BROWN

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ore than five million square feet of space—the equivalent of nearly six Bank of America Corporate Centers (Charlotte’s largest structure)—have been added to UNC Charlotte’s campus under Chancellor Philip L. Dubois’ visionary leadership.

Since 2005, UNC Charlotte has invested more than $1.2 billion in new facilities to meet the growing demand for access to higher education that has helped fuel the region’s economic growth. Because the University plays a key role in providing workforce talent for Charlotte, a metropolitan hub for finance, business, technology and energy industries, these capital investments are vital to the region’s sustained ability to compete for resources and talent.

Experiential learning spaces in new and renovated classroom buildings, advanced laboratories in research centers, collaborative spaces to foster entrepreneurial ventures, and the light rail extension are examples of the University’s efforts to reshape how students learn and how faculty members conduct important applied research and to connect to the greater Charlotte community.

In the heart of Uptown, the University opened UNC Charlotte Center City in 2011. It houses a number of the University’s graduate programs, convenient for working professionals in Uptown, and the Continuing Education Office, which offers a wealth of professional development opportunities.

The chancellor presided over the addition of several campus amenities designed to equip students with skills to thrive emotionally, physically and socially. A number of new residence halls have transformed South Village and other housing areas on campus. The Popp Martin Student Union has become the hub of campus life.

And the adjacent University Recreation Center is dedicated solely to students’ health and wellness. A state-of-the-art Student Health Center, which opened in 2007, and the Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, dedicated in October 2017, also address the importance of health and well-being to the success of any UNC Charlotte student.

Growth in Charlotte 49ers athletics necessitated additional campus facilities, including the Robert and Miriam Hayes Baseball Stadium, Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex and Jerry Richardson Stadium and its accompanying Judy W. Rose Football Center.

Under construction are a new science building, possible through the Connect NC bond referendum championed by the chancellor, and the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The science building will reshape the way science is taught and studied at North Carolina’s urban research university. And the conference center will bring to Charlotte research symposia and academic conferences that the city currently cannot accommodate. Adding first-class conference space to University City, Charlotte’s second-largest employment hub, is projected to generate new business for the city’s nearby hotels and retailers.

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BUILDING A CAMPUS OF DISTINCTION

Chancellor Dubois presided over $1.2 billion in construction and renovation projects adding 5,030,546 square feet of space to campus.

College of Health and Human Services

Popp Martin Student Union

Harris Alumni Center

2006

2007

Bioinformatics

2008

2009

2011

2012

Motorsports 2 North Deck

Student Health Center

Miltimore Hall

Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium

Judy W. Rose Football Center UNC Charlotte Center City

Main Entrance Dickson Gate

Jerry Richardson Stadium Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex CRI Deck EPIC Hunt Hall

South Village Dining Laurel Hall Hauser Alumni Pavilion Johnson Band Center

Belk Hall

CATS Blue Line Extension Light Rail Stations Facilities Operations and Parking Services Complex and Receiving and Stores Warehouse Union Deck Expansion Baseball Indoor Training Facility

2013

2014

2015

2017

2018

2019

2020

Levine Hall Martin Hall South Village Deck

Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

PORTAL Softball Indoor Training Facility Popp Gate Gage Undergraduate Admissions Center

P HO T O S BY WA DE BRUT ON A ND K AT L AW R E NC E

University Recreation Center

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49ers Football: Elevating the University’s profile

BY SUSAN MESSINA

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reeting fans after practices and games, marking success with the turnover “Dunk Can,” and post-win locker room “Club Lit” celebrations.

These traditions are fast becoming part of Charlotte 49ers football lore—for a team that emerged eight short seasons ago and is quickly becoming known as much for its off-field esprit de corps as its gridiron grit. It is a team that prior to the 2019 season posted an overall 22-48 win-loss record—and then capped its most recent one with a bowl game appearance.

From its 2013 start, 49ers football steadily has

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helped raise UNC Charlotte’s profile throughout the city and region. Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, knowing the potential of high-profile sports to create overall awareness for their University among prospective students, community and business leaders, local fans and alumni, made introducing football (and creating the infrastructure to support it) a strategic priority.

That included raising funds for and constructing the Football Stadium Complex, which comprises 15,000-seat Jerry Richardson Stadium (expandable to 40,000 seats); the Judy W. Rose Football Center; McColl-Richardson Field and practice fields as well as press and university boxes; television and radio booths; a field house for coaches offices, meeting

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rooms, locker rooms, and weight and training rooms; an academic center and hospitality deck.

Since the arrival in December 2018 of head coach Will Healy, the program’s promise has seemed realistically attainable.

Regarded throughout college sports as a “coach to watch,” Healy exudes undeniable, electric energy that has been noted even by Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s legendary football leader. He is known as a motivator who not only celebrates big wins with post-game “Club Lit” revelry, but makes a point of elevating players’ everyday, incremental progress. The team cites Healy’s enthusiasm as a factor in its winning attitude and the season outcomes that led to competing in the 2019 Makers Wanted Bahama Bowl.

“Coach Healy emphasizes passion, energy and just being yourself,” senior running back Benny LeMay (page 48) told the Charlotte Post at the start of last season, “We play this game to have fun and enjoy it ... I’m loving it.”

Early struggles led to eventual collective and individual successes. The team finished the 2019 season 7-6. And four 49ers have been drafted by NFL teams, including Larry Ogunjobi (2017), Cleveland Browns; Nate Davis (2019), Tennessee Titans; and in April 2020, Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers; and Cameron Clark, New York Jets. (Benny LeMay was picked up by the Browns as a free agent.)

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season due to coronavirus, season tickets are in demand, the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band hopes to take the field and student and alumni fans are eager to cheer on their 49ers. To read more about 49ers football, visit: charlotte49ers.com/ sports/football.

Susan Messina is director of news and information for University Communications.

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Slamming the football into the “dunk can” is part of the celebratory experience encouraged by head coach Will Healy during football practices.

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Ryan Honeyman

49ers Football Pride Points 2013-20 ACADEMIC STRENGTH • 81 Football team graduates • 535 Total mentions to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll (3.0 semester) • 219 Total mentions to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll (3.0 cumulative GPA) ATHLETIC POWER • 33 All-Conference USA selections • 1 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) bid • 4 NFL Draft Picks

FAN FERVOR • 561,333 Total fans at home games • 36,506 Total season tickets holders • ~1,000 Niner Nation fans at first bowl game.

Wade Bruton

Will Healy’s arrival as head coach in December 2018 brought sustainable energy to the 49ers; he led the team to its first postseason appearance—the 2019 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.

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Wade Bruton

Lisa Lewis Dubois’ influence on UNC Charlotte and the broader community, according to Philip L. Dubois, made him “a better chancellor.”

First Partner

University, community benefited from Lisa Lewis Dubois’ counsel

BY J O N N E L L E D AV I S

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isa Lewis Dubois was 6 or 7 years old when her parents signed her up for tap and ballet lessons. For weeks and weeks she practiced in her tutu, “tap dancing my little heart out.”

And then came the recital. “I thought I was great!” Dubois recalled recently. Her father thought differently.

“Afterward, my dad came up to me and he said, ‘Honey, we’re going to concentrate on math.’ I never saw a tutu again!”

She wasn’t much of a dancer, but she didn’t have to be. One of the many things Dubois’ father taught her was that she could be whatever she wanted. So she chose to become a lawyer like him.

“He treated me as a complete equal and with respect,” she said. “I didn’t understand the

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difference between boys and girls in terms of being able to succeed.”

Because of this lesson, Dubois enjoyed a long career as a criminal appellate attorney with the California Attorney General’s Office, as legal counsel to the speaker of the California State Assembly and later, a law instructor at the University of Wyoming.

Of course, that was before she became UNC Charlotte’s first lady. But the experiences have been similar, Dubois observed.

“In both cases you have to plan well in advance, you have to interact with people, you have to do your homework,” said Dubois, who earned undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she met UNC

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Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, when they were students. “It’s a little bit different when you’re an attorney. You’re researching for a case, and writing an appellate brief and arguing before a court. But, as first lady, I’m interacting with students and with donors and families and faculty and staff, and you need to do your homework ahead of time for that as well.”

Strengthening women

Equality was big in the Lewis household.

Dubois’ mother was a stay-at-home mom, also an “incredible” interior designer, entertainer and cook who made sure Dubois, as well as her brothers, learned to cook.

Having been raised as a strong woman, Dubois has tried during her life and career to uplift other women and level the playing field for them.

“We all have felt in our lives the need for greater equity and parity in pay, in coming to the table in the corporate world, in the business world,” Dubois said. “Women have to be our own best friends, and they are my best friends. And if we can help all women achieve greater parity and become president of the United States some day I think we’d be a heck of a lot better off.”

Dubois brought that attitude, along with her skills as a litigator, to UNC Charlotte where, not even a full year into her job as first lady in 2006, she helped found and chair the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Women’s Summit.

Dubois organized task forces to analyze data in five critial areas: health, poverty, violence against women, work and politics. Each task force identified indicators to assess the status and trends affecting women in each area, defined measures for each indicator and determined whether data were available.

One of the problems Dubois said the summit uncovered was the pay disparity between women and men. She said data revealed that women typically fail to negotiate their first salaries, while men do, leading to about a million dollar loss in pay over women’s working lifetimes.

The inaugural Women’s Summit was held two years later to present the findings to more than 600 business and community leaders. A year later, the summit launched the Women’s Summit Economic Impact Series, featuring symposia, workshops and public forums to address the

Kat Lawrence

At holiday time, Dubois invited Charlotte’s female leaders to contribute to Kids First of the Carolinas, as part of her annual Christmas luncheon at Bissell House.

effect of the then-current economic environment for women.

Dubois’ goal was to have the summit’s work become a part of the University. Today it is known as the Women+Girls Research Alliance, a partner of UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute. This partnership offers new opportunities for funding research and educational activities.

“I’ve always been passionate about women’s and children’s issues,” Dubois said. “And when we got here there was a small group of women who were extremely interested in the CharlotteMecklenburg area with respect to the lack of research done on issues surrounding women and girls. And because of my background in legal training, I understood that we needed data and evidence. You have to base your requests for change on research and evidence. And so that was kind of the perfect segue to come to the University, come to me to see if we could get that done, and we did.”

Betty Chafin Rash, co-founder of the CharlotteMecklenburg Women’s Summit, said of Dubois, “I can truly say that whatever the situation, she continuously emerges as a leader because she’s always prepared, emphasizes collaboration and brings out the best in people.”

“Women have to be our own best friends, and they are my best friends. And if we can help all women achieve greater parity and become president of the United States some day I think we’d be a heck of a lot better off.”

– L I SA DU BO I S

Family first

Dubois was a 20-year-old undergraduate when she met the 22-year-old Philip L. Dubois, a Summer 2020

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Carolina would require her to retake the bar exam. She realized that she just couldn’t do it all.

Dubois left the courtroom but did not give up law completely. When the couple left Charlotte in 1997 for Dubois to take the job as president of the University of Wyoming, she became an adjunct professor of a very familiar subject: criminal appellate law. She taught for seven years.

“It was fun to get back into the law,” she said.

‘Perfect Environment’

Wade Bruton

political science graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in 1972. He was the “dreamiest Californian” she’d ever seen, complete with long blond hair and sideburns.

“He asked me to marry him after three months,” she said. “It was crazy. We didn’t get married for another five years. It was kind of love at first sight.”

But it wasn’t until Dubois was offered the job as provost at UNC Charlotte in 1991 that Lisa Dubois knew her life was about to change. She had been “very actively” practicing law for 15 years. The couple had three children, the youngest just a year old, and she wanted to raise them herself, rather than hire a nanny. The move to North

Dubois’ many campus and civic accomplishments were recognized by UNC Charlotte with the naming of the Philip L. and Lisa Lewis Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.

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This former prosecutor’s personality lends itself to many talents. Known as warm and friendly, graceful and kind, she easily found her place to shine at UNC Charlotte.

“She has been a dedicated and effective community leader and a role model and inspiration to UNC Charlotte students and young alumni and has been instrumental in UNC Charlotte’s extraordinary transformation into a research university with nearly 30,000 students,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles in December 2019 when honoring Dubois with a citation for her leadership and service to the community.

Dubois served twice on the Arts & Science Council board and also chaired the Public Art Commission, where she led efforts to install public art across the community, including in Romare Bearden Park and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. She also served for six years on the board of directors of Communities in Schools, a program that helps support and empower students to remain in school.

For Dubois, meeting interesting people— faculty, staff, students, donors or speakers who visit campus—has made her job at the University easy. She said working in this setting has been rewarding.

“We are in just the perfect environment for interacting with fascinating people,” Dubois said.

“How lucky is that?”

Interacting with others is one of the things Dubois does best. As first lady, she has made it her mission to help community members interact seamlessly with the campus, namely the families of students enrolled here.

Dubois said upon returning to the UNC Charlotte campus in 2005, she noticed there seemed to be a disconnect between parents and

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the University. That was an adjustment with the couple having come from the University of Wyoming, a school founded in 1886 with deep connections between the campus and families with students attending the institution.

To bridge the connection between families and the UNC Charlotte campus, Dubois helped establish what is now known as the Office of Parent and Family Services and hosted the annual Family Day Brunch. She makes a point of greeting each and every family member who attends.

“Phil and I shake hands with every single one of them as they come in the door, and that’s, again, so rewarding,” she said.

“You look in the faces of a proud parent of a senior, and they shake your hand and they say, ‘Thank you, my child has had a wonderful experience.’”

Partners Starting Over

Dubois attributes being able to do her job so well to having a partner who listens to her.

“We’ve always had a partnership,” she said of her husband. “He respects my opinion, and I respect his opinion.”

She’s constantly on alert for him, whether about maintenance issues she notices during their strolls on campus, or articles he misses because he’s too busy to read the newspaper.

Dubois said he’s a better chancellor because of his wife.

“Someone once told me you need someone close to you to tell you when you’ve stepped in it,” Dubois said. “And if I’ve stepped in it, she’ll let me know in a nice way, and that’s important that you avoid making the same mistake twice.”

Dubois will miss the people at UNC Charlotte and the vibrant academic and greater community. But she is excited to spend more time with the entire Dubois family, which includes sons Taylor and Logan, Logan’s wife Kimberleigh and grandsons Brooks and Leo; and daughter Ali and son-in-law Owais Merchant.

Jonnelle Davis is advancement communications coordinator for University Communications.

In this 2015 family photo, Chancellor Dubois and his wife, Lisa, are with their son Logan and his wife, Kimberleigh; their son, Taylor; and their daughter Ali.

Dubois Legacy Scholarship As Chancellor Philip L. Dubois prepares to retire, his family, friends and supporters recognize the countless contributions he and First Lady Lisa Lewis Dubois made to UNC Charlotte.

The Dubois’ children, Logan, Taylor, and Ali, inspired by their parents’ leadership, have established an endowed scholarship to honor their legacy.

The Philip L. Dubois and Lisa Lewis Dubois Legacy Scholarship will be earmarked for a nontraditional student with demonstrated financial need, preferably a first-generation college student from North Carolina.

With knowledge that their dad credits much of his life’s direction to the opportunity to attend a state university as a first-generation college student—and, in general, the number of lives that are changed by similar experiences—this particular focus

offers a fitting tribute to cap his tenure at UNC Charlotte.

“UNC Charlotte has become a part of our family,” Logan Dubois, Taylor Dubois and Ali Dubois Merchant said in a joint statement. “The three of us wanted to do something special for our parents to celebrate their time here and to always keep our family connected to Niner Nation; we decided the best way to do that would be to establish a scholarship in their name at UNC Charlotte.

“We are so proud of all they have accomplished here and hope this scholarship will continue the Dubois legacy.”

The first awards from The Philip L. Dubois and Lisa Lewis Dubois Legacy Scholarship will be distributed in 2021.

To support the scholarship, visit giving.uncc.edu.

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First in the Carolinas UNC Charlotte launches interdisciplinary School of Data Science

BY K AT I E T H O M A S

Since 2013, UNC Charlotte, recognizing the role data science plays in a number of disciplines and organizations, has made it a focused institutional priority. What started as The Data Science Initiative has expanded to become UNC Charlotte’s School of Data Science, a truly interdisciplinary effort that this fall will offer both undergraduate and graduate programs as well as graduate certificates designed to meet the specific growing needs of employers in Charlotte, North Carolina and nationwide.

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n the William Ribarsky Center for Visual Analytics, Samira Shaikh is deploying state-of-the-art language processing techniques to string together heterogeneous data for analysis.

Shaikh, an assistant professor of computer science in the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI), College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) and School of Data Science (SDS), is part of a strategic team led by political scientist Jason Windett, associate professor for the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, working on the Federal Data and Advanced Statistics Hub (F-DASH).

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator program project aims to develop an easy-to-search data hub where journalists, researchers, legislative staff members and ordinary citizens can discover information about issues such as water quality, land-use or the opioid crisis—and the policy decisions that shape them.

“We want to provide the American people with an advancement in science that they can understand,” said Windett. “The issue of transparency and availability of our government has been a hot topic over the last few decades, especially as policies are affecting our communities. We want to make this tool so people can become more informed not just about what’s going on in their state but across the entire country.”

“Data science plays a huge role in this project by allowing us to draw insights from unstructured data,” said Shaikh. “With data dating back to the 1950s, we can really make a difference in terms of evidence-based policy making.”

The F-Dash research team, Rick Hudson, Samira Shaikh, Jason Windett, Gordon Hull and Stephanie Moller, is developing a nationwide database that consolidates information from separate sources.

Strike while the iron is hot As the field continues to play a prominent role in more industries, jobs in data science are outstretching the number of qualified candidates, and are projected to continue to do so. UNC Charlotte has responded to this challenge by establishing the first interdisciplinary School of Data Science (SDS) in the Carolinas.

Interdisciplinary by design, the SDS is led by Executive Director Doug Hague, center, with input from the deans of represented colleges: Nancy Gutierrez, CLAS; Fatma Mili, CCI; Provost Joan Lorden; Catrine Tudor-Locke, CHHS; and Jennifer Troyer, Belk College.

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“OUR VISION FOR DATA SCIENCE FROM THE BEGINNING HAS BEEN INTERDISCIPLINARY; IT REQUIRES EXPERTISE IN ONE OR MORE FIELDS OF STUDY.” –P ROVOST J OAN LO RD E N

The January 2020 launch of SDS resulted from more than eight years of collaboration among the University, the University of North Carolina System and the region’s business leaders. At its core are the College of Computing and Informatics, the Belk College of Business, the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. UNC Charlotte’s multidisciplinary approach recognizes the evolution of data science across a wide swath of industries and the need for multiple skill sets to interpret and create meaning from data.

“While many programs in data science are located in a specific college or department, our vision for data science from the beginning has been interdisciplinary,” said Joan Lorden, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “To apply the tools of data science effectively, it’s important to understand the nature of the questions that are being asked, and that requires expertise in one or more fields of study.”

Game-changing Research

In 2013, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois focused on several key strategic initiatives, including UNC Charlotte’s Data Science Initiative (DSI). At the time DSI was one of six game-changing research proposals funded by the North Carolina General Assembly and the UNC Board of Governors. The School of Data Science represents the next step of the University’s focus on data science research and academic programming.

The initiative established two Professional Science Master’s programs: Health Informatics and Analytics and Data Science and Business Analytics. Both programs have shown steady growth during the past eight years, producing more than 500 graduates and a current combined total of 260 enrolled students.

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benefit from as well as contribute to a world that is increasingly technology-focused, data rich and interdisciplinary in nature,” said Mirsad Hadzikadic, director of CCI’s Complex Systems Institute and DSI’s founding executive director. “At the forefront of data science’s nascent interdisciplinary direction, SDS is positioned to contribute to the field’s knowledge base and the economic prosperity of not only the region but the entire globe.”

Data science at UNC Charlotte originally earned the support of regional business partners due to its leadership in developing programs that provide a pipeline for highly skilled data science talent— and for serving as an expert resource for continuing education and external research. Corporations, such as Bank of America, Lowe’s Inc., Wells Fargo, TIAA and Microsoft, are relying on SDS to foster well-rounded leaders who are prepared to help drive data science innovation.

“I have been involved in this journey with UNC Charlotte for more than a decade, starting with designing the curriculum when Chancellor Dubois first made data science a priority,” said Ned Caroll, senior managing director, chief data officer for TIAA. “It has been amazing to see the outcomes of this focus come alive with professional certificates and graduate programs. UNC Charlotte has demonstrated a culture of innovation and agility in not only responding to the regional business community needs but also creating a pull for other organizations to look at this region.”

UNC Charlotte faculty engaged in data science-related research have received nearly $20 million in state and industry funding since 2013. And the Seed Grants for Data Science program has awarded more than $100,000 to UNC Charlotte researchers to help nurture early-stage

research in the field and foster crossdisciplinary collaborations.

Thinking Future, Thinking Forward

To expand efforts for meeting the soaring demand for qualified data science professionals, in April 2020, SDS launched North Carolina’s first undergraduate program in data science. In 2018, the United States experienced a shortage of 151,000 data scientists, a gap that is expected to leap to 250,000 by 2025. A report commissioned

by UNC Charlotte to explore the job market for data science graduates in North Carolina revealed that positions requiring competencies in data science more than doubled—from 2,337 to 4,777—in the last year alone.

“Communities and corporations are struggling to fill positions related to data and data science,” said Doug Hague, executive director for SDS. “The undergraduate program in data science will demonstrate to hiring managers and corporate leaders that UNC Charlotte graduates are prepared immediately for the roles they’ve identified as critical to the success of their businesses. As the world continues to shift toward digital, our graduates will lead the way in developing a better, more fair, and more efficient utilization of the resources of their employers and their community.”

Careers for graduates who earn SDS bachelor’s degrees include data science engineer, data analyst, research engineer, data science developer, to name only a few. To meet employer requirements, students will be able to take courses in machine learning, data analysis, statistics, data visualization, and central to SDS principles, ethics related to the field of data science.

To learn more, visit datascience.uncc.edu.

Katie Thomas is manager of communications and marketing for the School of Data Science.

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Analytics alumni offer industry perspective UNC Charlotte alumni J. Daniel Buchenberger ’18 M.S. and Anjali Khushalani ’18 M.S. ’19 M.S. are data analytics professionals who earned degrees through the University’s Data Science Initiative, the forerunner to the School of Data Science.

Buchenberger is a senior research analyst with the global market research firm Ipsos, and Khushalani is a data and analytics consultant for Ernst & Young’s Financial Service Organization.

For Buchenberger, who completed an M.S. in Health Informatics, UNC Charlotte’s blended approach to data science and health care was an attraction, as the health informatics program provides an opportunity to learn the technical skills required for data science while gaining domain expertise in health care.

Khushalani, originally a practicing dentist in India, said the University’s dual degree M.S. in Business Analytics and M.S. in Health Informatics program enabled her to learn more about the power of computation and predictive analysis on data. She found UNC Charlotte’s program the best for learning reproducible data analysis and collaborative problem solving through approachable instruction and group projects with students employed in various industries.

How did UNC Charlotte’s graduate program help launch or advance your career?

Buchenberger: The biggest benefit was the way I built relationships with my professors. Early on, I sat down with a few of them and asked the two or three most important skills I needed to acquire from the program. They provided a clear picture of requirements to work in the industry and assisted me in meeting my goals, including encouraging my involvement with the Health Analytics and Research Academy, an independent study that led to my first publication, and obtaining an internship that transitioned into my current job.

J. Daniel Buchenberger

Khushalani: My master’s degrees led me to become an expert—rather than a generalist—in my field, aware of the changing trends in analytics.

When I design a machine-learning model or perform data analysis, not only do I bring in the data and assess results, I have an awareness of policies related to privacy and security, as well as the ethical considerations involved.

What are your thoughts on the Data Science Initiative becoming the School of Data Science?

Khushalani: This resulted from visionary leadership. UNC Charlotte is moving the boundaries of what can be known about data science, and I am excited to see how the School of Data Science will fulfill the surging demand for data science professionals in the industry.

Buchenberger: With data science being a blend of domain, programming and statistics, the multidisciplinary nature of SDS will lead to an enriched curriculum for future students. The School of Data Science is truly a great achievement.

Anjali Khushalani

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Wade Bruton

On April 30, 2020, two wreaths were placed at the entrance to the Kennedy Building in memory of the students killed there last year.

A Virtual Remembrance

BY PHILLIP BROWN

U

NC Charlotte’s plans to mark the anniversary of the campus shooting of April 30, 2019, were altered drastically due to the global coronavirus.

The community concert, “United,” scheduled for the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and the campus vigils planned by UNC Charlotte student leaders were canceled, but the University utilized technology to bring together Niner Nation to remember and honor the saddest day in the history of the institution.

“United: A Remembrance Program” was broadcast on the afternoon of April 30. The 30-minute program was streamed live, starting at 5:10 p.m., timed to conclude at 5:40 p.m., the time of last spring’s tragedy. It featured comments from Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Kevin Bailey and Student Government Association president and vice president, Chandler Crean and Adela Mann. UNC Charlotte alumnus and CBS correspondent Don Dahler ’91, who had planned to host the original, live concert, introduced special elements of the virtual remembrance.

“On this day, one year ago, we experienced the unimaginable when a gunman opened fire in one of our classrooms, taking the lives of two students and injuring four others,” said 38 UNC CHARLOTTE magazine

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Dubois. “In the days and weeks that followed, we mourned the loss of Reed (Parlier) and Riley (Howell) along with their families and friends. We prayed for the full recovery of Drew (Pescaro), Emily (Houpt), Rami (Alramadhan) and Sean (DeHart). We came together as a community and united in our grief.”

The intention of the community concert was to convey the healing power of art, combining an original composition with dance, music and multimedia performances.

For the virtual remembrance, organizers sought to retain that purpose, and worked with the band Water from Fire to preserve a key portion of that concert—performing favorite songs of Reed and Riley.

University alumni John Woodall ’14 and Kevin Brawley ’13, two members of the band, played Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” in memory of Reed, and for Riley, they performed “American Dream” by Switchfoot.

Dahler, before introducing the musical interludes, spoke about Reed and Riley.

“They were extraordinary young men, stolen from the world before their time. Each had more love to give, unique dreams to pursue and talents to share. Both meant the world to their family and friends,” he said.

In reflecting upon hearing of the campus shooting at his home in New Jersey, Dahler noted he was stunned and in disbelief that

such a tragedy could occur “on our campus, our home.”

SGA President Crean introduced an original video featuring graphics by Jeffrey Murphy, associate professor in the College of Arts + Architecture, with an original arrangement by John Allemeier, professor of composition.

While April 30, 2019, “challenged our understanding of who we were and what we might face … what matters as ever is what’s in our hearts, how we honor the victims, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy—and where we go from here: stronger together, as one Niner Nation,” said Crean.

Much has been written about the outpouring of support in the aftermath of the shooting. From vigils on the UNC Charlotte campus and at other institutions to acclimations of We are All Niners by businesses and organizations in the Queen City and beyond, there was—and remains—a palpable sense of unity as people dealt with their grief and came together to support not only those affected, but their families and one another.

Student Affairs Vice Chancellor Bailey spoke about the work of the chancellor-appointed Remembrance Commission, and efforts underway for a memorial on Belk Plaza.

“We will share these plans with the community as we continue to make our University a home for all of Niner Nation,

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Thank you UNC Charlotte extends heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of “United: A Remembrance Program” and others whose contributions made the program possible.

CORPORATE SPONSORS Premier: Bank of America, Atrium Health; TIAA CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA John Clapp BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS Tom Gabbard, Lauren Livesay

Wade Bruton

Chancellor Dubois began the day’s remembrance with members of the Police and Public Safety Department and others at the Kennedy Building.

REMEMBRANCE CONCERT COLLEGE OF ARTS + ARCHITECTURE PLANNING GROUP Artistic Director Lynne Conner, chair, Department of Theatre; Production Coordinator Dean Adams, Performing Arts Services; Music Coordinator Fred Spano, interim chair, Department of Music DEPARTMENT OF DANCE Gretchen Alterowitz, associate chair; Ann Dils, chair; Faculty: Shamou, Tamara Williams; students: Rahquelah Conyers, Mellisa Erickson, Krysta Rogden, DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC Faculty: John Allemeier, associate chair; Rick Dior, Michael Figgers, Shawn Smith, Ginger Wyrick; student: Peyton Wulff DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE Faculty: David Fillmore, Robin Witt; students: Mia Todarello, Joel Vincent DEPARTMENT OF ART & ART HISTORY Faculty: Jeff Murphy, Lydia Thompson, chair

All day, visitors placed flowers, candles and notes to mark the passing of one year.

past, present and future,” he said before reintroducing Water from Fire to perform, “Home,” an original work by band members Woodall and Brawley.

Mann, the SGA vice president, closed out the virtual remembrance by ringing the UNC Charlotte Victory Bell, which was gifted to Bonnie Cone in 1961 when Charlotte College moved from its former site at Central High School to its current location.

The bell tolled seven times, to honor Reed and Riley, the four students injured and to recognize all students present in the Kennedy Building classroom that day.

Kat Lawrence

“Today’s virtual remembrance will not be the last time we talk about April 30, 2019,” said the chancellor. “It’s part of our essential history, no matter how painful.

Going forward, the memorial that will be constructed in honor of the victims will be an enduring reminder to everyone who sets forth on this campus that their lives mattered—to their families, to their friends, to Charlotte and to us.”

Phillip Brown is assistant director of internal communications in University Communications and editor of this publication.

STUDENT COMMITTEE Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for Student Affairs; Jaylaan Bennett, Micheala Brewer, Annie Burchill, Pablo Coria, Chandler Crean, Erica Kelly, Adela Mann, Yash Tadimalla, Emily Teitelbaum STAFF AND ALUMNI J.D. Angel, Craig Berlin, Brad Bowen, Kim Bradley, Kevin Brawley ’13, Mark Colone ’83, Don Dahler ’91, Betty Doster, Shari Dunn, Lauren Gregg, Kalin Helms, Harrison Hieb, Ryan Honeyman, Allie Kuenzi, Doug Lape, Nick Makansi, Jenny Matz, Kevin McDevitt, Andrea McDowell, Erin Millerick, Colleen Penhall, Lyndsay Richter, Niles Sorensen, Joy Springs, Whitney Wilson, John Woodall ‘14

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Forever Bonded to UNC Charlotte Journalist, Author, Alumnus Don Dahler

BY J O N N E L L E D AV I S

D

on Dahler, ’91 was barely a teenager when he began reporting the news.

His inquiring mind wanted to know why his middle school in San Antonio, Texas, did not have a newspaper. So the seventhgrader and a few of his friends approached their favorite teacher, Ms. McMillan, about the issue.

“She, like all great teachers would be, was excited about our enthusiasm, and she quickly became a force of nature, commandeering a science lab for our newsroom and a tiny bit of funding for a printer and photographic equipment,” Dahler recalled recently. “From that moment, I’ve been a journalist in one way or another.”

Dahler went from covering middle school happenings to the misery of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Columbine High school shooting and the Iraq War. But before he traveled the world as a correspondent for

Don Dahler

NBC and ABC News and now, CBS News, he was a UNC Charlotte student studying history. So, like the rest of the University

As a military child, you moved frequently. How did you choose UNC Charlotte?

Being an Air Force brat cursed me with a certain wanderlust that I’ve never been able to fully exorcise. When I moved to Charlotte, I already had a degree in screenwriting and film and was working on documentaries all over the world, often living months at a time in other countries. But between projects, when I was researching, editing or fundraising, I had spare time. So I decided to work on a degree in one of my favorite subjects, history, and UNC Charlotte was convenient and highly regarded.

Although most of us at the time were commuters, I found UNC Charlotte to be every bit as vibrant and committed to education and thought and debate as any other university I’ve spent time in. It serves a terrific purpose—access to higher education for anyone willing to put in the time and effort. My time there was a blur of attending classes, studying, and then switching gears to focus on whatever film I was producing, so I didn’t get the whole university experience of social life, sports and extracurriculars. But I, to this day, have nothing but fond memories of the time spent in class with really smart people and devoted and interesting professors.

You have covered important and tragic stories. What have you learned about covering news with lasting impact?

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community, he was shocked and heartbroken to learn of the events of April 30, 2019. Upon hearing the news, Dahler wanted to be on campus with his fellow 49ers.

Dahler, who lives in New Jersey and also writes mysteries and thrillers (published titles are “A Tight Lie,” “Water Hazard,” and “Do a Little Wrong”), was to host this year’s United Remembrance Concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. When the event was moved online, he offered to deliver a special message of hope to the University and greater community. He was with us in spirit and continues to be a member of Niner Nation.

“To get to take part in the remembrance is incredibly important to me, as a connection to the school that has meant so much to my life and career, and the thousands of fellow alumni and students with whom I am forever bonded,” Dahler said.

that’s happening. We are often among those who have to swallow our emotions to do our jobs, which is to tell the world as best we can what is happening, as confusing and scary and, at times, horrific as that is. Don’t exaggerate. Don’t guess. Report what you know to be true.

I’ve seen a lot of tragedy. Cruelty. Incomprehensible events. War and school shootings and other evils that mankind has continuously managed to inflict on itself. Often, all I can do is report the micro— what I see and hear and have learned within my limited scope—and let others ponder the macro. But being careful with the facts, even in the small scale, is enormously crucial to the formation of the larger picture.

On 9/11, I became a radio reporter when I heard the first jet pass by our New York apartment and strike the World Trade Center. I say radio, because there was no camera crew with me. Smartphones and YouTube and FaceTime didn’t yet exist. So I got on the phone to “Good Morning America,” where I worked as a national correspondent and began reporting from our fire escape what I was seeing, not unlike Edward R. Murrow in WWII from the rooftops of London. It was the one time in my life when words failed me. There was no way to adequately explain the catastrophe that was unfolding four blocks away: the still smoldering jet engine that lay on top of the bus stop it crushed; the people leaping from the burning tower; the enormous ball of dust, when the towers began collapsing, that rolled up Church Street, leaving dazed New Yorkers stumbling on sidewalks, covered in fine, white powder just trying to get home.

I spent two weeks covering that nightmare, never daring to leave the neighborhood for fear the police wouldn’t let me back in. And

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when I signed off the newscast every evening, I changed clothes, put on my borrowed hard hat, and joined the thousands of others who were digging through the gigantic pile of debris, looking for, but never finding, survivors. This was, after all, not just a news story. It was my neighborhood.

What are you most proud of having covered?

I think there are probably two stories I’m most proud of for very different reasons. One was being embedded with the U.S. military on numerous occasions in Afghanistan and Iraq. I grew up among enlisted soldiers and airmen. But seeing and getting to tell about their professionalism and bravery and camaraderie in the midst of war was a true honor. I made some lifelong friends during those long, difficult, risky months. There were plenty of times we weren’t sure we’d survive one situation or another, but whenever it got that tense, those men and women rose to the moment. And more times than not, there was always one who took the time to check on me and assure me they had my back.

And the second story is more a testament to why being curious is the best attribute a journalist can have. I read a lot about a bunch of different things. Biographies, history, science fiction—name it. Not just books, but articles, too. So, in 2011, I took a career detour and was a local anchor in New York City. I happened to be sitting at our camera location in the newsroom midday to do a remote interview with an economist when my chair started shaking. Then the lights started swaying, and the producers and writers in the room began to question what was happening. But I knew. I’d experienced earthquakes before, and this felt like a substantial one.

It was confirmed within moments, and my news director ran out of his office, came up to me and declared, “Earthquake! You’re going live!

Right now!” I had no information before me until the other journalists in the room could start compiling facts. No laptop with Google. No live shots yet with reporters in the field. Nothing on the TelePrompter.

Just whatever was floating around in my brain. Three, two, one, you’re on. Four million viewers have just turned on their TVs around the area to find out what was happening.

Well, it just so happened I remembered reading an article about fault lines on the East Coast and how they differed from the more famous ones out west. And I’d been traveling through Costa Rica years earlier when a temblor threw me out of bed. That was something, at least.

I was off and running. Every so often a writer would drop a piece of paper with some new information on it—epicenter is in Virginia, 5.6 on the Richter scale—and I had something else to talk about. Then the field reporters began calling in and camera crews fired up their live trucks. But all in all, I ad-libbed for an hour and a half. When we finished our special report and I stepped away from the camera, the entire newsroom gave me a standing ovation. That was one of my best days.

How did you feel when you learned about the events of last April 30 at UNC Charlotte? Why was it important to you to be involved in its first anniversary remembrance?

There’s an old cliche in our business we hear a lot, especially in times of crisis: I can’t believe it happened here. Well, for me and I’m sure most everyone at the University, that was my first thought on April 30. I can’t believe it happened on our campus—such a wonderful, green, broad,

4.30 MEMORIAL

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energetic place bustling with students. I was in the CBS newsroom when the story broke. The bureau chief waved me over to a group of producers figuring out how to cover it—send a correspondent from Atlanta or me from New York.

“That’s my alma mater,” I blurted out. They looked at me, stunned, immediately offering condolences. We’ve all covered so many mass shootings that any hope that there were no casualties is not even entertained anymore. “You can’t go, then,” the executive producer declared. And he was right. There’s no way I could have been objective or unemotional.

Journalism and the way the public receives news have changed since the start of your career. What advice do you have for young people seeking to work in media?

Technology has always been at the center of journalism. The early typewriters were seized upon as a way to speed up the writing process. Telephones and eventually cell phones made fact-checking and communication immensely faster and easier. And now we have digital journalists who can research, produce, film, edit and then go live all from a smartphone. Pieces are cut on laptop computers.

This pandemic has forced us to do our interviews over Skype and feed video material via file transfer protocols. If this had happened even five years ago we wouldn’t have been able to pull all this off. So for anyone looking to become a journalist I would say two things: get comfortable with every aspect of the new technology and stay current with it and, again, read about everything. History, science, geography—everything. You don’t have to know a lot about a lot, but know a little about a lot.

You have such a demanding job. What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?

I still like to write books. I’m taking a break from my novels to work on the biography of a truly amazing woman who would be world-famous were it not for a cruel twist of fate. But I also have a very fun family with two young teens and a little old farm with dogs, cats, horses, chickens, a snake and a gecko. I also play a lot of tennis and golf.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected how you perform your job? Will there be permanent changes to the way journalists work?

The pandemic has changed a lot about what I do, but I’m not sure I understand yet to what extent. It’s weird working from home without the normal interaction with other journalists. We do our morning conference call on Zoom. I pitch stories to an email distribution list that goes to all the senior producers. I make calls, read articles, research, all of that from my home office. I occasionally venture out to do interviews at a safe distance—very strange—but most of the time I do Skype interviews. Like everyone else, I really look forward to life returning to what it was before, but I do think in some ways it will never be quite the same. At the very least, the executives have learned what is possible with new, less expensive technologies, and I’d be surprised if they didn’t try to capitalize on that.

Jonnelle Davis is advancement communications coordinator for University Communications.

Summer 2020

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Pandemic Pivot Coronavirus disrupts normal campus operations

BY PHILLIP BROWN

At press time, UNC Charlotte continued operations under North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home orders and guidance from the UNC System.

U

NC Charlotte leaders were among those who started monitoring the situation in China as news of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) began to break in late 2019. As the virus began its global spread, planning was underway, beginning in January, on how the University would respond should the virus begin to overwhelm health care systems.

Unknowns about the virus were many at the outset, but what was clear—COVID-19 was highly contagious and was transmitted easily among humans who had no immunity.

Public health officials at state and federal levels advised implementing social distancing practices to slow the spread of the contagion, for which there is no vaccine.

Beginning in mid-March, the University moved to online instruction for students and faculty, and teleworking options for nonessential personnel, prior to Mecklenburg County’s or the governor’s shelter-inplace orders on March 24 and March 27, respectively.

Patience, Flexibility, Social Distancing

“We know this extraordinary situation will result in very real challenges for our community,” wrote Chancellor Philip L. Dubois in a message to students, faculty and staff on March 12. “I ask for your patience in the days ahead as we all adapt to this new reality and work through these challenges together. We will not have answers to all the questions that will immediately arise. This is a rapidly evolving situation not only for us, but for our state, our country and across the globe. What I can tell you is there is a dedicated UNC Charlotte team working tirelessly in the face of unprecedented 42 UNC CHARLOTTE magazine

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uncertainty to maintain the health and well-being of our 49er community, and to communicate those decisions to you as quickly as possible.”

Provost Joan Lorden commended faculty members for quickly moving coursework online to enable students to complete the spring semester.

“Please be flexible with your students, and listen to their feedback,” Lorden stated in an email to faculty members. “Our students will be served best right now, if the focus is on creative ways to fulfill course objectives, so that every student, regardless of circumstance, can successfully complete the course.”

Social work professor Sonyia Richardson, in addressing the importance of limiting contact with one another to slow COVID-19’s spread, stated, “Over time, we will learn how to adjust to this new daily routine and social distancing.

Individuals will develop routines to support ongoing social connections and relationships with others despite the physical distance. For example, many may spend more time on the phone speaking to family, friends, colleagues or engaging more in social media.”

University faculty and students responded positively to online instruction. For example, the College of Health and Human Services’ School of Nursing deployed virtual simulations to ensure students would meet the clinical requirements of accrediting agencies.

“I feel like even though this is a big learning curve for both students and faculty, we are all supporting each other during this time,” said student Haley Shriner. “The faculty have been understanding and have been working diligently, many staying up late to make sure we get our hours in.”

Intrepid Teaching Solutions

“We are very fortunate to have four certified health care simulation experts on faculty who have worked tirelessly to ensure that students receive the best possible simulated experiences,” said Dena Evans, director of the School of Nursing. “While direct clinical care hours are the preference, simulation provides students the opportunity to engage in well-constructed and meaningful clinical experiences designed to help meet course and program outcomes.”

Bobby Campbell, associate professor of graphic design, met with students one-on-one via Google hangout to discuss their work, and he demonstrated techniques via webcam. The annual exhibition of student work became a virtual display. Going forward, the College of Arts + Architecture plans to continue the online exhibition in addition to an inperson one.

Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies Senior Lecturer Debarati Dutta decided to offer asynchronous instruction to enable students to

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The Student Emergency Fund Supporting students during a pandemic

BY JENNIFER HOWE

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any UNC Charlotte students live on a “thin edge,” balancing academic responsibilities with work to cover education expenses, rent and food—often without a family safety net. COVID-19 brought severe financial challenges to this group, threatening the ability of many to remain enrolled.

The Student Emergency Fund was created to help current students in need by providing financial support for unforeseen and unavoidable emergency expenses, pandemics included. While the fund does not cover tuition and fees on students’ accounts, it can help with expenses related to housing, transportation, food, medical needs and resources for remote learning. With support from Niner Nation, UNC Charlotte had at press time awarded more than $399,800 to 1,134 students.

“As a former student who worked full-time to make ends meet, I was compelled to give back,” said Owais Merchant ’08. “I struggled at times to balance classes with work and budgeting; I can’t imagine the stress that many students must be experiencing.”

Longtime UNC Charlotte supporters Demond ’97 and Kia ’98 Martin matched dollar for dollar the first $100,000 in gifts to the Student Emergency Fund through the Demond and Kia Martin Foundation. “Kia and I encourage fellow alumni to make a gift of

engage with course material on their schedules; she discovered many students were accessing lesson plans late at night or during other nontraditional times. She scheduled one-onone virtual sessions with students each week.

Matthew Frasier, a lecturer in the Theatre Department, transitioned his scenic practicum online, altering the curriculum to include written lectures, multiple YouTube videos to demonstrate various construction techniques and links to other diagrams illustrating processes to be learned.

Theatre major Blake Briles was skeptical how the course could be transformed, but he stated Frasier’s efforts exceeded his expectations. He said, “The transition made me proud to be part of his class, a part of such an amazing program and proud to be a student at UNC Charlotte.”

Best laid plans

Two important spring semester campus events, the April 30 anniversary and

any size to support our 49er students and families who need us now more than ever,” said Demond Martin. “Working together, we show our students that we all truly are Niners.”

Gifts also may be made to the Jamil Niner Student Pantry, which remained open—practicing social distancing—through the spring semester to serve students experiencing food insecurity. At publication, more than $41,800 had been raised for the pantry—helping to meet a 25 percent increase in visits since the pandemic’s start.

“We know that many of our students are adults without extensive support networks who have put their trust in UNC Charlotte to advance themselves, and now find their lives drastically altered,” said Nancy Gutierrez, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and her husband, James Hathaway, who works in the Office of Research and Economic Development. “As fellow citizens, we need to use our personal resources to do what we can during this time of mutual crisis to help them stay whole.”

The Student Emergency Fund continues to accept donations.

To contribute, visit relief.uncc.edu.

Jennifer Howe is director of Advancement Communications.

Commencement, were reimagined due to the pandemic.

Instead of presenting the community concert, “United,” scheduled for the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and campus vigils planned by UNC Charlotte student leaders to mark the one-year anniversary of last April’s campus shooting— the saddest day in the history of the institution—the University utilized technology to bring together Niner Nation via “United: A Remembrance Program” (page 38).

Commencement, too, became a virtual observance. Four ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, had been scheduled to celebrate the Class of 2020. Graduates received a congratulatory email message from Chancellor Philip L. Dubois with links to a Commencement website with video messages from him and student speakers scheduled for each ceremony. A copy of the Commencement program also was mailed to each graduate. (Note: The

University is considering holding an event during the fall 2020 semester to honor graduates, but a decision had not been made at press time.)

Prior to Commencement, graduates were encouraged to record video messages to express what completing their degrees means to them and share them with University Communications. “To the Class of 2020,” a compilation of those messages, along with those from University faculty and staff, was shared on social media.

UNC Charlotte launched NinerNationCares. uncc.edu, an information resource for students, faculty, staff and alumni, to help navigate academic, financial, health and wellness, and other services related to COVID-19.

Phillip Brown is assistant director of internal communications in University Communications and editor of this publication.

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Faculty pitch in with 3-D face shield printing A learning opportunity

BY PAU L N OW E L L

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aculty members from three UNC Charlotte colleges teamed up with local high school students and manufacturers to produce recyclable protective shields designed to extend the life of the disposable face masks used by health care workers combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

What started as a homegrown effort using a host of 3-D printers producing about 250 shields per week quickly escalated. Starting March 30, the group, known as Charlotte MEDI, has worked with manufacturers like Texlon Plastic Corp. and Caro-Poly to create shields via injection molding that allow for a more aggressive production timeline. An injection molder can make four shields per minute (up to 10,000 per day), versus four every eight hours with a 3-D printer.

The decision was made to produce the face shields because they could be worn in front of an original, industry-tested N95 mask. This recyclable shield effectively extends the life cycle of a mask that otherwise is a one-time-use item.

Tapping academic energy

Early in the crisis, the group delivered more than 38,000 shields from injection molding and 2,500 shields from 3-D printing for local and national frontline health care professionals and shared what they learned with researchers across the country as they prepared for patient numbers in their states to climb.

The quickly assembled project illustrated the University’s capacity to deploy its academic energy from across the curriculum to tackle enormous and complex problems in the region and even across the country and the globe.

Terence Fagan, associate teaching professor, Mechanical Engineering; Alex Cabral, director of Fabrication Labs for the School of Architecture in the College of Arts + Architecture (COA+A); and David Wilson, professor of Software & Information Systems in the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) have helped lead production efforts from their homes.

They were joined by art professors Heather Freeman and Tom Schmidt (CoA+A) along with Robby Sachs (CoA+A), Johanna 44 UNC CHARLOTTE magazine

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Frontline health care workers who received 3-D face shields produced by UNC Charlotte faculty and students express their appreciation.

Okerlund (CCI), Bob Price (J. Murrey Atkins Library) and Joshua Tarbutton (EPIC).

The project got its start when Fagan learned about a local grassroots fundraising campaign to manufacture the protective shields. The #MillionMaskChallenge was spearheaded

by Tom Dubick, an engineering teacher at Charlotte Latin School. He and Fagan, who has helped to train Charlotte Latin faculty, have worked together for more than a decade on various engineering projects in and out of the Charlotte Latin Fab Lab, part of a global Fab Lab network that Dubick directs.

“It was almost a serendipitous thing,” said Fagan. “Looking to the future, this is the perfect storm of what we need to do to break down barriers in the academic world and help bring manufacturing back to the United States.”

A learning opportunity

Though 3-D printing face shields is more time-consuming than injection molding, the process has been a significant learning opportunity for UNC Charlotte students and faculty alike. David Wilson, who leads CCI’s Makerspace lab, said the University currently has an embedded group of faculty members from different disciplines working together on research projects with 3-D printers.

“When this issue of shortages in health care protection equipment came to light, it really took root and production ramped up,” Wilson said from his home, where he has been using a small 3-D printer for his research. “People are doing as much as they can to help out.”

UNC Charlotte students have had the opportunity to work directly on the fabrication project.

“We created clear instructions on the printing process and began sending out ‘packages’ of 3-D print files for our students to complete on their home machines,” said Cabral. “We shared all of our injection mold models and tooling here in the U.S. and globally, free of charge. We are fully opensource and hoping to help other communities replicate our model.”

Cabral wants his students to understand they are working on concepts that exist in the physical world.

“This is an opportunity to live by those teachings while making a difference for thousands of people risking infection to help those most in need,” he said.

UNC Charlotte faculty members shared their work across the country, including the states of Maine, Iowa, Colorado and California and internationally with Germany, India and Ireland.

Cabral said, “This effort shows how much our faculty, staff and students care about this community. We are neighbors, friends, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters of people working to keep us safe in hospitals and clinics around the globe. Clearly, UNC Charlotte is integral to the identity of our city.”

Other companies in the Charlotte area assisted in the efforts. Bravo Team LLC, New Wave Acrylic, Makerspace Charlotte, Charlotte Latin Fab Lab and UNC Charlotte’s School of Architecture are securing materials and cutting the transparent shields. Logistics, transportation and delivery are provided by CLT Freight, Spangler Restoration, Hendrick Motorsports and 2ULaundry.

Paul Nowell is a senior communications manager in University Communications.

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“WE ARE HERE TO HELP ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN OUR STATE. IT’S REALLY THE BEST MISSION THERE IS AND SO REWARDING.” - M I KE S P RAY B E RRY N O RT H CA RO L IN A’S D I RECTO R O F E M E RG E N CY M AN AG E M E N T

Leading the State’s Emergency Management Operations through COVID-19

BY JENNIFER HOWE

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s North Carolina’s director of emergency management, Mike Sprayberry ’79, ’87 is used to being in the middle of a crisis. But even he says the COVID- 19 pandemic is unlike any other crisis he has faced through 15 years in emergency management.

“Our State Emergency Operations Center has now been activated for longer than any other crisis,” said Sprayberry, who was around for the largest disaster in the state’s history, Hurricane Florence.

“With COVID-19, we have moved into uncharted territory as we don’t know when or how this pandemic will end or the types of new operational strategies and tactics we will have to employ.”

Sprayberry leads with a calm, steady demeanor, constantly striving to keep his team motivated and morale high.

“You must lead from the front and by example, and it’s very important to demonstrate steady leadership,” said Sprayberry, who can also be selfdeprecating at times so no one gets overly grim. “We all know it is a very serious business but, for the long run, the team must be a happy team to be effective.”

His team is effective as they work cooperatively with other state agencies and organizations such as the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and local hospitals to purchase additional protective equipment and testing supplies, while ensuring there are enough beds and ventilators throughout the state. At the same time, Sprayberry

Mike Sprayberry

has begun planning response and recovery methods in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season.

Sprayberry was drawn to emergency management after a 25-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps and North Carolina Army National Guard. Military service reinforced what his parents taught him about integrity, hard work and trying one’s best. The military also taught him to be decisive.

“You can’t wait until your plan meets 100% of your needs,” he said. “You do the best you can with the staff you have and roll.”

Military experience, coupled with his UNC Charlotte education, prepared Sprayberry for the life of an emergency management director. He worked fulltime while attending UNC Charlotte, which taught him the fine art of balancing

school, job commitments and family responsibilities. And multitasking has proven critical for him in his current role.

The professors he had at UNC Charlotte, in both the Belk College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, challenged him. He recalls history professor K. David Patterson taking the time to call him, making sure he was focused on the end goal of graduation.

“He knew that being a full-time husband, father and soldier as well as a part-time grad student was a full plate, and he wanted me to know someone was thinking about me,” said Sprayberry. “I have carried his passion on in my military and emergency management careers, as he taught me to get to know and to care about the person.”

It is Sprayberry’s passion for helping people that led him to emergency management, where he has had the privilege of serving under two governors, Pat McCrory, a Republican, and Roy Cooper, a Democrat.

“We are here to help all of the people in our state,” said Sprayberry. “It’s really the best mission there is and so rewarding.”

Sprayberry received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Belk College of Business and a master’s degree in history from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. His daughter, Alison, graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

Jennifer Howe is director of Advancement Communications.

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49ers Notebook 1970-2020

50 Years of NCAA Division I Athletics

BY TOM WHITESTONE

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he 49ers are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NCAA Division 1 Athletics at UNC Charlotte. Throughout the 202021 academic year, the 49ers aim to bring to life their impressive history—from 1970s run to the NCAA Final Four, through the 1980s rebirth of 49er basketball, to the across-the-board success of the ‘90s and 2000s, and on to the arrival of football in the 2010s.

With fun facts, features and fan engagement, a treasure trove of memorable names, games and images will be pulled from the archives as we recall the successes of 49ers athletes and teams since the start of Division I competition in 1970.

Headlining the year-long celebration will be an announcement about the inaugural members of the Charlotte 49ers Hall of Fame. Now closed, nominations were open to the public and inductees will be elected by the 49ers Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The first class will include a maximum of six student-athletes, two coaches or administrators, and one key contributor. (Future classes will be composed of a maximum of five inductees.)

“With 50 years of excellence to draw from, the 49ers Hall of Fame will honor the student-athletes, coaches and others whose talent and dedication have made UNC Charlotte an excellent place to play and learn, as well as cultivate extraordinary athleticism and develop fine human beings who are prepared for life beyond college sports,” said Athletics Director Mike Hill.

“We look forward to saluting those who have brought distinction to the University with their contributions to 49ers Athletics.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the inaugural Hall of Fame induction event is not yet scheduled. To follow Hall of Fame news, visit Charlotte49ers.com.

Tom Whitestone is associate athletic director for media relations.

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Lee Rose, men’s basketball coach, 1975-78. In 1977, Rose was named The Sporting News National Coach of the Year after the 49ers NCAA Final Four appearance.

C-USA women’s 4x400 relay champs, 2019

49ers NOTEBOOK

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Corey Nagy, golf all-America 2007, 2008, 2009

Dan Westwater and Randy Sheen, Metro men’s soccer champions, 1994

C-USA women’s soccer champs, 1998

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Kristin Wilson, Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball Player of the Year, 1986-87

Rephel Martin, men’s track all-America, 2000

Barry Shifflett, baseball all-America, 1985 Summer 2020

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49ers make the cut in the 2020 NFL Draft

BY TOM WHITESTONE

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reams come in many forms. Of course, the best are those that come true.

For the 49ers’ all-America defensive end Alex Highsmith and first team all-Conference USA offensive lineman Cam Clark, their dreams came true with the 2020 NFL Draft in late April.

Highsmith, a former walk-on, was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the draft’s third round. Clark, a two-time team captain and three-year starter, was chosen by the New York Jets in the fourth round, giving the 49ers multiple draft picks for the first time in program history.

In addition, the Cleveland Browns signed Benny LeMay, who participated in the 2020 NFL Combine, as an undrafted free agent.

Head Coach Will Healy described this decision to the Charlotte Observer as an indicator that pro scouts are becoming familiar with—and that they respect—the 49ers football program.

Highsmith and Clark join Larry Ogunjobi, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns in 2017, and Nate Davis, who looks forward to his second season with the Tennessee Titans, as 49ers drafted by NFL teams since the start of the UNC Charlotte’s football program in 2013.

When Highsmith and Clark arrived at Charlotte, neither seriously considered himself an NFL prospect.

“It is a night I’ll never forget,” said Highsmith, who was selected just before midnight on the second day of the three-day event. “It was a long night, being one of the last four picks of the night, but it was just great.”

Highsmith had a season 49ers’ fans won’t forget. He ranked in the nation’s top five in sacks and tackles for loss. He became the 49ers’ first AP football all-America when he was named third team. He set school records for sacks in a game, season and career.

A menace in opposing teams’ backfields, he was described by ESPN analyst Louis Riddick as “a pass rushing demon.”

Equally memorable was Clark’s season. He anchored a front line that produced the top rushing attack in Conference USA. The 49ers ranked 30th in the nation in rushing, allowed the 32ndfewest sacks in the country, ranked 35th in the nation in the red zone, and 25th in time of possession on their way to school records for wins, C-USA wins and winning streak, not to mention UNC Charlotte’s first-ever bowl bid.

“Growing up I never thought this could happen,” Clark said.

“Even at Charlotte, I just wanted to be the best I could be.”

It turns out his best is NFL caliber. In fact, for both players, who pride themselves on continued development, their best is yet to be determined.

“God’s grace and work ethic are the reasons for where I am today,” said Highsmith. “I have that walk-on mentality to outwork everybody. I can’t wait to bring that to the Steelers. I’m excited to see what lies ahead.”

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“I’m excited to watch a guy who does everything the right way be rewarded. Our staff is lucky to have worked with him for one year. He’s been a great example for everyone here. They’ve seen how a true professional behaves.”

— H EAD COAC H WILL H EALY

“We’re happy for Cam to have an opportunity to showcase his talents in the National Football League. His knowledge of the game is second to none. He possesses a great work ethic, is extremely durable and is a great locker room guy. I can’t wait to see him flourish at the next level.”

— H EAD COAC H WILL H EALY

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Judy Rose to be inducted into NC Sports Hall of Fame Longtime Charlotte 49ers Director of Athletics Judy Rose will be inducted into North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. The event, scheduled originally for this spring has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Entering the Hall of Fame with Rose this year will be Debbie Antonelli, ESPN college basketball analyst; Muggsy Bogues, retired Charlotte Hornets point guard; Mack Brown, head football coach, UNC Chapel Hill; Dennis Craddock, head coach and director of track and field, UNC Chapel Hill; Dr. Charles Kernodle, team physician, Williams High School football; Mac Morris, head football coach, Page High School; Trot Nixon, retired MLB right fielder and Wilmington native; Julius Peppers, retired Carolina Panthers defensive end; Bobby Purcell, executive director, Wolfpack Club, NC State; Tim Stevens, retired sports writer; and Donnell Woolford, retired Carolina Panthers cornerback.

Charlotte 49ers Head Football Coach Will Healy and Charlotte Ballet’s Raven Barkley

Healy Dances With the Stars

BY TOM WHITESTONE

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nown for his postgame celebration dance parties, Charlotte 49ers Head Football Coach Will Healy laced up his dancing shoes in March for a good cause.

Paired with Charlotte Ballet’s Raven Barkley, Healy, an admitted “terrible dancer,” participated in the Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala at the Knight Theater to raise funds for six local organizations alongside several other local corporate and nonprofit leaders and their professional dance mentors. Healy, together with Barkley, who choreographed the duo’s routine to MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This,” and taught the coach what he needed to know through several weeks of rehearsals, raised $126,106 for UNC Charlotte student mental health initiatives.

“It was an incredible experience,” Healy said. “We’re glad to support Charlotte Ballet and the important services at UNC Charlotte that make a difference for so many students.”

During the 2019 football season, Healy became known on Twitter for initiating “Club Lit,” high-energy, post-victory locker room celebrations that featured heart-pumping music as a way to build team spirit and motivate the team for the following week’s schedule.

Representatives from Atrium Health, Cameron Carmichael, Lending Tree, PNC Bank and Wells Fargo and their expert Charlotte Ballet partners raised funds through the Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala for Atrium Health Medical Education Fund, Dilworth Center, Charlotte Family Housing, READ Charlotte and The Relatives.

Judy Rose

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Gene Johnson, chair of the Exponential Campaign, kicked off the $200 million fundraising drive as part of the University’s 70th anniversary celebration in the Popp Martin Student Union.

Exponential Success Campaign Surpasses Goal

BY JENNIFER HOWE

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hanks to the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, friends and corporate partners, Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte concluded successfully, surpassing its $200 million goal. Exponential, the largest campaign in the history of UNC Charlotte, celebrated the dramatic trajectory of growth of UNC Charlotte and its 147,000 alumni. Born of one era and reshaping another, since its founding in 1946 UNC Charlotte has transformed from a night school serving World War II veterans into North Carolina’s urban research university.

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Exponential has invigorated UNC Charlotte by providing scholarships and resources to students, research opportunities to faculty and reaffirming the University’s position as an economic engine for the Charlotte region. Focusing on the pillars of opportunity, resources, talent and impact; to support, promote and motivate student and faculty success, the campaign offered everyone—alumni, business leaders and the University community—the opportunity to shape a future more exciting than UNC Charlotte’s past.

“To say that this has been a successful campaign would be a huge understatement,” said Gene Johnson ’73 chair of Exponential.

“As always at UNC Charlotte, we have received important support from our community, both corporate and individual.

I am proud of the thousands who supported this campaign and of their commitment to UNC Charlotte.”

Gifts of all sizes contributed to the success of Exponential, from transformational ones to those creating lasting endowments to ongoing, loyal annual gifts. Niner Nation came together to make history and give back to the University that has helped thousands of students and faculty realize their dreams and improve our community and world.

“I am very proud of the great success we have achieved with Exponential to

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Demond ’97 and Kia ’98 Martin, center, are longtime UNC Charlotte supporters; here they celebrate with a group of Martin Scholars.

enhance the experiences of our students and strengthen our academic programs,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “The tremendous support, commitment and generosity from UNC Charlotte’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends will ensure a brighter future for UNC Charlotte.”

The University’s students have been the biggest beneficiaries of the campaign’s success. More than 200 scholarships were created during Exponential, including the Albert, Martin, Johnson and Freeman Scholars programs, along with the Levine Scholars program expansion.

“While the scholarship money matters, the transformational impact of these merit scholars programs goes far beyond that,” said Malin Pereira, executive director of the Honors College.

“These merit scholars are invited to dream beyond anything they ever imagined for themselves, and they see other honors students and merit scholars experiencing the same transformation.”

Tyler Milkey, a first-year special education major from Sylva, North Carolina, is honored to be among the first Johnson Scholars. The scholarship, which has removed a portion of the financial burden of college life, allows him more freedom to learn about himself and focus on academics.

“Being part of the first Johnson Scholars class means the world to me,” said Milkey.

“This also means that while I am on campus, I represent more than just myself. I am representing this wonderful family and their legacy, too.”

49er Athletics played a major role in the success of Exponential, raising the support needed to operate the University’s expanding athletics program, including scholarship funds, and building and enhancing facilities to benefit both student-athletes and fans. It has helped ensure student-athletes’ success on the field, in the classroom and in their future careers through leadership training, mental health, nutrition and strength and conditioning initiatives.

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“As we accelerate our competitive rise, the support of our donors is absolutely crucial,” said Mike Hill, director of 49er Athletics.

“Niner Nation has responded to the challenge with remarkable generosity, underscoring our commitment to deliver a championship program to enhance this wonderful university as it continues its ascent.”

As a result of Niners’ support for Exponential, UNC Charlotte now has 11 notable spaces on campus named for alumni, including the Hauser Alumni Pavilion, Hunter and Stephanie Edwards Promenade, Johnson Band Center, Jamil Niner Student Pantry, Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Service, Niblock Student Center, Cpl. Robert Qutub USMC Veterans Lounge and the Cato College of Education.

“One of the most important elements of Exponential has been the support of our alumni, who have clearly shown that they are now in a position to ‘take ownership’ of their alma mater,” said Johnson.

Exponential kicked off in September 2016 as part of UNC Charlotte’s 70th anniversary celebration with the naming of the Popp Martin Student Union, thanks to generous gifts from Karen A. Popp ’80 and Demond T. Martin ’97.

“UNC Charlotte is truly a success story of American higher education,” said Dubois. “The achievements of Exponential are a reflection of the way alumni, friends, the business community and all of our constituencies view UNC Charlotte as essential to the future success of the city, state and region.”

(As the time of publication, fundraising totals were still being calculated. Additional information about the success and impact of the Exponential Campaign is forthcoming).

Jennifer Howe is the divisional communicator for University Advancement.

Thank you to the Exponential Campaign Executive Committee: Tim Belk, honorary co-chair; Leon and Sandra Levine, honorary co-chairs; Gene Johnson ’73, chair; Dennis Bunker III ’81; Mark Doughton ’80; Dhiaa Jamil ’78; Fred Klein; Jeffrey Leak; Joe Price ’83; and Ruth Shaw.

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Class Notes 1980s Donna Latham ’87 was promoted to executive director of the Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center in Hiddenite, North Carolina. She previously served as assistant director for the center. In this role, Latham will oversee the nonprofit organization that provides arts and cultural heritage programming for the community of Alexander County. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from UNC Charlotte.

Stephen Jacobs ’90 was named warden of the Lumberton Correctional Institution by the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. Previously, Jacobs served as warden at the Columbus Correctional Institution in Whiteville and director of the Robeson Confinement in Response to Violation Center. He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UNC Charlotte.

2000s

1990s

Want to submit a Class Note?

You can submit news via email to 49erAlumni@uncc.edu.

Hunt earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from UNC Charlotte.

Corley

Concord. In this role, he will manage the municipality’s drinking water production and distribution, stormwater management and sewer collection systems. Corley has worked in several engineering and management roles with the city of Concord over the last fifteen years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UNC Charlotte.

Andie Maloney ’05 was named vice president of education at Blumenthal Performing Arts. She will oversee the nonprofit’s Education Department, which manages 20-plus educational and enrichment programs to help bring the performing arts to community organizations, schools and individuals throughout the Central Carolinas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre education from UNC Charlotte.

2010s

Becoats Hunsinger

Scott Hunsinger ’94, ’96 MBA, ’05 Ph.D. was named interim chair of the Walker College of Business’s Department of Computer Information Systems at Appalachian State University. He joined Appalachian’s faculty in 2004 and holds the L.M. “Bud” Baker Jr. Professorship.

Hunsinger received master’s degrees in management information systems and business administration and a doctorate degree in information technology from UNC Charlotte.

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Eric Becoats ’01 was named superintendent of the William Penn School District, which is adjacent to the city of Philadelphia, following a national search. Becoats had served as assistant superintendent of schools in Philadelphia since 2015, where he was responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan to support underperforming schools.

He earned a doctorate in educational leadership from UNC Charlotte.

Jeff Corley ’00 was promoted to water resources director for the city of

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Marsden Hunt

Dee Hunt ’01 was named a global wealth executive at BBVA USA. Hunt will lead all wealth management operations in the Houston area, the largest market in the bank’s U.S. footprint. He has nearly 14 years of experience in the financial industry, spending the previous four years as a wealth division regional director in various Texas markets.

Cameron Marsden ’10 MPA was named tourism director for the Thomasville Tourism Commission. She is responsible for promoting local businesses, attractions, restaurants, hotels and events in the Davidson County area. Marsden earned a master’s degree in public administration from UNC Charlotte.

NINERS, We’re Here to Help!

NINER BUSINESS NETWORK

The new Niner Business Network initiative can help connect you with fellow alumni in the business community. The Niner Business Network allows alumni-owned businesses to submit their information to the online business directory and encourages others to support their fellow Niners.

Niner Business Network members can also request to have a 49er alumni-owned business digital sticker added to their company’s website.

UNC CHARLOTTE CAREER SERVICES

UNC Charlotte’s Career Center offers virtual individual coaching sessions, small group discussions and just-in-time service.

Learn more about Niners Helping Niners at 49eralumni.uncc.edu

DIGITALLY CONNECT WITH ALUMNI

UNC Charlotte Alumni

@49erAlumni

UNC Charlotte Alumni Association 49erAlumni.uncc.edu 704-687-7799 • 800-745-8622

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Kat Lawrence

Hechenbleikner Lake offers a glimpse of springtime blossoms that abound on campus as UNC Charlotte awaits the return of Niner Nation.