Kathryn Horne leaves her mark on campus

Kathryn Horne, director of planning, design and construction in facilities management, has made quite an impact on UNC Charlotte’s campus master plan since joining the University in 2015. No two days have been the same for the registered architect, who recently announced her retirement from the University, effective March 31.

Horne has been responsible for planning, managing design processes and overseeing new construction and renovations of existing space and infrastructure on campus. Under her leadership, the University Recreation Center, Gage Undergraduate Admissions Center, the UNC Charlotte Remembrance Memorial and Wilson and Klein halls were built. She was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Union Parking Deck, Scott Hall renovation, the Regional Utility Plant and the buildout of the fourth floor of the Bioinformatics building.

In addition, Horne successfully spearheaded the re-envisioned campus master plan, which supports the University’s strategic plan, guiding the development of the physical elements of campus including facilities, space, transportation, parking, housing, utilities, infrastructure and the outdoor environment through 2035. The re-envisioned campus master plan is a comprehensive development plan integrating the University’s goals for academic excellence, research, student experience, community programs and engagement, talent and workforce cultivation, and sustainability.

“Kathryn has been a great asset not only to the Division of Business Affairs but to the entire University,” said Owen Cooks, associate vice chancellor for facilities management. “She has worked diligently to build partnerships and teams, facilitate change and develop creative solutions to challenges. The great work she has done on campus will be felt for decades.”

Prior to joining UNC Charlotte, Horne worked in capital planning and space management at Georgia Tech. As a partner in Charlotte architectural firms, she led the design of the Popp Martin Student Union and other on-campus projects.

Horne has been active in the Society for College and University Planners at the national and regional levels. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from N.C. State University and a Master of Architecture from Clemson University.