CBJ “40 Under 40 Awards,” Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Defends Title, First LEADing What’s Next Cohort and more

May 26, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
40 over 40 main header image with 4 persons

Four Members of Niner Nation Honored in CBJ’s 40 Under 40

Four exceptional individuals from the UNC Charlotte community were recognized for achievements exemplifying leadership, innovation and dedication in Charlotte Business Journal’s annual “40 Under 40 Awards.” Congratulations, Virginia Covill ’13 M.A., ’16 Ph.D.; Matthew Kiker ’11; Fernando Mayoral ’17 MBA; and Lin Ma, assistant professor of engineering.

Women’s track team celebrates with trophies and a championship sign on the field.

Charlotte Women Win Second Consecutive American Conference Outdoor Championship

The 49ers women’s track and field team successfully defended its AAC Outdoor title, winning the team event. Niners from 15 events across the men’s and women’s fields have qualified for the NCAA East Preliminaries, which begin Wednesday, May 28.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

what you need to know: students

  • Engineering Common Curriculum: The William States Lee College of Engineering is implementing a common first-year curriculum beginning in the fall. Instead of declaring a major upon enrollment, prospective Niner engineers can use their first year to explore the disciplines and find their passion.
  • Just Baked Machines Offline: Just Baked vending machines will be offline for the summer starting today, Monday, May 26. Normal operations will resume Wednesday, Aug. 13.
  • Zoom Meeting Disruptions: Some Zoom meetings have been disrupted due to publicly available links. If you post a Zoom link publicly, enable the waiting room, review attendees and be ready to remove unwanted guests. Review this FAQ for more best practices.
  • Charlotte Hosting Chartwells Summit: UNC Charlotte’s dining service provider, Chartwells Higher Education, will hold its company summit June 2-4 at Halton Arena. About 600 people are expected to attend which may impact traffic patterns.

event spotlight

Staff at Chancellor's Staff Appreciation Event

Charlotte staff members gathered in SoVi Dining Hall Thursday, May 22, for the annual Chancellor’s Staff Appreciation event. Attendees took a well-deserved break to enjoy food and drinks in the company of colleagues. Check out photos from the event.

upcoming events: students

  • Connect with Nature: The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is hosting a number of workshops and meditative experiences during the summer. “Gratitude in the Gardens” and nature therapy walks are free to students with a valid UNC Charlotte ID.
  • Juneteenth Block Party: Join the Black Alumni Chapter for the third annual Juneteenth Block Party from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at the Hauser Alumni Pavilion. All are welcome to enjoy this free event with music, food trucks, line dancing and more! Register by Monday, June 16.

additional news, events and announcements: faculty and staff

  • Engineering Common Curriculum: The William States Lee College of Engineering is implementing a common first-year curriculum beginning in the fall. Instead of declaring a major upon enrollment, prospective Niner engineers can use their first year to explore the disciplines and find their passion.
  • Just Baked Machines Offline: Just Baked vending machines will be offline for the summer starting today, Monday, May 26. Normal operations will resume Wednesday, Aug. 13.
  • HR Power Hour Reminder: Human resources is hosting an HR Power Hour webinar from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 28, to provide valuable insights into hiring non-student temporary employees, including the hiring process, eligible candidates, position requirements and other essential information.
  • Zoom Meeting Disruptions: Some Zoom meetings have been disrupted due to publicly available links. If you post a Zoom link publicly, enable the waiting room, review attendees and be ready to remove unwanted guests. Review this FAQ for more best practices. 
  • Connect with Nature: The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is hosting a number of workshops and meditative experiences during the summer. “Gratitude in the Gardens” and nature therapy walks are free to faculty and staff with a valid UNC Charlotte ID.
  • Charlotte Hosting Chartwells Summit: UNC Charlotte’s dining service provider, Chartwells Higher Education, will hold its company summit June 2-4 at Halton Arena. About 600 people are expected to attend, which may impact traffic patterns.
  • Retirement Planning: A TIAA financial consultant will be on campus to answer questions about investments and retirement needs. Register for on of the multiple sessions scheduled for Thursday, June 5; Thursday, July 3; or Monday, Aug. 11.

only at charlotte

Layne Riggs ’24 placed 4th in the latest Craftsman Truck Series race Friday, May 23, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Riggs wore a custom Charlotte fire suit and drove a Charlotte-branded truck.

around campus

LEADing What's Next Certificate Spring 2025 Cohort

Twenty-two campus leaders recently earned a LEADing What’s Next Certificate, offered through human resources. This certificate program enhanced their leadership effectiveness as managers and supervisors. Meet the inaugural spring 2025 cohort.

Andrew Goff and Trash Taggers

For eight years, Andrew Goff, a lecturer in biology, has cleaned local creeks with his Adopt-a-Spot crew of Charlotte students, the Trash Taggers. The group was recognized recently by Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.

campus resources

join the niner conversation on social media

There are a lot of ways to stay up-to-date and show your Niner pride. Make sure to follow Charlotte on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

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