Nominations Open for Alumni Awards, Swapping Data for Dogs, Craver Road Safety Improvements

June 30, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
Alumni 10 Under Ten Awards Trophies

Recognize Difference-making Alumni

Nominations are open for the Excellence in Leadership, 10 Under Ten and Alumni Awards. Submit your nominations for alumni who have distinguished themselves with significant professional accomplishments or extraordinary service to their communities. Submissions are due by Sunday, Aug. 31.

Zacch Estrada-Petersen ’05 with dog

From Spreadsheets to Dog Treats: How a Niner Swapped Data for Dogs

For Zacch Estrada-Petersen ’05, dogs were always a source of joy. But turning that love into a career? That was never the plan. Read about his unlikely path to pet entrepreneurship.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • New Appointment: Tehia Starker Glass, professor of educational psychology and elementary education, has been appointed interim executive director of UNC Charlotte’s Center for ADVANCing Faculty Success, effective Tuesday, July 1.
  • Welcome New Trustees: UNC Charlotte will welcome four new members to its Board of Trustees effective Tuesday, July 1, for four-year terms:  Henry Atkins, Amy Klein Aznar, David Longo and David Ravin.
  • Craver Road Safety Improvements: The University will make safety improvements to Craver Road during the next several weeks. Changes include speed bumps; new speed limit signs; and no loading, parking, stopping or standing signs. It is possible that the intersection at Mary Alexander Road will become a three-way stop. Learn more about these improvements.
  • I-85 Lane Closure: One lane in each direction of I-85 will be closed Monday, July 14, through Thursday, Sept. 11, to accommodate the construction of the I-85 North Bridge. Commuters may experience construction-related delays in Charlotte’s northeast corridor.

what you need to know: students

  • Business Services Survey: Help improve the auxiliary services and PaTS websites through an anonymous and confidential survey, which can be completed in approximately 10 minutes. At the end, there is a chance to enter a drawing for a $50 Barnes & Noble Charlotte gift card. The survey deadline is Tuesday, July 8.
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management: Undergraduate students of all majors are invited to declare the undergraduate certificate in project management, which can be completed fully online and asynchronously as part of an existing degree program.
  • Safety Improvements: The University will make safety improvements to Craver Road during the next several weeks. Changes include speed bumps; new speed limit signs; and no loading, parking, stopping or standing signs. It is possible that the intersection at Mary Alexander Road will become a three-way stop. Learn more about these improvements.
  • I-85 Lane Closure: One lane in each direction of I-85 will be closed Monday, July 14, through Thursday, Sept. 11, to accommodate the construction of the I-85 North Bridge. Commuters may experience construction-related delays in Charlotte’s northeast corridor.
  • Login Changes: Logging into eGPS and Malibu will require your full NinerNET email address, effective Friday, July 11. Learn more about this change and view the full migration schedule.
  • CATS on July 4: All CATS bus, rail and paratransit services will operate on a Saturday schedule on Friday, July 4. The CATS Call Center, Pass Sales and Information Office at the Charlotte Transportation Center will be closed. For more information about using CATS services, visit its website or download the CATS-Pass App.
  • Calling Green Thumbs: Are you keeping a garden this summer? Do you have a beautiful array of flowers? Are you growing produce? Whether it’s a full backyard project or a small balcony oasis, we want to see it!

event spotlight

Soccer balls at Transamerica field

The fall schedules for UNC Charlotte men’s and women’s soccer teams have been announced. Check out the lineup of 18 home games at Transamerica Field, including a double-header, Thursday, Aug. 21.

additional news, events and announcements: Faculty and staff

  • Calling Green Thumbs: Are you keeping a garden this summer? Do you have a beautiful array of flowers? Are you growing produce? Whether it’s a full backyard project or a small balcony oasis, we want to see it!
  • Dubois Center Scheduling Process Update: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City will allow event reservations for the first, second and third floors up to two years in advance. Read more about this change. 
  • CATS on July 4: All CATS bus, rail and paratransit services will operate on a Saturday schedule, Friday, July 4. The CATS Call Center, Pass Sales and Information Office at the Charlotte Transportation Center will be closed. For more information about using CATS services, visit its website or download the CATS-Pass App.
  • New Grade or LDA Change Request Tool: The new grade or last date of attendance change request tool will go into effect starting Tuesday, July 15. Departments and approvers can find more information here.
  • Login Changes: Logging into eGPS and Malibu will require a full NinerNET email address effective Friday, July 11. Learn more about this change and view the full migration schedule.
  • Attention EHRA-Non-Faculty Staff: Log into NinerTalent STAKES today to review and acknowledge your appraisal for the 2024–25 cycle. If you have any questions, email the performance management team.
  • QPR Training: Question, Persuade, Refer is a suicide prevention training that teaches individuals how to recognize the warning signs. The next virtual training for faculty and staff is from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15.
  • Team Player Workshop: Register for the “Being a Good Team Player: Balancing Leadership, Dependability and Collaboration,” part of the human resources’ Unleash Your Niner Potential series for Charlotte employees, from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 16.
  • OneIT Training Sessions: Boost your tech skills this July with OneIT training sessions covering Zoom Phone and Google Workspace.

only at charlotte

Kenny Nguyen ’15 in his studio in Concord, North Carolina

Kenny Nguyen ’15, an artist with a growing international profile, is helping UNC Charlotte students build confidence and careers as artists at his studio in the heart of Concord, North Carolina.

around campus

Photo for the 49er Miner in the CHHS/CoED Plaza

Did you know the 49er Miner, located in the CHHS/CoED Plaza, was originally installed near the main campus entrance in 1992? The statue, designed by Lorenzo Ghiglieri, recalls the region’s history as a gold mining center and symbolizes the pioneering spirit that has led to UNC Charlotte’s growth. Students are encouraged to put a penny in his pan for good luck. Check it out on campus this week!

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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