Congratulations to our Staff Employees of the Year, how a title-winning 49er supports student-athletes and more

Editor’s Note: Shoutout to all our incredible 49ers; today is national student-athlete day. Meet a former women’s basketball player who now supports Charlotte’s athletes behind the scenes below. 

Excellence in action: UNC Charlotte celebrates 2026 staff employees of the year

The six outstanding 2026 Staff Employee of the Year Award recipients were honored for their hard work and dedication to the campus community and beyond at a Sweet Success reception Thursday, April 2, in the Popp Martin Student Union.

Shaping stronger student-athletes: How Kameron Roach ’23 supports Niners beyond competition

Kameron Roach ’23, director of student-athlete development, knows what it takes to succeed on the court and in the classroom. A former student-athlete at the University of Kentucky and UNC Charlotte, she reflects on her experience and the challenges today’s athletes face.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: April is Campus Accessibility Month. Learn to connect policy to practice with practical, low-barrier supports to help make meaningful, immediate improvements to teaching materials, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
• Thanks for supporting Niner Nation Gives: Over the 49 hours of Niner Nation Gives, you showed up to build a stronger future for Charlotte. This year drew strong participation across Niner Nation, totaling 7,629 gifts and counting! Because of you, more students will access scholarships, research and the life-changing experiences that make Niner Nation unique.
• AI research strategic plan: The Division of Research unveiled a bold new strategic plan for the Charlotte AI Institute for Research to fuel cutting-edge AI innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration. Explore the plan geared toward accelerating technology transfer, strengthening talent pipelines and driving real-world impact.
• UNC Charlotte Expands Digital Presence to TikTok: On Thursday, April 9, UNC Charlotte will add TikTok to its digital portfolio. Managed by University Communications, the account will feature student-centered content that reflects the energy, pride and differentiators that make Charlotte distinctive. As we grow this presence, we’ll showcase the people, stories and momentum of a university on the rise. Follow UNC Charlotte on TikTok at @unccharlotte or visit www.tiktok.com/@unccharlotte. Read details on the rollout, advertising and social media guidelines. 
• Atkins closure: Atkins Library will be closed on Friday, April 10, for scheduled electrical work.
• Lot 15 closing: Lot 15 will close permanently at 10 p.m., Friday, April 10, to make space for the Honeywell Innovation Hub project. Faculty and staff who use the premium and ADA spaces in Lot 15 are encouraged to use nearby alternate parking, including Union Deck, Cone Deck and Lot 16a.
• Retirement planning: Register to meet with a TIAA financial consultant on campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, April 27, in the Cone University Center, Room 110, to learn more about your specific investments and retirement needs.
• Review spending cutoff: For fiscal year-end 2026 to go as smoothly as possible, please review and observe the year-end spending cutoff deadlines and related reminders.
• UNC Legal Plan: UNC employees can enroll in the UNC Legal Plan through April 30. For an affordable monthly fee, participants gain access to a nationwide network of attorneys for help with estate planning, real estate matters, family issues and more. MetLife will host information sessions at noon, Wednesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 29.
• SHRA and EHRA-NF supervisors: Learn how AI can help streamline the evaluation process, reducing time spent on wording and allowing more focus on meaningful feedback and employee development.

what you need to know: students

• Thanks for supporting Niner Nation Gives: Over the 49 hours of Niner Nation Gives, you showed up to build a stronger future for Charlotte. This year drew strong participation across Niner Nation, totaling 7,629 gifts and counting. Because of you, more students will access scholarships, research and the life-changing experiences that make Niner Nation unique. 
• Atkins closure: Atkins Library will be closed on Friday, April 10, for scheduled electrical work.
• MVS resource fair: Military and Veteran Services is hosting a resource fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 17, for all military-affiliated students. Whether you are a veteran, spouse, dependent, active-duty member, reservist, guard member or ROTC cadet, this event is a one-stop shop to plug into a successful network.
• Green Dot Bystander Training: Join the Center for Wellness Promotion for its final Green Dot Bystander Training of the semester on Thursday, April 23, and learn how to use your influence to help prevent sexual assault, dating violence and stalking at Charlotte. A meal and swag will be provided.

upcoming events: students

Celebrate 4/9 Day with giveaways, food and games from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 9, at Barnes & Noble Charlotte. 

• Earth Month Film Series: Join the Office of Sustainability and campus partners for film screenings and panel discussions throughout April. The next screening is Life on Wheels: Transportation for a New Urban Century, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9, in Klein College of Science, Room 104.
• Take Back the Night: Inspire action to prevent sexual violence at Take Back the Night beginning at 5 p.m., Monday, April 14, at McKnight Hall. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided.
• First-Generation Appreciation Day: Don’t miss swag, fun, food and fellowship for Charlotte’s first-gen community at First-Generation Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at Star Quad.

the difference is charlotte

Pop culture stereotypes of the finance industry portray an intense environment with a heavy focus on climbing the corporate ladder. For Taliyah Green, a junior finance major, the corporate ladder isn’t for separating herself from others; it’s a tool to elevate her community as she climbs to new heights. 

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Charlotte history trivia results: Last week’s trivia was a tough one, only 22% of respondents got a perfect score. Most didn’t know that Charlotte men’s basketball made the Final Four in 1977. 
• Celebrate 4/9 Day: Don’t miss giveaways, food and games from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 9, at Barnes & Noble Charlotte. 
• Take Back the Night: Inspire action to prevent sexual violence at Take Back the Night beginning at 5 p.m., Monday, April 14, at McKnight Hall. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

• Charlotte history trivia results: Last week’s trivia was a tough one, only 11% of respondents got a perfect score. Most didn’t know that Charlotte men’s basketball made the Final Four in 1977. 
• Stay Informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.