University Partners with Layne Riggs ’24 for NASCAR Truck Series Race, Pell Grants fuel Niner futures and more

May 18, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Elevated view of UNC Charlotte campus with a prominent domed building, surrounding brick structures, tree-lined paths, and students walking across a landscaped quad.

Editor’s Note: Good morning, Niner Nation! Summer term starts today; here’s what you need to know.

Leveling the playing field

According to research published by the American Educational Research Association, UNC Charlotte is among the best in the nation in outcomes for students receiving Pell Grants. Explore the stories of students and alumni who were shaped by these opportunities.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Road detour: Work near West Deck will close the sidewalk and the northbound lane of Cameron Boulevard today, Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 22. All northbound traffic must turn right onto University Road; southbound traffic and West Deck access remain open.
  • Lane closures: Cameron Boulevard between Mary Alexander Road and John Kirk Drive will have lane closures from 6 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, through 6 p.m., Saturday, May 23, for scheduled asphalt repairs. Expect construction activity, traffic control during the day and overnight closures while asphalt cures.
  • First in Defense: UNC Charlotte has joined North Carolina’s First in Defense coalition, reinforcing the University’s growing role in defense innovation, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing and dual-use technology development.
  • Legislative update: Leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly announced a proposed budget framework that outlines agreement on several major budget items, including raises for state employees. Please note this does not mean the budget is final.
  • Spending cutoff deadlines: As the fiscal year winds down, please review the FY2026 spending cutoff deadlines and other year-end reminders.
  • Charlotte faculty cited by Forbes: Forbes published an article on the 100 biggest family businesses in America. The article references consulting with faculty at UNC Charlotte to develop its methodology, and links to an article co-authored by Torsten Pieper, professor of management, and Franz Kellermanns, academic director for the doctorate in business administration program.
  • University Ombuds Office receives office certification: The University Ombuds Office has been awarded the Certified Ombuds Program credential by the International Ombuds Association. This credential reflects the staff’s commitment to professional excellence and UNC Charlotte’s investment in an exemplary ombuds program.
  • Military community recognition: Charlotte received the 2026 Excellence in Service Award from Operation Hat Trick, a non-profit supporting the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans.

what you need to know: students

  • Road detour: Work near West Deck will close the sidewalk and the northbound lane of Cameron Boulevard today, Monday, May 18, through Friday, May 22. All northbound traffic must turn right onto University Road; southbound traffic and West Deck access remain open.
  • Lane closures: Cameron Boulevard between Mary Alexander Road and John Kirk Drive will have lane closures from 6 a.m., Tuesday, May 19, through 6 p.m., Saturday, May 23, for scheduled asphalt repairs. Expect construction activity, traffic control during the day and overnight closures while asphalt cures.
  • University Ombuds Office receives certificate: The University Ombuds Office has been awarded the Certified Ombuds Program credential by the International Ombuds Association. This credential reflects the staff’s commitment to professional excellence and UNC Charlotte’s investment in an exemplary ombuds program.
  • Military community recognition: Charlotte received the 2026 Excellence in Service Award from Operation Hat Trick, a non-profit supporting the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans.

the difference is charlotte

Layne Riggs '24 wearing a UNC Charlotte branded racing suit, standing behind a UNC Charlotte-wrapped truck

Charlotte alum and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Layne Riggs ’24 returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway Friday, May 22, carrying the University with him as the primary sponsor for his No. 34 truck.

professional development: faculty and Staff

  • Retirement planning: Register to meet with a TIAA financial consultant on campus between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 19; Tuesday, June 23; or Tuesday, July 28, in the Cone University Center, Room 109, to learn more about your specific investments and retirement needs.
  • Concur training: Attend the Concur for Purchasing Card (non-travel) training at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 21, by registering on the Learning and Development Portal.
  • HR Power Hour: The next virtual HR Power Hour will take place from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 27. Deidra Harris-Lumpkins, associate vice chancellor for human resources, will discuss HR Connect, a new centralized case management platform designed to streamline and enhance how the UNC Charlotte community engages with human resources. Learn about the new system and how to engage with HR.
  • AI training: Join OneIT on Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, for brand new training sessions on building custom Google Gems and using Notebook LM to transform docs into deliverables. Registration is required via the Learning and Development Portal.
  • Rise to LEADership: Registration is open for the spring 2026 cohort of HR’s new Rise to LEADership Certificate program, a professional development series designed to help employees build foundational leadership and peer‑leadership skills. The program, open to all University employees, starts Tuesday, June 9.

to-do list: faculty and staff

to-do list: students