Meet the Teaching Excellence Award finalists and learn about Military World Games preparations

September 8, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider

Six finalists named for Charlotte’s 2026 Teaching Excellence Awards

Charlotte faculty shape the learning experiences that help students thrive, and this year’s finalists reflect that impact. Their work demonstrates the innovation, care and commitment that elevate student success and uphold the University’s standard for exceptional teaching.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Early alerts for all 1000/2000-level courses are due by noon, Friday, Sept. 11. Learn how to access the advisor tool and CONNECT best practices training modules, along with other important announcements in this week’s news digest.
  • Reminder: The first of two 45-minute virtual research town halls is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 11. Learn about recent organizational changes in the division, FY26 updates and participate in an open Q&A.
  • Scheduled maintenance: Tableau will be temporarily unavailable for scheduled maintenance from 8:30 to 11 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15.
  • Zero waste volunteers needed: The Office of Sustainability is looking for volunteers to help sort materials after each home football game. Learn more about the zero waste program and how to get involved.
  • Gambrell Faculty Fellowship: The Charlotte Urban Institute is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Gambrell Faculty Fellowship program. Six projects focused on quality of life in the Charlotte region will receive grants of up to $25,000 each.
  • Military World Games: UNC Charlotte is preparing to serve as a venue for the 2027 Military World Games, an international multisport competition scheduled for June 25 through July 4, 2027, at locations across North and South Carolina. Learn about the campus preparations for the games.

what you need to know: students

  • Zero waste volunteers: The Office of Sustainability is looking for volunteers to help sort materials after each home football game. Learn more about the zero waste program and how to get involved.
  • Student resource hub: It can feel stressful to figure out how to get involved and where to find essentials on campus. The live and connect section of the student resource hub provides information you need — dining, housing, books, transportation and opportunities to get involved in one easy place. 
  • Future Alumni Network: Enhance your Niner pride, network with alumni and gain access to exclusive swag and events by joining the Future Alumni Network.
  • Military World Games: UNC Charlotte is preparing to serve as a venue for the 2027 Military World Games, an international multisport competition scheduled for June 25 through July 4, 2027, at locations across North and South Carolina. Learn about the campus preparations for the games.

the difference is charlotte

Ela Ziv, a doctoral candidate in the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program, has been selected as the recipient of the Lucille P. and Edward C. Giles Dissertation-Year Fellowship for 2026–27, which covers tuition and fees as well as funds for travel to present her research. Her dissertation examines teacher perspectives on the use of generative AI to support student learning in K–12 educational settings. 

Andrei Vince, a fourth-year computer engineering major, was the sole author of ACID-Bench and presented a poster on the benchmark at KDD Workshop on Evaluation and Trustworthiness of Agentic AI in Jeju, South Korea.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Peer-learning session: Join Katherine Bennett for the next AI@Work peer-learning session from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9. Learn practical tips for writing knowledge articles that are easy for people to understand and optimized for AI virtual agents.
  • Submit a SoTL grant proposal: The 2026 SoTL Grants Program is accepting proposals aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan, including projects exploring the impact of AI on teaching and learning. Proposals are due Thursday, Oct. 1.
  • Off-cycle performance reviews: Attend All About STAKES Performance Feedback from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday Oct. 2, a virtual training that equips managers with practical tools for providing timely, effective feedback to SHRA employees.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Meet the OrthoCarolina Student‑Athlete of the Week: Volleyball player Sofia Locadia is the OrthoCarolina Student‑Athlete of the Week after a standout Charlotte Invitational showing with 20 kills, eight blocks and a career‑best eight kills vs. App State. Browse previous honorees to catch more top Niner performances.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

to-do list: students

  • Meet the OrthoCarolina Student‑Athlete of the Week: Volleyball player Sofia Locadia is the OrthoCarolina Student‑Athlete of the Week after a standout Charlotte Invitational showing with 20 kills, eight blocks and a career‑best eight kills vs. App State. Browse previous honorees to catch more top Niner performances.
  • Follow us: Follow Niner Insider on Instagram.
  • Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.

upcoming events: students

Niner Nation Week returns Thursday, Sept. 27, through Friday, Oct. 4, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends for a week of celebration, traditions and Niner pride.

  • Dalton tower reopening: Celebrate the reopening of the Dalton tower in Atkins Library from 3 to 4:30 p.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 9. Grab your event passport to collect stamps and giveaways as you explore themed activities on each floor.