Joe Posnanski reflects on his time at UNC Charlotte and Levine Scholar Jasmine Oliver named Newman Civic Fellow

September 14, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Joe Posnanski holds his two Emmy awards at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina

Joe Posnanski reflects on his time at UNC Charlotte

Accomplished sports writer, bestselling author and Niner Joe Posnanski reflects on how his time at UNC Charlotte helped launch a career that has taken him to some of the world’s biggest sporting events. 

Jasmine Oliver headshot graphic

Levine Scholar Jasmine Oliver named Newman Civic Fellow

Levine Scholar Jasmine Oliver, a senior environmental studies major, has been named a 2026-27 Newman Civic Fellow for her commitment to environmental advocacy, research and community engagement. 

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: Nominations for the 2027 Harshini V. de Silva Graduate Mentor Award are open. Learn more about the nomination process, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • Remembering Tom Whitestone: The University is mourning Tom Whitestone, longtime sports information director for media relations. Whitestone died Tuesday, Sept. 8.
  • Congratulations: Bojan Cukic, dean of the College of Computing and Informatics, has been elected to serve as secretary of the Computing Research Association’s Computing and Information Deans Council.
  • IT training: Mandatory IT security training will be released to all faculty and staff on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Training for student workers and temporary employees will launch Friday, Oct. 16.
  • Growing honors: Join Malin Pereira, dean of the Honors College, for a workshop focused on the proposal process for honors program expansion at the University from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, in Levine Hall. Register by Friday, Sept. 18.
  • Prepare for open enrollment: NCFlex will virtually host, “Preparing for Open Enrollment and Plan Changes for 2027,” at noon, Wednesday, Sept. 23.
  • Funding info session: Join the Gambrell Faculty Fellowship Awards info session from 2 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Sycamore 306 or via Zoom. Get an overview of the application process for these short-term project grants, and hear insights and highlights from former fellows and more.
  • Last call to become an ambassador: Learn more about the sustainability ambassador program from current ambassadors and register to join them to help promote a culture of sustainability on campus. 
  • Graduate Education Summit: Join the Graduate School for the Fall 2026 Graduate Education Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the Cone University Center Lucas room.
  • Perceptive Content migration: The Perceptive Content migration to Etrieve Phase 1 Finance is now complete. This migration included all finance-related documents including FTRs and SEAs. 

what you need to know: students

  • Undergraduate research: The Office of Undergraduate Research is accepting applications for the spring 2027 semester. Apply by Wednesday, Oct. 14.
  • Late night dining: Whether you’re studying late or craving a late-night snack, order from a selection of food and snack options through Grubhub from 7 p.m to midnight.
  • Student resource hub: Managing finances, technology and everyday essentials can be overwhelming. The manage money and essentials section of the student resource hub consolidates resources for financial aid, student accounts, technology, campus apps and other everyday tools in one convenient place.

The difference is charlotte

September is National Self‑Care Awareness Month, and UNC Charlotte is highlighting resources to help employees recharge, build healthy routines and stay resilient throughout the semester.

JL Price MBA students at CLT airport

JL Price MBA students put their leadership skills to the test during a simulated crisis at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The hands-on exercise challenged students to navigate complex decisions involving airport operations, communications, staffing, passenger needs and more.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Foster human-first classrooms: Join Ian Binns at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, for “The Periodic Table of Emotions: Fostering Human-First Classrooms,” to learn how daily emotional check-ins can create a supportive environment for deeper discussions and challenging conversations.
  • 49er Mart users: Attend the 49er Mart virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24. Registration is encouraged on the Learning and Development Portal, and additional information can be found on the 49er Mart message board.
  • 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.
  • Concur employee reimbursement: Attend an upcoming “Concur Employee Reimbursement Open Office Hours” by registering on the Learning and Development Portal. If you cannot attend, the sessions will be recorded and available on the Concur landing page following the training.

TO-DO list: faculty and staff

TO-DO LIST: Students

upcoming events: students

Celebrate Charlotte’s 80th Anniversary

Join the campus community from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Gage Undergraduate Admissions Center as we commemorate our “oak” anniversary. We’ll mark eight decades of academic excellence, service and impact by planting a new oak tree on campus. RSVP to attend.

  • Hech Lake day: Enjoy boating, music and snow cones at the next Hech Lake Day at Heckenbleikner Lake from 2 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15.
  • Bloom through creativity: Join Counseling and Psychological Services for DIY tote bags, canvases and coloring at Belk Plaza from 2 to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, to tap into your creativity and connect through art.