Alumni employees recognized for leadership, service and Niner spirit
The UNC Charlotte 49er Alumni Campus Employees (ACE) Network bestowed its 2026 ACE Awards to three outstanding alumni employees — Tonya Bates ’97, ’01 M.S.; Shannon Homesley ’15 M.A.; and Suzanne Voigt ’24 — and its 49er ACE Scholarship to junior Levi Truong. All four were recognized during an appreciation luncheon Monday, Sept. 28, in the Popp Martin Student Union as part of Niner Nation Week celebrations.
“Our ACE honorees represent the very best of UNC Charlotte,” Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said. “They bring their talent, their dedication and their Niner spirit to work every day, and our campus is stronger because of them. Their commitment to serving students and supporting colleagues shows what it means to choose Charlotte.”
The Amazing ACE Award: Tonya Bates ’97, ’01 M.S.
The Amazing ACE Award recognizes alumni campus employees who embody the heart of UNC Charlotte — individuals who live out the University’s vision, demonstrate loyalty to their teams and communities and radiate Niner Nation pride on and off campus.
Bates, a three‑time UNC Charlotte alumna and first‑generation college graduate, is an associate teaching professor in biological sciences whose work centers on student success and evidence‑based teaching. She has earned major university honors, including the Award for Teaching Excellence and the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, and co‑directs the Klein College of Science Educational Innovation Center.
Her first‑generation journey informs her student‑centered approach, shaped by mentors who sparked her passion for microbiology. Bates holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology and a master’s degree in biology from UNC Charlotte, as well as a doctorate in education sciences from the University of Kentucky.
The ACE Milestone Award: Shannon Homesley ’15 M.A. and Suzanne Voigt ’24
The ACE Milestone Award honors alumni campus employees who have dedicated 10 or more years of service to UNC Charlotte and have made being a 49er not just a role, but a way of life.
Homesley, executive assistant to the provost, has been a member of Niner Nation since 2008. In her role, which she has held since 2014, she manages daily operations of the Provost’s Office — overseeing calendars, coordinating major projects and facilitating executive communications to ensure Academic Affairs runs smoothly. Her earlier service in Legal Affairs and the Controller’s Office strengthened the broad institutional expertise colleagues rely on.
Homesley is deeply engaged across campus, including as a Niner Nation Gives ambassador. Known for her dependability, collaborative spirit and genuine care for others, she exemplifies steadfast service to the University. She earned a master’s degree in English while working full time at UNC Charlotte. Homesley also holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UNC Chapel Hill and a certificate in paralegal technology from Central Piedmont Community College.
Voigt, program manager for career readiness design and faculty and staff engagement in the Career Center, leads campuswide efforts to integrate career development into curricula and programs. She oversees high‑impact trainings, directs classroom engagement initiatives and helps build structures that connect students to meaningful career pathways.
Voigt also teaches Strategic Career Preparation for graduate students and co‑leads the annual study abroad program, England: Global Career Quest in London, which explores international career branding and professional development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in photography from UNC Charlotte, along with earlier degrees in French, school counseling, and counseling and student personnel services from other institutions.
49er ACE Scholarship: Levi Truong
The 49er ACE Scholarship supports student employees and is endowed with the help of alumni campus employees.
Truong is a junior majoring in accounting and management information systems in the Belk College of Business. On campus, he works as a library assistant in the Charles C. Hight Architecture Library and as a captioned media intern in the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation.
“I am incredibly humbled and deeply grateful to receive the 49er ACE Scholarship,” Truong said. “This support means so much more to me than just financial assistance; it is a true encouragement that motivates me to work harder every single day. Because of your generosity, I can focus fully on pursuing my dual degrees without the heavy weight of financial stress.”
About the 49er ACE Network
The 49er ACE Network includes UNC Charlotte alumni who serve the University as faculty and staff members. Its purpose is to create a platform for alumni employees to engage, volunteer and grow professionally. Its mission is to encourage participation and the 49er spirit in alumni employees of all ages, divisions and professions.
View additional photos from the awards luncheon.
From left: Jodi Kaplan, associate vice chancellor of alumni engagement; Shannon Homesley ’15 M.A.; Suzanne Voigt ’24; Tonya Bates ’97, ’01 M.S.; and Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber.
Written by: Jennifer Howe
Photos by: Amy Hart