Meet Malin Pereira: Dean of the Honors College

Malin Pereira, dean of the Honors College, is dedicated to creating access and opportunities for students. She has driven tremendous growth in honors enrollment through scholarship programs and interdisciplinary courses and continues to recruit, nurture and retain world-class undergraduates to the University. Pereira was appointed dean in July 2022, after serving as executive director of the college. She joined UNC Charlotte in 1992.

Get to know Pereira better through the questions below, asked by Julian Garcia, a senior communications major and intern in the Office of University Communications.

What do you love most about UNC Charlotte?

I really like the fact that the University is both urban and a research university. For me, these two aspects are really important. I am actively involved in publishing scholarly work, so being at a research university is crucial for me. I also love urban environments, since I am a city girl. Thirty-three years ago, the University was a comprehensive regional university, but now it has evolved into something that aligns more with my preferences.

What three words do you believe best define your leadership style?

I am told that my leadership style is warm, direct and strategic, and I think that works pretty well.

What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you have received?

The best professional advice I received was to communicate to everyone on the team, including staff, faculty and students, that family comes first. This is especially important in a work environment where passion for the job can sometimes overshadow personal priorities. It’s crucial to make sure that people don’t work excessively long hours and that they feel supported in balancing work and family life, such as being able to have children and attend family events when necessary. Prioritizing family and conveying this message to others, while also leading by example, has been incredibly impactful in our workplace.

You are headed to a deserted island. You can take a food, a drink, a book, a song and a movie. What are they and why?

On a deserted island, I’d want to have some essential items to survive but also to enjoy myself. I’d bring my favorite dish, malfatti, which is spinach gnocchi. It’s difficult to make but absolutely delicious. I’d pair it with a nice glass of Chenin Blanc wine. I’d also bring an anthology of African American poetry edited by Arnold Rampersad, which is important to my area of scholarship. For music, I’d choose some classical pieces, maybe some Mozart to remind me of my husband, who is a classically trained violinist. And for the movie, I’d bring “Moonstruck,” which is a family favorite. The one thing missing from this list is artwork. I really like Monet’s water lilies. Monet’s water lilies are beautiful, and they bring me peace.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I have a passion for books, as evidenced by the eight floor-to-ceiling bookcases in my office. I do like tending to flower pots, but I wouldn’t call myself a master gardener. I also have a keen interest in yoga, although I wish I had more time for it. Traveling and visiting art museums are two of my favorite activities. My dream is to have a scrolling display of photos from the art museums I’ve visited, so that I can reminisce while sitting at my desk.