Meet Bernadette Donovan-Merkert: Dean of the Klein College of Science
Bernadette Donovan-Merkert, founding dean of the Klein College of Science, has spent her career supporting students, leading faculty, promoting innovative research and nurturing the growth of UNC Charlotte’s programs in the STEM fields. She began her tenure as dean Aug. 16, after serving as interim. She joined UNC Charlotte in 1992.
Get to know Donovan-Merkert through the questions below, asked by Claire Ravin, a junior at Tulane University who interned in UNC Charlotte’s Office of University Communications during the summer.
What do you love most about UNC Charlotte?
The people. When I started at UNC Charlotte in 1992, I was struck with how dedicated the faculty were to students in class and in research and knew this was the perfect place for me. When I first started, there were no Ph.D. programs, and now there are 25 programs with continuous research. UNC Charlotte has always been a place where everyone involved can help shape the institution.
What three words do you believe best define your leadership style?
The first word is collaborative. I continuously focus on working with others instead of trying to do everything alone. The second word is inclusive. I aim to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, because listening to the voices of students, faculty and staff yields the best result. The third word is creative. Instead of only relying on how it has always been done, I want to continue to find better ways to achieve the college’s goals.
What’s the best piece of professional or personal advice you received?
The best piece of professional advice I have ever received is “don’t work in isolation.” It’s important not to just stay in your office, you need to find ways of collaborating with others by getting out and talking to people inside and outside of the college. The best personal advice I have ever received is to believe in yourself, but also be kind to yourself. It’s easy to get lost in work, but it’s important to take a step back and realize what you need personally.
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?
Thai food! However, if I had to pick one piece of food it would be an avocado. For a drink, I would choose water, no ice. For a book, I would choose Billie Jean King’s autobiography “All In,” which I’ve had for the past two years but haven’t had the chance to read yet. She’s an iconic leader who has done a lot for women in tennis, which I enjoy myself, but also for women more widely. I’m curious about her life and want to learn more. I love classical music, including Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and more. I would most likely pick a symphony, since it’s a longer piece of music, and if I’m stuck on an island then I hope the song would last a long time! “Moonrise Kingdom” would be an enjoyable, funny movie since it’s a comedy about two individuals who end up on an island.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Pilates, I am a certified instructor but have not had the opportunity to teach a class since after the pandemic. I love Pilates, because although it’s hard, it’s accessible no matter how experienced you are. I enjoy traveling with my husband and have had the opportunity to scuba dive in incredible places including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, where I swam next to whales. I also love to cook, be in nature, listen to live music and play with my dog.