2025 Honors College Dean’s Prize Recipients, Incoming Class Photo, Fall Gold Rush and more

August 21, 2025
Categories: Niner Insider
Dean's prize recipients

2025 Honors College Dean’s Prize Recipients Named

Foster Duckworth, Mia Huffman, Ana Krstanovic and Tashawna Wilkins are the 2025 Dean’s Prize recipients for outstanding honors capstone theses/projects. Get to know these outstanding Niners and their research.

Incoming Class Photo

On Monday, Aug. 18, more than 1,700 students attended the Gold Rush Athletics Pep Rally, featuring coaches, players, student organizations and the marching band. The event concluded with an invitation to new students to take the field for the inaugural incoming class photo.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • ACE Awards Nominations: Nominate a deserving 49er Alumni Campus Employee for the 2025 ACE Awards to receive the Milestone or Amazing ACE Network Award. Submit your nominations by Sunday, Aug. 31.
  • AI in Canvas: Google Gemini LTI is now available in Canvas, enabling faculty and students to explore generative AI directly within the platform.
  • New Appointment: Associate Professor Abbey Thomas, a certified athletic trainer with a passion for studying knee injuries and a background in biomechanics, has been appointed co-director of the Sports Analytics program.
  • Poll Results: 31% of faculty and staff respondents said they are most looking forward to autumn vibes this fall semester! Keep an eye out for more polls in future editions of Niner Insider.

what you need to know: students

  • Fall Payment Due: The fall 2025 tuition payment due date is Tuesday, Aug. 26. Check out these payment arrangements and take action today!
  • Give a TEDx Talk: TEDxUNCCharlotte is the University’s licensed TEDx event featuring students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Speaker applications are open through Monday, Sept. 15, for the next TEDxUNCCharlotte event Wednesday, Feb. 21.
  • Meet the Dean of Atkins Library: Planning on going to the library this semester? Atkins Library Dean Jill Sexton shares her story and tips for navigating the library.
  • New Sports Analytics Co-Director: Associate Professor Abbey Thomas, a certified athletic trainer with a passion for studying knee injuries and a background in biomechanics, has been appointed co-director of the Sports Analytics program.
  • Grow Your Network: Join the Future Alumni Network, a student organization dedicated to enhancing Niner spirit, pride and traditions; building community; and networking with alumni. FAN members get access to exclusive swag and invitations to member-only events.
  • Poll Results: In our latest poll, you showed there’s a lot to look forward to this fall, including reuniting with friends (21%), autumn vibes (15.2%), campus events (13%) and joining a new student org (13%).

the difference is charlotte

Meet Jill Sexton

Jill Sexton’s first fall semester as dean of Atkins Library is underway. She shares tips for navigating Atkins Library, discusses her passion for sharing information and explains why libraries are more important than ever in the age of artificial intelligence.

Chancellor Gaber cuts ribbon to mark grand reopening of Upper Prospector

The grand opening of the Upper Prospector Building took place Wednesday, Aug. 20, with a full day of events following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Take a look inside the newly imagined space.

upcoming events: students

Jerry Richardson Movie Night

Grab your blanket and join fellow Niners Saturday, Aug. 23, for a free Movie Night at Jerry Richardson Stadium featuring Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch” for all fans. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins around 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be available; no outside food or beverages are permitted.

to-do list: faculty and staff

Follow Us: Follow Niner Insider on Instagram! 

Take a Look: Check out photos from inside the new Upper Prospector in this recap of the grand opening.

Make Plans: Check out what’s happening at UNC Charlotte on the campus events calendar.

to-do list: students