New CHHS dean named, Gene Johnson named to Hall of Fame, Winter Olympics trivia and more

February 19, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Yvette Huet, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services

Yvette Huet named dean of the College of Health and Human Services

Longtime UNC Charlotte administrator and faculty member Yvette Huet has been named dean of the University’s College of Health and Human Services. Huet has led the college since July 2025 as interim dean. Her appointment is effective immediately.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Distribution of Additional F&A Funds: The Division of Research is closely monitoring developments in the federal funding landscape and working to ensure the University remains well positioned to steward resources responsibly and compete successfully. As part of our commitment to transparency and support, the Division of Research will distribute an additional 7.5% in funding in late February to colleges and centers based on expenditures. Read more here.
  • Business Hall of Fame: Gene Johnson ’73, a dedicated UNC Charlotte advocate and donor, is one of the newest members of the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame, presented by Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas.
  • FedEx office grand opening: The campus community is invited to the grand opening of the new FedEx Office in lower Prospector from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26. Enjoy giveaways, demos, refreshments and games, and learn how the FedEx print team can support your projects.
  • Reserve your seat: UNC Charlotte welcomes award-winning actor Patrick Page (“The Gilded Age,” “The Lion King” and more) for a one-night-only performance of “All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain” at 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 2, in the Anne R. Belk Theater, Robinson Hall. This performance is free to the UNC Charlotte community; register now.
  • AI helpful tips: OneIT has a new resource page designed to help you navigate the world of artificial intelligence, including classroom guidance and University-approved tools.

what you need to know: students

  • FedEx office grand opening: The campus community is invited to the grand opening of the new FedEx Office in lower Prospector from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26. Enjoy giveaways, demos, refreshments and games, and learn how the FedEx print team can support your projects.
  • STEM fellowship opportunity: North Carolina Sea Grant is accepting applications for the 2026 NC STEM Policy Post-Graduate Fellowship program until Monday, March 9. This fellowship provides post-graduate opportunities to serve full-time for a year in high-level state offices, focusing on STEM related policy topics.
  • For the First: Are you a First-gen Niner graduating this spring or summer? Don’t miss For the First: Graduate Edition, an interactive workshop featuring campus partners on how to best prepare for your post-college journey. Registration is open until Friday, March 13.
  • Support Charlotte sports clubs: Sports clubs from men’s lacrosse to women’s flag football have ‘pick-started’ crowdfunding campaigns to rally support on their way to national tournaments championships! Help these Niners reach their fundraising goals by Wednesday, March 25.
  • Unpaid summer internship scholarship: If you have secured an unpaid internship for the summer, apply for the unpaid summer internship scholarship by Friday, April 10.

the difference is charlotte

Michelle Guobadia

Michelle Guobadia, senior director of student engagement and director of fraternity and sorority life, has shown up for students, built community and shaped the student experience at UNC Charlotte. She reflects on nearly two decades at Charlotte.

event spotlight: students

TedxUNC Charlotte flyer

TEDxUNCCharlotte, the University’s licensed TEDx event featuring speakers from across the Charlotte community, starts at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21. You can register onsite for free general admission tickets on the day of the event.

  • Great Decisions Lecture: Register for “U.S. Engagement of Africa,” scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, presented by Beth Whitaker, professor of political science and associate dean for research and interdisciplinary collaboration in the College of Humanities and Earth and Social Sciences. The lecture is part of the 2026 Great Decisions lecture series.
  • Failure showcase: Guest speakers will share personal stories of failure and resilience at the sixth annual Honors College Failure Showcase from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 2, in the Union Theater. All are welcome; register in advance.
  • Reserve your seat: UNC Charlotte welcomes award-winning actor Patrick Page (“The Gilded Age,” “The Lion King” and more) for a one-night-only performance of “All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain” at 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 2, in the Anne R. Belk Theater, Robinson Hall. This performance is free to the UNC Charlotte community; register now.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Great Decisions Lecture: Register for “U.S. Engagement of Africa,” scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, presented by Beth Whitaker, professor of political science and associate dean for research and interdisciplinary collaboration in the College of Humanities and Earth and Social Sciences. The lecture is part of the 2026 Great Decisions lecture series.
  • Project proposals due next week: Mentored project and community partner project proposals for the 2026 Office of Undergraduate Research Fall Research Program are due Thursday, Feb. 26.
  • Failure showcase: Guest speakers will share personal stories of failure and resilience at the sixth annual Honors College Failure Showcase from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 2, in the Union Theater. All are welcome; register in advance.
  • Honors Faculty wanted: The Honors College is now accepting applications for the Honors Faculty through Sunday, March 15. You may nominate a faculty member — or self‑nominate. Visit the Honors College website for full details.
  • Register today: The fourth annual AI Summit for Smarter Learning is set for Wednesday, May 13, at the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. This full-day event is free to Charlotte faculty and staff.

to-do list: faculty and staff

  • Niner Insider trivia: Test your knowledge of the Winter Olympics. 
  • Schedule an appointment: The annual 49ers4LIFE Blood Drive is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Register to donate on the Red Cross website. Search for sponsor code “49ers4life” to find the drive and schedule your appointment.
  • Support Charlotte sports clubs: Sports clubs from men’s lacrosse to women’s flag football have ‘pick-started’ crowdfunding campaigns to rally support on their way to national tournaments championships! Help these Niners reach their fundraising goals by Wednesday, March 25.

to-do list: students

  • Niner Insider trivia: Test your knowledge of the Winter Olympics. 
  • Schedule an appointment: The annual 49ers4LIFE Blood Drive is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, in Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. Register to donate on the Red Cross website. Search for sponsor code “49ers4life” to find the drive and schedule your appointment.
  • Apply for First-Gen Excellence Awards: Applications for the First-Generation Excellence Awards are open through Sunday, March 15. Graduating first-gen Niners are encouraged to apply for the Golden Achievement and the Community Impact Awards. This semester, three new awards are open to all first-gen Niners.