Niners recognized at Most Admired CEO Awards, University Convocation set and more

Shaping the region: Niner CEOs making a difference

Six Niners earned a place among Charlotte Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Awards, a spotlight of executives who combine strong organizational direction with a genuine commitment to the Charlotte community. Congratulations to Eric Reichard ’89, Tina Postel, adjunct professor, Jon Ward ’94, Frank Smith ’04, Kristina Held ’04 M.Arch. and Angela Charles ’95 MPA.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

• Academic Affairs Weekly News Digest: The moratorium for new course and curriculum proposals has ended. Learn about starting new proposals, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest. 
• Remembering Jeffrey Leak: The University is mourning Jeffrey Leak, professor of English and Africana Studies, whose scholarship, leadership and mentorship helped shape nearly three decades of campus life. Leak died June 29.
• University Convocation and faculty meeting: University Convocation for faculty and staff will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 340. The fall faculty meeting will take place following convocation at 10:45 a.m.
• HSA and FSA account holders: The UNC System has been made aware of a security issue involving P&A Group, the third-party administrator that manages the HSA and FSA accounts. Learn about recommended actions to protect your account.
• Capitalization threshold increased: The capitalization threshold for equipment increased to $10,000 on Wednesday, July 1. No other requirements have changed, including tracking for pilferable equipment. Learn about this change on the financial services website.
• Nominate a staff member: Nominations for the Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award are open through Friday, July 31. This award recognizes UNC System staff whose accomplishments are consistent with the goals of their university and the university’s public service mission.
• Nominate for 10 Under Ten: Nominations are open for the 10 Under Ten and Alumni Awards. Submit your nominations by Monday, August 31, for an alum who has distinguished themself with significant professional accomplishments or extraordinary service to their community.
• Performance cycle reminder: All SHRA and EHRA Non-Faculty employees are reminded to take a few minutes to log in to NinerTalent STAKES to ensure their performance activities are up to date. Need help along the way? Submit your questions or requests through HR Connect.

the difference is charlotte

It’s a golden rule of customer service: The customer is always right, and if you make a mistake, you apologize. But for Mason R. Jenkins, a clinical associate professor of marketing in the Belk College of Business, the truth is more complicated.

professional development: faculty and staff

• OneIT July training: Save time and work smarter this summer by joining OneIT for July training sessions designed to help staff master the latest campus tech tools.
• Concur users: Attend the Concur for Travelers virtual training from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, July 9, and the Concur for Purchasing Card (non-travel) training from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, by registering on the Learning and Development Portal.
• Discover enjoyment with movement: Register for the upcoming OSHR Statewide Wellness Lunch and Learn Event, “Physical Activity: Discovering Enjoyment with Movement,” at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, and learn to push through barriers regarding physical activity and uncover the joy of movement.
• Retirement planning: Register to meet with a TIAA financial consultant on campus between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, in the Cone University Center, Room 109, to learn more about your specific investments and retirement needs.
• Career Collaborative Training Program: Join the asynchronous Career Collaborative Training Program in Canvas and partner with the Career Center to support students’ career readiness! Complete the course anytime during the 2026-27 academic year.

to-do list: faculty and staff

• Connect with nature: The Botanical Gardens offers two free signature events to help faculty and staff connect with nature. The next Gratitude in the Gardens Walk is from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, July 10; the next Nature Therapy Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 11. Registration is required for both events.
• Complete this alumni survey: Has an alum visited your class recently? Complete this form to help Alumni Engagement recognize and thank them for staying connected and sharing their experience. 
• AI helpful tips: Learn about the Google Gemini updates designed to give you more control over your experience and new ways to interact with AI.
• Stay informed: Review ongoing disruptions, delays and detours on campus.