UNC Charlotte has established the Jane and Rusty Goode Endowment for Educators, which will benefit the work of the College of Education.
Details of the endowment are being finalized; however, it is related to the University Research Park (URP), established 45 years ago. Chancellor Philip L. Dubois stated the University is concluding its formal operation of the park, and as URP transitions to a new governance system, the park’s current directors wanted to honor Rusty Goode and his long-term commitment to the University. The park’s remaining assets will go to the UNC Charlotte Foundation to fund the Goode Endowment for New Educators.
Goode is former president and chief executive officer of the University Research Park and also served as vice chair and chair of the park’s board of directors.
Jim Woodward, chancellor emeritus of UNC Charlotte, noted that under Goode’s leadership, the park experienced spectacular growth. Currently, it encompasses roughly 2,000 acres and more than 25,000 people work in the park.
“This is one of the largest university-related parks in the country,” said Woodward. “While Rusty will be quick to emphasize that many others were key players in achieving this success, and they were, we all know it would not have happened without Rusty serving as president.”
Goode began his business career with Southeastern Financial Corp, and he later would hold executive positions with North Carolina National Bank (now Bank of America), Interstate Securities Corp. and First Charlotte Corp. During a 10-year tenure on the N.C. Board of Transportation, Goode helped advance a number of projects that benefited the state’s infrastructure. UNC Charlotte awarded him an honorary Doctor of Public Service at December 2007 commencement ceremonies.
According to University officials, the Goode Endowment for Educators will support the College of Education’s efforts to develop innovative programs in partnership with schools, and it will enhance the success of early career educators in high-need schools.