Faces – Lee Perkins
Lee Perkins has been a full-time UNC Charlotte employee for 10 years, but his association with the University began as a student.
The Asheville native enrolled as a prospective engineering major but later completed a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the Belk College of Business.
And today, he works for the college as a technical support analyst after beginning in the Office of Classroom Support.
“I was Steve Clark’s student worker and his first full-time hire,” said Perkins. Clark, who led the team that developed the smart podiums used in classrooms across campus, has since retired, but he did receive the 2013 Governor’s Award for Excellence in recognition of his innovative work.
“It was nice to see Steve win the award, and I am proud to be part of the team that helped him achieve that recognition,” Perkins stated. During his time in classroom support, he researched and located the intercom system that was incorporated in the design. “My name is probably still on many podiums in classrooms.”
In his current role, Perkins is the team lead for the Belk College Technology Team, and he manages the computer labs and maintains the roughly 400 computers; he’s also the point person to assist college faculty and staff with technology queries in the Friday Building and at UNC Charlotte Center City.
“I really enjoy working with people, and it’s particularly rewarding to assist someone with solving a problem,” said Perkins, the 2015 Belk College Staff Member of the Year.
This past year, he volunteered to be the Belk College’s Giving Green champion. An Eagle Scout, Perkins said helping out in the community is important, as is a strong showing of support by faculty and staff in the annual Giving Green campaign. “I especially encourage colleagues to look at the many charities of the SECC (State Employees Combined Campaign), and we’ve encouraged several charities to apply to be part of the SECC, so our employees could support them.”
Away from work, Perkins and his wife Amanda spend most of their time with daughters Olivia and Emma, both under the age of three. However, he still plays poker with faculty emerita of the college and enjoys cheering on the Charlotte 49ers and the Carolina Panthers.
As a student, Perkins was a member of the spirit group that preceded Niner Nation, and he recalled many of his fellow undergraduates supported the University starting a football program. He said the sport’s addition is a point of pride for the University and should pay dividends in the future by strengthening alumni support for UNC Charlotte.