Chancellor receives Congressional recognition, Mecklenburg County’s highest honor

Mecklenburg County Commissioners presented Chancellor Philip L. Dubois with the Order of the Hornet, the county’s highest award, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the community during a virtual meeting Tuesday, June 16.

“Chancellor Dubois has built a strong partnership between UNC Charlotte and the greater Charlotte area over the past 15 years,” said George Dunlap ’91, ’03, chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. “His dedicated leadership has placed our University on a remarkable growth trajectory as a leading urban research institution focused on the economic, educational, environmental, health and social needs of our region. We are truly honored to recognize him with the Order of the Hornet.”

The Order of the Hornet, established in 1972, is bestowed on those who have displayed valor or high order of service uniquely and specifically to the citizens of Mecklenburg County.

“The hornets’ nest is a powerful symbol of Mecklenburg County and the history of the county,” said Chancellor Dubois. “It is also an apt description of a chancellor’s job, and I will wear it as a badge of honor.”

Chancellor Dubois recently was honored in the U.S. House of Representatives, when Congressman Richard Hudson ’96 had a speech honoring him for his years of service to UNC Charlotte read into the Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 82.

“As a proud 49er myself, I have seen his extraordinary leadership firsthand and know how much he means to students, faculty and staff,” said Hudson, who represents North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District. “Exemplary of Dr. Dubois’ commitment to academic excellence, he spearheaded initiatives that saw the University make significant strides in endowment, research awards, enrollment and graduation rates. In the past 15 years, UNC Charlotte awarded over 92,000 degrees and offered 36 new academic programs to students across the globe.”