Jill Huerta is the executive director of the Center for Graduate Life and Learning. Learn more about Huerta’s role, what she’s looking forward to for graduate students this semester and some unknown facts.
Describe your job and what you do at UNC Charlotte.
As executive director of the Center for Graduate Life and Learning, my team and I oversee professional development, wellness and community building for almost 6,000 graduate students across about 150 different programs.
What’s your favorite part about being at UNC Charlotte?
I love the people I work with! My team is awesome, and everyone we collaborate with is positive and energetic. I’m impressed at how invested UNC Charlotte staff and faculty are in supporting our students.
What about your favorite part of the job?
I’m passionate about finding new ways to expand our offerings for graduate students, for example, by partnering with companies in the Charlotte region and applying for grants. I really enjoy getting the most we can out of our resources.
What’s something about your job that most people don’t know?
I manage the Graduate School’s GRAD academic courses, which have expanded significantly over the last few years. We offer two-credit courses in everything from Academic Writing and Teaching at the University Level to leadership, diversity and public speaking.
What is something you’re most excited about for the fall semester?
Our annual Three-Minute Thesis competition, which challenges graduate students to describe their research to a lay audience in three minutes or less using only one slide. Being able to clearly and succinctly explain their research and its impact is such an important skill. I truly admire the grad students who put themselves out there and compete!
When you’re not on campus, what are some things you do in your free time?
I enjoy running, golfing, cooking (I love to feed people), learning French and spending time with my family and dogs.
What’s a place on campus you think every student should visit?
Well, I think every graduate student should visit the Center for Graduate Life and Learning! Our lounge is open every weekday, and they’ll always get a friendly welcome.
What piece of advice would you give to a new student?
Every semester when I welcome new graduate students, I advise them to make the most of their time here by engaging in social activities and professional development. Sure, it’s important to focus on your academic work, but it’s also an ideal time to practice the skills you’ll need later in a supportive environment. That’s how you learn and grow!