Three recent gifts to the University, totaling $5.8 million, will support the creation of three new professorships at UNC Charlotte, continuing to advance the University’s teaching and research missions by recruiting, nurturing and retaining world-class, diverse faculty, staff and students.
The three new professorships include the Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy in Cato College of Education, the Dowd Professorship in Capitalism Studies in College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the Steve Ott Distinguished professorship in Belk College of Business.
“Investing in our talented faculty is an investment in the future and vitality of our great University,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “I am grateful to our generous donors and their belief in the emphasis UNC Charlotte places on teaching, research, scholarship and innovation.
Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy
The Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy in the Cato College of Education will support and enhance early literacy initiatives within North Carolina and beyond. The distinguished professor will teach pre-service teachers, ensuring that graduates of the Cato College are well-versed in evidence-based practices in early child literacy. They will conduct research in literacy to advance the field and establish a strong presence for the Cato College in the state and nation as a leader in reading instruction. In alignment with North Carolina’s goals for early literacy, the distinguished professor will work with school leaders in university and school partnerships to design and deliver high quality professional development for in-service teachers that will significantly enhance the capacity of schools to employ evidence-based practices in reading instruction.
Dowd Professorship in Capitalism Studies
The Dowd Professorship in Capitalism Studies will complement and provide depth to existing faculty expertise within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, bringing a nationally recognized teacher and scholar in capitalism studies to UNC Charlotte. The professor, who will serve as director of the Capitalism Studies program, will bring national and international attention to the program, increase fundraising efforts for sustainability and growth, promote student research and further connect faculty and students across colleges and disciplines.
Steven Ott Distinguished Professorship
The Steven Ott Distinguished Professorship in the Belk College of Business will recruit to UNC Charlotte a nationally recognized teacher and scholar who will complement and provide depth to existing faculty expertise within the Childress Klein Center for Real Estate. The distinguished professorship was created by a dedicated group of UNC Charlotte friends and supporters to commemorate the life and legacy of Steven Ott, whose leadership helped transform the Belk College of Business into a leading research business school.
The three newly established professorships complement the University’s strategic plan, “Shaping What’s Next,” to power the future through inquiry, research and creative discovery and drive progress for North Carolina and beyond.