In recognition of her support of student health and wellness, UNC Charlotte has renamed its student health center in honor of Sen. Joyce Waddell '73. More than 100 guests joined Waddell Sunday, Nov. 5, at a ceremony to officially name the center the Joyce Davis Waddell Center for Student Health and Wellbeing.
"We are so grateful to Dr. Waddell for her transformative commitment to education and for supporting the health and wellbeing of UNC Charlotte students," said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “She is leaving a lasting legacy for current and future students."
During the ceremony, Waddell was lauded for her commitment to education to Charlotte and to the citizens of North Carolina. The longtime public servant and educator established the Joyce Davis Waddell Student Wellness Support Fund in the Division of Student Affairs to help students graduate prepared with the tools they need for successful lives.
“It is not just Dr. Waddell's professional achievements that make her an exceptional leader,” said Teross Young ’93, a member of the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees. “It is her genuine care for others and her ability to connect with people on a personal level that truly sets her apart. If you have engaged with her, you know her words carry weight, spoken softly, yet resolute and clear. I have had the privilege of working with her, and I can attest to her unwavering dedication, her tireless work ethic and her ability to inspire those around her.”
Waddell said she is happy to support her alma mater as it continues to serve its ever-growing student body.
“I’m pleased to support programs here at UNC Charlotte that promote a healthy lifestyle. Health, mental health and learning must go together for a student to succeed,” Waddell said. “I’m proud to say that I have known every University leader from Miss Bonnie Cone to Chancellor Gaber. I think Miss Bonnie would be very proud of what this university has become.”
About Joyce Davis Waddell
Joyce Davis Waddell, Ph.D., is the first African American woman from Mecklenburg County to serve in the North Carolina Senate, holding that office since 2015. Waddell, who has three decades of experience in education, including 21 years in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a teacher and administrator, is an active member of several community organizations, many serving children. She is a graduate of South Carolina State University and holds master's degrees from UNC Charlotte, North Carolina A&T State University and Appalachian State University. She earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Photo: Sen. Joyce Davis Waddell ’73, second right, with Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Kevin Bailey, Board of Trustee member Teross Young ’93 and Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber.