Building on a tradition of innovation and addressing the need to prepare people for careers in computing, technology provider NorthState made a generous commitment to EXPONENTIAL: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte.
The commitment is specifically for the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) to enhance and expand opportunities for women and minorities pursuing computing and technology-based degrees. The partnership aligns with NorthState’s mission to provide opportunities within communities to learn through technology.
The company’s commitment focuses on three broad areas:
- The creation of the NorthState UNC Charlotte CCI Mentorship Program, including a designated University staff position to manage the program, which will focus on encouraging women students to pursue computing through education and mentorship initiatives.
- Creation of the Velva Hayden Memorial Scholarship, an endowed annual scholarship for excellence and innovation.
- Support of and participation in a CCI Business Partners Program to prepare workforce-ready technology professionals.
“The College of Computing and Informatics relies on having strong partners in the Charlotte business community and strong leaders like NorthState — who share a common vision for the role of technology in society, understand the importance and challenges of broadening participation by women and minorities and have a strong commitment to change the status quo and make a significant impact,” said Fatma Mili, CCI dean (photo at right).
“The programs with NorthState are innovative, multifaceted and poised to enrich the educational environment for students and enhance the value of the University in the greater Charlotte community and beyond,” she noted.
“NorthState’s partnership with UNC Charlotte is not only a monetary investment,” said NorthState CEO Royster Tucker III. “It is a commitment from our people to engage, interact with and mentor UNC Charlotte students so they can be successful throughout their college career and into the workforce.”
He added: “I’m particularly proud of the Velva Hayden Memorial Scholarship. Velva, who was my great-grandmother, was NorthState’s president from 1952 to 1973. NorthState experienced unprecedented growth and technological advancement under her leadership during a time when few women held such leadership positions. We at NorthState are thrilled to know that her legacy will continue to aid in promoting gender diversity and underrepresented populations in the computer science and technical fields.”
NorthState, through its Technology Solutions Division, delivers cloud, IT and data center services to customers throughout the Southeast.
To learn more about the University’s largest campaign to date, visit EXPONENTIAL: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte.