Academic Affairs

Barry Rowan recently joined the University as conflict of interest manager in the Research and Economic Development Department.
In coming to UNC Charlotte, Rowan brings solid experience in a number of areas related to research compliance from the Office of Research at the University of California Santa Barbara. Before that, he spent 10 years as laboratory manager in oceanography and cancer research facilities.

Commencement brings to mind the culmination of one’s academic journey—it also marks a beginning. It is the start of that next chapter, either undertaking advanced studies or entering the workforce. In either case, it is a cause for celebration.
Approximately 3,400 students, along with their families, friends and others, will gather for fall 2013 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 14, in Halton Arena, located in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.

As part of the recent campus celebration of International Education Week, the Mu chapter of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars held its 26th annual meeting and member induction ceremony. Forty new faculty, staff and student members were inducted, and the World Affairs Council of Charlotte received a 2013 honorary membership.

New members were recognized for their excellence in international research, international study and for contributions to the internationalization of UNC Charlotte and the larger Charlotte community. 

More than 50 homeless individuals normally served through the Urban Ministry Center (UMC) were fed recently during the second annual potluck luncheon hosted by UNC Charlotte Center City.
“Faculty and staff members brought in savory and sweet home-cooked items for our neighbors at the Urban Ministry Center,” said Donell Stines-Jones, community outreach coordinator at UNC Charlotte Center City.  She added employees volunteered to serve attendees, and area businesses were solicited for donations of toiletries and clothing items, such as soap, shampoo and socks.

Director of Classroom Support Steve Clark has been called a one-of-a-kind thinker and an innovator in his job at UNC Charlotte. He can add recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence to his resume.

The Office of Adult Students and Evening Services recently honored the inaugural recipients of the Bernard Osher Foundation Endowed Scholarship.
Last year, UNC Charlotte received a $1 million grant from the San Francisco-based Osher Foundation, which is being used as a permanent funding source to aid nontraditional students to complete their degrees. Through the Osher Reentry Scholarship Endowment, 29 undergraduates received scholarships for the fall semester.

Nationally, UNC Charlotte is one of the top producers of Fulbright Scholars, according to a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education.
This is a significant achievement, ranking UNC Charlotte alongside other major research institutions, such as the University of California Berkeley, University of Georgia and University of Michigan. But it’s not a surprise either, said Joël Gallegos, assistant provost for international programs.

For 30 years, the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute has surveyed Mecklenburg County residents. The results of this annual survey have become an important resource for local governments and nonprofit agencies to discern community attitudes about issues that may impact their work.

UNC Charlotte has established Project Mosaic, an initiative that will be led by Knight Foundation Distinguished Professor Jean-Claude Thill to enhance the University’s social and behavioral science research. The divisions of Academic Affairs and Research and Economic Development are funding the campus-wide effort, which will be housed in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

International Education Week is Monday, Nov. 18, through Friday, Nov. 22, and the University will observe this period through special programming, lectures, presentations and other events to emphasize the campus’ commitment to global and international understanding.