Awards and honors

The Johnson Band Center, built for the UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band, has received two design awards. In May, the building received a 2016 Merit Award from the South Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This month, the Charlotte chapter of the AIA also selected the band center for a 2016 Merit Award. 

The Johnson Band Center was dedicated on Oct. 21, 2015. It is named for Vickie and Gene Johnson, UNC Charlotte alumni whose generous support launched the “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band.

UNC Charlotte researcher Margaret Quinlan and colleagues received a regional Emmy nomination for the film “Creative Abundance,” which explores how art can redefine vocational opportunities and expand the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education has recognized UNC Charlotte with an international Bronze Circle of Excellence Award in the news and research video category for a segment about the University’s archaeological excavation at Mount Zion.

The 2016 UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award was presented on Friday, June 3, to Ronald R. (Ron) Kimble, deputy city manager for the city of Charlotte.

The presentation was made during a luncheon in the Student Union.

In honoring Kimble, UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois said he personifies the purpose of the award, which honors individuals who are devoted community servants and selfless in their dedication to the betterment of Charlotte and the greater region.

Throughout her time at UNC Charlotte, Provost Joan Lorden has constantly sought to bridge community needs with University assets. The results of her outstanding work are being recognized with the William M. Plater Award for Leadership in Civic Engagement from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

Jeffrey Leak, professor of English, is among 25 candidates selected to participate in the first class of the Emerging Leaders program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

Counseling student LaTonya Summers is one of 22 doctoral scholars across the United States to be selected for the Minority Fellowship Program by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

As a result of this honor, Summers will receive $20,000 and training to support her education and facilitate her efforts with underserved minority populations.

Members of the UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety Department (PPS) are dedicated to serving the campus with distinction, and National Police Week provided an appropriate opportunity to honor outstanding members of the department.

Kenny Elmore was named Officer of the Year at Friday’s awards ceremony; he also was recognized with a promotion to field training officer. Barbara Brookover received a promotion to telecommunications supervisor; she is the first in the UNC system to achieve this advanced employment level.

Gregory Mixon, an associate professor of history, is the recipient of the second annual J. Murrey Atkins Library Faculty Engagement Award.

Presented to a UNC Charlotte faculty member who has engaged in innovative or exceptional work with library collections, programs and services, the Atkins Library Faculty Engagement Award is given in the fall. It includes a $2,500 allocation for professional development that recognizes the faculty member’s outstanding contributions to the library’s mission, vision and strategic initiatives.

The Office of Disability Services has selected recipients of the 2015-16 Accessibility Excellence Award for Outstanding Faculty/Staff. Recipients, who were selected primarily from student nominations, exhibited a strong commitment to accessibility- and disability-related issues.

This year’s honorees were Jill Engle and Evan Houston (mathematics and statistics), Alex Frizzell (classroom support), Dane Hughes (College of Education), Michael Murphy, (chemistry), Per Norander (economics) and Suzanne Thomas (First-Year Writing Program).