College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Jonathan Crane, associate professor in the Communication Studies Department, is one of five finalists for a prestigious UNC Charlotte honor – the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence. Prior to the official ceremony to name the award recipient, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5, Inside UNC Charlotte will profile the other finalists: Fumie Kato, associate professor, languages and culture studies; Tracy Rock, associate professor, reading and elementary education; and Debra Smith, associate professor, Africana studies.

Fumie Kato, associate professor in the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, is the 2014 recipient of the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship for Teaching. Her selection was announced during the annual University Convocation Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Provost Joan Lorden, in revealing the honor, said, “Kato uses her expertise in applied linguistics with emphases on language pedagogy, student motivation and learning strategies to strengthen the degree program and inspire her colleagues.” 

Anita Blowers, associate professor of criminal justice and criminology, is among the five finalists for the 2014 Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence, one of the University’s highest honors.

Larry Mellichamp, director of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, has written “Native Plants of the Southeast,” which was published by Timber Press.
Billed as a comprehensive guide to the best 460 species for the garden, “Native Plants of the Southeast” features the most beautiful native plants that adapt well to garden cultivation, have multi-season appeal and attract native butterflies, birds and other beneficial wildlife, according to the publisher.

The UNC Charlotte University Writing Program will hold the conference ““Bridging Inquiries: Research, Process, and Literacy from High School to Higher Ed” on Friday, Sept. 12, at UNC Charlotte Center City.

UNC Charlotte researcher Margaret Quinlan and colleagues recently won a regional Emmy Award for “The Courage of Creativity,” a documentary series that explores the role that artists and creativity can play in people’s well-being in health-related contexts.
The series earned its award from the Ohio Valley Regional Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in the arts/entertainment category, at the 50th Emmy black tie gala at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.

The second in a yearlong series of candid community conversations on the relevance of the American black male in the 21st century will focus on “Where is the Black Male? The Invisible Man on High School and College Campuses.” This event is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, at UNC Charlotte Center City.

UNC Charlotte students this summer are creating an innovative theatrical production that combines works of two significant playwrights, while delving into topics including diversity, theatrical performance, language, history and the craft of writing.
These students are studying in England, collaborating with Kingston University students, British theater professionals and a UNC Charlotte scholar to combine versions of Cervantes’ “The Sultan’s Queen” (La gran sultana) and Shakespeare’s “Pericles, Prince of Tyre.”

The middle class meltdown, the transformative effect of Apostle Paul upon Christianity, President Lincoln’s relationship with the U.S. colored troops and portrayals of slavery in children’s literature are provocative topics being featured in the 2014-15 Personally Speaking Series.
Four researchers from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences will reveal the stories behind their books during the lecture series, co-sponsored by the college and J. Murrey Atkins Library. Each talk is free and starts at 6:30 p.m., with a reception following.
The 2014-15 speakers are:

As competition for talent heats up worldwide, UNC Charlotte researcher Qingfang Wang has identified critical factors that appear to give some communities a competitive edge.
Wang’s research considers highly skilled immigrants and immigrant entrepreneurs – what attracts them, what fosters their growth and what deters them from fully using their skills and knowledge.