Faculty and Staff News

Richard Jedynak, Building Environmental Services, needs shared leave donations. The Benefits Office will accept donations through Aug. 3.

To contribute leave, faculty and staff should refer to the requirements in Personnel Information Memorandum (PIM) 29; scroll down this web page to locate a link to an online Voluntary Shared Leave Donation Form listed under Application/Donation Procedures.

Derrick Gibbs is the University’s fire and life safety manager, and he has been on campus for almost nine years. Learn how his team keeps UNC Charlotte a safe place to learn and work, what he does during his off time and his favorite sports teams.

Can you describe your role at UNC Charlotte? 

Dig DEEP (Dialogue, Education, Engagement and Practice), sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Provost’s Office, the Career Center and ADVANCE-FADO, is a series of professional development workshops to be held Aug. 8-10 for faculty who want to grow in their Inclusive Excellence content, curriculum, communication and pedagogy. 

Some employees have reported receiving an email from an individual at Retirement Experts with the subject line “Retirement Planning Sessions for UNC Charlotte Employees” indicating eligibility to receive a free consultation for retirement benefits. This email is not an approved communication from a legitimate vendor associated with the UNC Charlotte Benefits Office.  

Employees are advised to not reach out or provide information to them.  

Cass Ferguson, associate athletic director of facilities and events, has a long history at UNC Charlotte. Learn more about how he and his team contribute to the University, his most rewarding experiences in athletics and why he goes by “Cass.”

How long have you been at UNC Charlotte?

Dig DEEP (Dialogue, Education, Engagement and Practice), sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Provost’s Office, the Career Center and ADVANCE-FADO, is a series of professional development workshops to be held Aug. 8-10 for faculty who want to grow in their Inclusive Excellence content, curriculum, communication and pedagogy. 

As executive associate athletics director, Ragean Hill is responsible for ensuring our student-athletes have a world class experience while at Charlotte. She supervises multiple sports, oversees different department trainings, is a deputy Title IX coordinator, facilitates the division’s DEI efforts and oversees the Niner Varsity Club, which is the student-athlete alumni program. 

Terry Wike, facilities management, needs shared leave donations. The Benefits Office will accept donations through July 11.

To contribute leave, faculty and staff should refer to the requirements in Personnel Information Memorandum (PIM) 29; scroll down this web page to locate a link to an online Voluntary Shared Leave Donation Form listed under Application/Donation Procedures.

Jessica Gunnels, an administrative support associate for the Student Health Center, died June 21.

Gunnels, who joined the University in January 2022, previously worked as a recovery counselor. Brandi Simpson, SHC supervisor, stated, “We are saddened to lose our dear friend and co-worker, Jessica Gunnels. She was such a bright, caring, creative and talented soul.  She will be sorely missed by us all.”

Summer is the time to try new activities, keep family and friend traditions and indulge in your favorite books. Here’s what Niner Nation had to say. 

Hiking trails and mountain air 

“Hiking mountain trails to enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest.” — Teresa Shook 

Some great places to hike in North Carolina include Grandfather Mountain, South Mountain and Roan Mountain.