Faculty and Staff News

Employee Natasha Stracener ’98 is UNC Charlotte’s first Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award recipient from UNC Charlotte. Learn more about Stracener’s job, her most rewarding work during the pandemic and her unforgettable night singing carols at Miss Bonnie Cone’s home. 

How long have you been at UNC Charlotte? 

Penny Hawkins has been appointed associate vice chancellor for development at UNC Charlotte. She has served in the role in an interim capacity since July 15, 2022. She succeeds Beth Crigler, who was appointed recently vice chancellor for university advancement.

Daniela Suarez, financial aid, needs shared leave donations. The Benefits Office will accept donations through Aug. 10.

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.

Brian Cousin, Dean of Students Office, needs shared leave donations. The Benefits Office will accept donations through Aug. 9.

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.

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.