Faculty and Staff News

Professor of Architectural History Lee Gray joined CBS Sunday Morning News May 21 for a feature story on elevators. An international expert on elevators and escalators, Gray was interviewed at the Biltmore House in Asheville, where the 19th-century elevator still has a staff operator. He explained how elevators changed the world. Watch the segment, “Elevators: Living the High Life,” here.

Mary Lynn Calhoun, dean emerita of the Cato College of Education, died May 21.

During a 31-year tenure with UNC Charlotte, starting in 1982, Calhoun served as an assistant professor of special education before rising the ranks to be appointed dean of the College of Education in 1999.

Kathryn Horne is the director of planning, design and construction in facilities management, and no two days are the same. Learn about the University’s process for new construction and renovation, the most rewarding part of her job, and her “must visit” places on campus. 

How long have you been at UNC Charlotte?

I joined UNC Charlotte in 2015. Although I have not been at UNC Charlotte for a long time, I am a long-time resident of North Carolina and Charlotte and have seen the University grow and become the outstanding institution it is today. 

Daniela Suarez, financial aid, needs shared leave donations. The Benefits Office will accept donations through May 24.

To contribute leave, faculty and staff should refer to the requirements in Personnel Information Memorandum (PIM) 29 or complete the online Voluntary Shared Leave Donation Form from the HR Benefits Forms website.

Terry Wike, facilities management, needs shared leave donations. The Benefits Office will accept donations through June 1.

To contribute leave, faculty and staff should refer to the requirements in Personnel Information Memorandum (PIM) 29 or complete the online Voluntary Shared Leave Donation Form from the HR Benefits Forms website.

Xiaoxia Newton, associate professor of educational leadership in the Cato College of Education, is preparing to start a two-term tenure as president of the Faculty Council. Learn more about Newton and what excites her about leading the Faculty Council.

What brought you to UNC Charlotte?

Devotion to duty goes beyond the moment. Christine Reed Davis may know that better than anyone. 

Davis is this year’s Staff Employee of the Year in the category of devotion to duty. This award is given to an employee who exhibits unselfish devotion to duty, far and above the normal requirements, having contributed significantly to the advancement of UNC Charlotte and State service to the citizens of North Carolina. 

UNC Charlotte is known for its beautiful campus and landscaping. As one student noted, “After touring various colleges that offered the programs I was interested in, Charlotte stood out to me the most. My immediate impression was how manicured the landscape was, and I figured if they cared this much about their grass, then they’ll definitely take care of their students.”

Michelle Meggs is the executive director of the Women + Girls Research Alliance, an affiliate of urbanCORE at UNC Charlotte. She is UNC Charlotte’s 2023 Staff Employee of the Year winner in the category of public and community service. 

This award is given to someone who makes outstanding contributions by participating in or implementing community and public service projects, such as volunteering with various nonprofit organizations. 

Jason Berstein is this year’s Staff Employee of the Year in the category of innovation for many reasons. Some he calls luck, but taking a deeper dive, it’s clear it’s more than chance. 

In order to win in this category, the employee has initiated research or has successfully established new and outstanding methods, practices, plans or designs. All are up Berstein’s alley.