Belk College professor recognized for leadership of honors programs
Ted Amato was honored recently for his leadership of the Belk College of Business Honors and Belk Scholars programs.
Amato, who has directed the Business Honors Program since 2008 and the Belk Scholars Program since its inception in 2014, is concluding his leadership of these programs at the end of the current academic year. He will continue to teach and conduct research in the Belk College of Business.
“Under your dedicated leadership, the Business Honors Program has matured and expanded to engage over 130 Belk College undergraduate students each year in a challenging academic program, professional activities and community service. Your support for honors education has greatly impacted our students, the college and the campus. Since launching the Belk Scholars Program, you have guided the program’s development, stimulated interest in the program and recruited truly exceptional students,” said Steve Ott, dean of the Belk College.
Provost Joan Lorden stated, “These honors programs are excellent examples of UNC Charlotte’s impressive path of growth and innovation. Over recent decades, we’ve rapidly expanded enrollments, faculty and programs, while remaining true to Bonnie Cone’s vision—that UNC Charlotte will be a place of access and opportunity for every deserving student.”
During the reception, attended by hundreds, Business Honors Program past president and alumna Katie Sholtis shared her reflections of the program and Amato’s leadership. Sholtis graduated in 2017 with majors in accounting and finance and completed a Master of Accountancy in 2018. She works at Deloitte in Charlotte.
“Integrity was held in the highest regard from the moment I interviewed to be part of the Business Honors Program. Dr. Amato’s dedication to integrity has always stuck with me, even beyond graduation. Integrity was always the underlying message for BHP and for Dr. Amato, and his legacy will live on,” she said.
The Business Honors Program is a challenging plan of study for motivated students with excellent academic performance. These students can participate in stimulating coursework, leadership activities, team-building exercises and community service projects designed to enhance marketability after graduation. This program began in 1993.
The Belk Scholars Program in business analytics is a fast-track curriculum that enables graduates to pursue lucrative, high-demand careers in business analytics. Part of the University’s Data Science Initiative, this program allows high-achieving students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years. Thanks to the support of Belk Inc., the Belk family and many friends and donors, the Belk Scholars Program is now in its fourth year. Members of the first class are currently seniors and enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Both programs are supported by the Niblock Student Center, named after alumnus Robert Niblock ’84.
Click here to read the entire article on the Belk College of Business website.