CHESS department undergoes name change

The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences was renamed the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, effective April 9.

This name change more accurately represents the collaborative approach within the department, said John Smail, interim dean of the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences.

“We are excited that this new name reflects the department’s multidisciplinary focus on key questions relating to human and environment interaction, both as an urban research university in the Charlotte region, as well as nationally and internationally,” he stated.

The Faculty Council endorsed this name change on March 28; it was approved by Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber on April 9.

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences has adopted a new logo that exemplifies the program components of this multifaceted department. The mission of DEEGS is to create, extend and disseminate applied and theoretical scientific knowledge of the Earth’s physical, natural and human systems and their interactions through scholarly research, teaching and service.

“Our new name emphasizes our place in the Charlotte region and beyond as the nexus of understanding of human and natural systems and their interactions,” said Sara Gagné, department chair and associate professor of landscape ecology.

Campus administrative and academic units should update records where necessary to reflect this change.