Chancellor wraps up productive first week
By all accounts, Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber made the most of her first week in office. Whether participating in her first #WearGreenWednesday, touring the Judy Rose Football Center or holding virtual meetings with campus leaders due to COVID-19 guidelines, she made it clear that she’s eager to experience all that Niner Nation offers.
“As this week progressed, I learned more about UNC Charlotte, the UNC System, and the city of Charlotte and its impact across all of North Carolina. My decision to serve as the University’s fifth chancellor has been reaffirmed repeatedly,” said Gaber. “There is much to look forward to—as an institution and community partner. I’m thrilled to call Niner Nation my new home.”
STAY CONNECTED
Want to keep up with Chancellor Gaber? Check out her Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. She’ll also be present on the University’s social media channels. She made it a priority in her first week to answer questions directly from students via Instagram Story on how they could get to know her, adding that if they see her on campus walking her dog, Augie, to please say hello.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Throughout the week, Gaber connected with faculty, staff and student leaders, many for the first time. Here’s what several had to say after meeting with her.
Joan Lorden, Provost
“Chancellor Gaber is an active listener with a warm and engaging communication style. She asks incisive questions and invites input, and is eager to know all we are doing, including of course, in regard to plans for fall opening. She’s especially attuned to matters surrounding equity, diversity and inclusion. Student success is very high on her priority list and she intends to ensure that quality academics remains a priority, including continuing to narrow the gaps in graduation rates.”
Dennis Bunker ’81, Board of Trustees
“Everything I know about Chancellor Gaber aligns with what we want in a university leader. It’s interesting to note that she is the first UNC Charlotte chancellor who will never meet or know our founder, Miss Bonnie Cone, yet she exemplifies the values that Miss Bonnie instilled and that have helped shape the University into what it is today. I’m confident that Chancellor Gaber is the right leader to continue UNC Charlotte’s ascension to becoming a top-tier, nationally recognized research university, while doing so in her own, unique way.”
Mike Hill, Charlotte 49ers Athletics Director
“It is clear to me that Chancellor Gaber’s passion for athletics will propel us to even greater heights. She understands the integral role athletics plays in the life of a campus, enhancing the student experience and serving as an enormous point of pride for alumni, fans and friends of our great University. We’re excited to have her support as we work together to deliver a championship program for our student-athletes and all of Niner Nation.”
Christine Reed Davis, Dean of Students
“I am struck by Chancellor Gaber’s engaging demeanor, robust experience as a leader, and desire to listen to and consider the questions and perspectives of multiple stakeholders. The conversation she hosted with campus leaders on her first day in office supported my initial impressions. She was interested in addressing our questions as well as setting a relational foundation with each of us. From my viewpoint as the dean of students, Chancellor Gaber’s intentional engagement from day one with undergraduate and graduate student government representatives demonstrates her commitment to including student voices in the leadership of campus. And her participation in traditions such as dropping a penny in Norm’s pan and #WearGreenWednesday is a sign that she is ready to immerse herself in Niner Nation.”
Tahlieah Sampson, Student Body President
“Chancellor Gaber is genuinely excited about joining Niner Nation and taking on this new role. She is making strides toward getting to know students, our needs and the atmosphere of UNC Charlotte. Her passion for our University does not go unnoticed. I look forward to working with her and seeing what she accomplishes.”
Celeste Corpening, Staff Council Chair
“Chancellor Gaber brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit UNC Charlotte as a whole. Her poise, communication style and professionalism speak volumes. Staff Council looks forward to working with her and to the continued partnership in supporting University staff.”
Joel Avrin, Faculty Council President
“Given her experience and accomplishments as president of the University of Toledo and her research background in urban planning, Chancellor Gaber is an ideal fit for UNC Charlotte. She was a top candidate of the search committee throughout the process, as well as with the faculty panel that interviewed the finalists. Her proven track record of strengthening faculty research, improving student success, increasing fundraising and enhancing relations with policy makers stood out among all the candidates. Additionally, Chancellor Gaber indicated to us that she is student focused and enjoys talking to students on campus. Needless to say, I very much look forward to working with her.”