Faculty/Staff

Beth Whitaker, a professor of political science, is interim divisional dean within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Whitaker began her duties  March 15 and will continue in the role through June 30, 2023. She currently serves as executive director of the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies and will continue her duties in that role.

Bernadette Donovan-Merkert, director of the Nanoscale Science Doctoral Program, was appointed as interim divisional dean for Sciences and Math for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences in January 2023.

The deadline for nominations for the annual Staff Employee of the Year awards has been extended to 5 p.m., Friday, March 17. Each year, UNC Charlotte recognizes exceptional employees for their contributions to our campus and beyond. 

Any permanent employee of UNC Charlotte can submit a nomination, and employees are encouraged to recommend colleagues for this honor. 

Franklin Green, research operations manager for the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, died March 8.
Green, who joined the University in August 2004, managed the electronics and instrumentation labs for the MEES Department. He was responsible for setting up new equipment and maintaining existing equipment. He also assisted faculty to develop experiments for their classes.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average undergraduate spent between $628 and $1,471 for books and supplies last academic year.

While textbook prices have been gradually increasing over the past few decades, universities have started adopting textbook affordability initiatives to help students with rising costs. 

The five Wednesday courses in the For Managers track of the Webinar Series for Charlotte Employees will address leadership challenges faced by managers. Each webinar is free, interactive and runs from 12 to 1 p.m. All sessions will be recorded and available to registered participants. Bonus content will be emailed after each webinar to help participants continue their professional development journeys. 

The Office of Academic Affairs and the University’s chapter of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will hold a faculty and staff social from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, March 16, in the Atkins Library, Halton Reading Room.

Attendees are asked to bring a gently used book for use in a book box being installed at Niner University Elementary at Amay James Friday, April 21, during Niner Day of Service.

Andrea Pitts is an associate professor of philosophy and affiliate faculty member in Africana studies, the Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Studies, Latin American studies, School of Data Science, Social Aspects of Health Initiative and women’s and gender studies. They have been involved with the Latinx/Hispanic Faculty and Staff Caucus and are currently raising awareness and funds for the Yvette M. Huet Sí Se Puede Scholarship. Learn more about Pitts’ involvement in this Q&A.

The four Wednesday courses in the Morale/Burnout Track of the webinar series for Charlotte employees will tackle issues concerning well-being and self-care. Each webinar is free, interactive and runs from noon to 1 p.m. All sessions will be recorded and available to registered participants. Bonus content will be emailed after each webinar to help participants continue their professional development journeys. 

Doug Lape has been appointed associate vice chancellor for business services, effective Wednesday, March 1. He had been serving as interim in the role since Sept. 1, 2022. 
Lape will oversee the overall administration and strategic leadership for campus food services (meal plans, retail dining, catering, concessions and convenience stores), bookstores and other campus retail operations, reprographic services, vending and ATMs, mail and package services, licensing and trademark management, 49er ID card services and parking and transportation services.

Larry Blomberg, a building environmental services manager, died Sunday, Feb. 26.

Blomberg, who joined the University in June 2010, worked with the Popp Martin Student Union before transferring to the Facilities Management Office in 2015.