First Business Manager Certification program participants graduate

The Department of Financial Services recently graduated the inaugural class of the University’s Business Manager Certification (BMC) program, a new initiative aimed at developing/strengthening the skills of business managers and officers across campus.

According to Laura Williams, one of the program organizers, this new certification provided participants with a solid understanding of University business-related policies and procedures with a goal of leading to more effective and efficient business operations.

“The program started with a short orientation session in May 2013 and was followed by two core workshops in January and February of this year, the first focusing on human resources topics, such as teamwork, workplace communication, change management and meeting effectiveness,” said Williams. “The second workshop focused on finance and business services topics, such as disbursement methods, fund management, alignment with strategic goals, business processes and process documentation, internal controls, project management and business continuity. The program also included a mentoring aspect, where each participant was paired with a mentor throughout the program to provide guidance on professional and personal development goals.”

The first class of 35 participants worked in teams to prepare presentations that summarized program lessons as part of a capstone session, attended by their supervisors and other University personnel. Presentation themes included:

• The value of collaboration and partnership
• The importance of understanding and embracing differences to accomplish shared goals
• The need to build and sustain trust
• The ABCs of work communication that requires individuals to customize their style and to listen
• The criticality of striving for a “One University” profile
• The need to align work and goals with the University’s strategic plan
• The important role of mentors, peers and managers in supporting career development
• That fact that everyone brings something to the table
• The complex role of the business officer as a leader, influencer, team member and catalyst for change

University Controller Kendra Cooks congratulated the first program graduates, noting their capstone projects showcased their individual takeaways from the program. “Our graduates really embraced this experience. The program’s focus on knowledge transfer and leadership skill development will continue to provide benefits to our participants and to the University as a whole as we partner to move the business of the University forward.”

Williams echoed these comments. “I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this inaugural program. I think one of the most valuable benefits was the relationships our participants were able to build, especially with each other. We couldn’t have done it without their active participation, along with the firm support shown by their supervisors and mentors and the expertise shared by our presenters. I am extremely grateful for all of their contributions.”

This year’s graduates were: Carolyn Aguiar, Metropolitan Studies and Extended Academic Programs; Sandra Anderson, Office of International Programs; Belma Blanco, Department of Reading and Elementary Education; Liezl Breitwise, College of Computing and Informatics; Marian Castle and Wendy Meier, College of Education Contracts and Grants Office; Marisa Elston, auxiliary services; Deborah Fraser and Nancy Queen, grants and contracts administration; Nancy Garland, Belk College of Business; Karen Haar, Registrar’s Office; Carol Hartley, Department of Languages and Culture Studies; Michelle Hill, Risk Management, Safety and Security Department; Shannon Homesley, Controller’s Office; Linda-Jean Jay, Graduate School; Gail Keene, Research and Economic Development Office; Danelle Lee, Teacher Education Advising, Licensure and Recruitment Office; Bonnie McDaniel, student activities; Lori McMahon, Office of the Provost; Robin Moose, EPIC; Jill Morgan, Department of Software and Information Systems; Jan Mullmann and Brenda Robbins, Parking and Transportation Services Office; Lynne Osborne, Department of Computer Science; Lee Ann Parker, College of Education Office of Student Development and Success; Mary Peeler, University Center for Academic Excellence; Debbie Rose, University Career Center; Rob Sewell, housing and residence life; Kathy Sherrill, undergraduate admissions; Eleanor Stafford, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; Ann Strickhouser, UNC Charlotte Center City; Kimi Tippett, Organizational Science and Public Policy programs; Katrina White, ITS; Cleo Widmaier, Division for University Advancement; and Melanie Witherspoon, facilities management.

Individuals interested in the 2015 session of the Business Manager Certification Program can apply online. Nominations also are being accepted; email Laura Williams at laurawilliams@uncc.edu.