Academic Affairs

The UNC System Board of Governors has approved UNC Charlotte’s request to offer a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree in Data Science and Business Analytics (DSBA) starting in fall 2014.  This groundbreaking curriculum is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between the College of Computing and Informatics and the Belk College of Business, as it links the science and business of data.

University leaders note the curriculum will produce talented graduates to meet the 21st-century demands of business and industry.

Joël Gallegos, assistant provost for international programs, will be the guest on the Sept. 4 edition of “The Live Wire,” Inside UNC Charlotte’s streaming webcast. He will talk about what the Office of International Programs offers and what to expect at the upcoming International Festival.
Employees can watch “The Live Wire” at their desks or on their mobile devices starting at 2 p.m.

Six entrepreneurial startups were selected as the top enterprises at the 13th annual Charlotte Venture Challenge, conducted by UNC Charlotte’s Ventureprise and the Charlotte Research Institute. They will receive more than $60,000 in cash prizes.
Thirty-six early-stage ventures were among the finalists from 100-plus entrants from across the Southeastern United States for the 2014 edition of the challenge. The 36 teams conducted three-minute pitches to corporate and investor judging panels at the finals, held in the UNC Charlotte PORTAL Building.

Congressman Patrick McHenry (10th District) and Brett Keeter (’99), congressional district director and former UNC Charlotte Alumni Association president, recently visited campus to learn more about UNC Charlotte’s Data Science and Business Analytics initiative.

In addition to meetings with Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor for economic development and research, McHenry and Keeter observed several project demonstrations related to Big Data at the University’s Charlotte Visualization Center.

In a joint press conference, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and UNC Charlotte announced a partnership for an annual reporting on homelessness issues spearheaded by the University’s Urban Institute.

The Charlotte Venture Challenge (CVC) will showcase 39 finalists selected from more than 100 startup competitors located throughout the Southeastern United States. These contenders will be introduced to investors, corporate executives and the business community at the CVC finals, Thursday, May 1.

With the opening of PORTAL, Charlotte Research Institute officials have announced that Lester “Chip” Yensan will remain at CRI as associate director for infrastructure through the current calendar year.
Prior to joining CRI in August 2012, Yensan was assistant vice president for student affairs at the University of Rhode Island; he held positions at the University of Connecticut and Michigan State University, too.  

Effective May 1, Chandra Williams will be interim director for Lab Animal Resources. The appointment was announced by the Research and Economic Development Office.
With nearly two decades of professional veterinarian experience, Williams has served as a driving force in the development and implementation of a wide range of policies and procedures to ensure the proper use and care of animals for research purposes. She has dedicated her time and service to ensuring that researchers and facilities are equipped for the best care of research animals.

The Blumenthal Foundation of Charlotte has awarded the University $22,500 for a collaborative initiative that will increase the profile of and engage the public in issues about the natural environment.

Tuesday, April 1, is the deadline for submissions for the Undergraduate Research Conference, scheduled for Friday, April 25, at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.

In its third year, the Undergraduate Research Conference showcases projects being completed by undergraduates from all levels and from all colleges/departments. The Office of Academic Affairs, Atkins Library and new this year, the Levine Scholars Program, are cosponsoring this event.