Academic Affairs

Fumie Kato, associate professor in the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, is the 2014 recipient of the Bonnie E. Cone Early-Career Professorship for Teaching. Her selection was announced during the annual University Convocation Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Provost Joan Lorden, in revealing the honor, said, “Kato uses her expertise in applied linguistics with emphases on language pedagogy, student motivation and learning strategies to strengthen the degree program and inspire her colleagues.” 

The Washington Center has named UNC Charlotte its New Affiliate of the Year for 2014. The honor recognizes the University’s consistent and exceptional support of and partnership with the Washington Center.
Mike Smith, president of the Washington Center, stated UNC Charlotte and other center award recipients are shining examples of higher education institutions and organizations that place a priority on experiential learning.

Watch a live webcast of today’s University Convocation starting at 9:30 a.m. Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and Provost Joan Lorden will address faculty, staff and students at this yearly event.

Anita Blowers, associate professor of criminal justice and criminology, is among the five finalists for the 2014 Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence, one of the University’s highest honors.

While new to the University Honors Program, Jennifer Warner is a veteran UNC Charlotte faculty member. In assuming the UHP directorship, Warner brings a STEM perspective to the program.
Warner first arrived on campus as a graduate student 20 years ago to pursue a master’s degree in biology. While a full-time faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, Warner completed a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at UNC Greensboro.

Gina Ramoz recently joined UNC Charlotte as biosafety director in the Office of Research and Economic Development.
With nearly 30 years of scientific experience working in clinical, research and academic laboratories, Ramoz will manage the biosafety program for the University’s rapidly growing and evolving research and academic environment.

UNC Charlotte chemistry major Alexis Brown is spending her summer participating in a groundbreaking program at the North Carolina Research Campus, exploring the plant pathways of food crops such as blueberries, oats and strawberries.  And more.
“We are trying to create the super broccoli,” she said.

The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute has been accepted into the National Neighborhood Indicator Partnership (NNIP), which is a collaborative effort by the Washington D.C.-based Urban Institute and local partners to further the development and use of neighborhood information systems in local policymaking and community building.
Membership in the network opens participation in conferences and other learning opportunities as well as participation in cross-site research projects.

University Convocation, which traditionally marks the start of the academic year, will begin at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, in Cone University Center, McKnight Hall. This annual event is an opportunity for the campus community to learn more about the University’s short- and long-term goals and plans.
Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and Provost Joan Lorden will address faculty, staff and students.
In addition, Jim Kay, chair of the Staff Council, will give remarks; Greg Starrett from the Department of Anthropology will present the faculty agenda for the 2014-15 academic year.

Bruce Blackmon recently joined the University as director of financial aid; he brings 28 years of experience in the field.
“I look forward to defining ways we can leverage our financial aid funds to best meet the student body needs and help as many students as we can using the dollars we have available,” said Blackmon, who also plans to improve financial aid operations in the office. He describes his leadership style as adaptive, adding his goal is to provide a positive experience in working with staff, students and parents.