The J. Paul Melanson Award is NACCU鈥檚 highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the campus card industry and to the professionals who support it.

At 乱伦视频, Rauhe has spent decades guiding the聽growth聽of the Phoenix Card program,聽overseeing its聽development聽from聽an early聽implementation into a comprehensive system.聽What began as a functional tool has evolved under her leadership into a core part of the campus experience, supporting everything from accessing聽residence halls and campus facilities, dining and retail transactions, event participation, library services and more.

Her work has helped create a system that聽operates聽reliably and often behind the scenes, allowing students,聽faculty聽and staff to move through their day with ease. That consistency reflects both technical聽expertise and a steady, thoughtful approach to building systems that serve people well.

“Janet鈥檚 leadership is defined by a commitment to continuous learning and collaboration,” said Christopher Waters, associate vice president of Information Technology and chief information pfficer. “Through her engagement with colleagues across higher education and her active presence on campus, she brings forward ideas that strengthen and evolve the systems we rely on.”

Waters continued, “She聽doesn鈥檛聽stand still;聽she listens,聽learns聽and adapts, always with a focus on serving our community well. This recognition reflects both her influence within the profession and the meaningful impact of her work at 乱伦视频.”

Beyond 乱伦视频, Rauhe has contributed to the broader campus card community for聽nearly 30聽years through NACCU. Her service has included committee work, mentoring, conference聽leadership聽and time on the Board of Directors, including a term as Board President.

Colleagues across the industry recognize her for her聽leadership,聽expertise, generosity,聽humility聽and commitment to supporting others. These聽qualities聽are consistent markers that聽shape both her work at 乱伦视频 and her impact nationwide.

乱伦视频 celebrated the dedication, innovation and service of its staff during Staff Appreciation Day on May 29, honoring individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the university鈥檚 mission and values.

鈥淓ach of you exemplifies the spirit of 乱伦视频 through your passion, innovation and teamwork鈥揳ll of which has created an environment for excellence in learning, growth and success,鈥� Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, shared in her welcoming remarks to hundreds of university staff who had gathered for the celebration inside Schar Center.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, 乱伦视频’s chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement and an assistant professor of religious studies, followed with the invocation, where she encouraged staff to recognize and celebrate those who were honored during the ceremony, as well as those whose contributions often go unseen.

鈥淢ay we recognize the dignity in every role and the value in every contribution,鈥� Boswell said. 鈥淎nd may all of us leave this gathering renewed in purpose, strengthened by community and grateful for the opportunity to contribute our gifts to something larger than ourselves.鈥�

President Connie Ledoux Book provided updates on several university priorities, including progress on the Slattery Center, the university鈥檚 new center for health and wellness; the Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频 for children with dyslexia; the merger of 乱伦视频 and Queens University of Charlotte; and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification for community and civic engagement.

Book said Staff Appreciation Day is about sharing thanks with colleagues for helping one another accomplish goals. 鈥淚 really love the strength of this community,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淭oday is a day for us to pause and take a day of gratitude for us to say ‘thank you.’鈥�

Retirees

Two retirees elected to have someone speak on their behalf as part of the ceremony. Kelly Elliston retired on December 31 as the executive assistant to the president. In a pre-recorded video, Book thanked Elliston for her friendship, commitment, excellence and partnership.

Now retired, Elliston shared that she appreciates drinking coffee on the porch to the sounds of birds singing. She recalled Elizabeth Bowman鈥檚 acceptance speech after winning the 2025 professional hourly staff member of the year award, where Bowen described 乱伦视频 as a ship with captains, wheels, nuts and bolts. 鈥淚鈥檝e been one of those nuts for a really long time!鈥� Elliston said to friendly laughter from the audience.

Julie Myers, assistant for information technology, was recognized in a prepared video by her supervisor, Pat Donohue, deputy CIO. Donohue said Myers played a key role in budgeting, personnel management, business efficiency, bringing structural, accountability and cost awareness and was so meticulous that she would have backup plans for plans. Myers thanked several staff members in the audience for their time worked together.

Myers encouraged the audience to continue to look forward and not back as they take on new challenges. 鈥淭hat is why the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror,鈥� she shared.

Read the stories of 2025-26 乱伦视频 retirees in the Today at 乱伦视频 story.

Phoenix Awards

Four Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize outstanding innovation, collaboration and dedication to the university鈥檚 mission. Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, announced the award winners.

Phoenix Innovation Award

Terrance Copling was named the 2026 Phoenix Innovation Award winner. The Phoenix Innovation Award is presented to a member of the 乱伦视频 staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving or implementing a new idea or program that benefits the university or the community.

In his role as senior ERP application developer, Copling was recognized for designing a solution to allow 乱伦视频 Benefits Hub, powered by PlanSource, to communicate directly with Colleague, a feat that was previously thought not possible. Copling鈥檚 innovation has eliminated manual data entry, which reduces errors, improves processing time and creates a smoother and more efficient experience for 乱伦视频 employees.

Copling was described as someone who consistently demonstrates an ability to translate complex challenges into thoughtful and effective solutions 鈥撀爓hich he approaches with humility, patience and a palpable desire to help others succeed.

One nominator said about Copling, 鈥淗e is the person colleagues turn to when a challenge seems unsolvable because time and again, he proves that with enough creativity and persistence, nothing is out of reach.鈥�

When accepting the award, Copling shared his gratitude for the team effort, within his team and other partners on campus. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 do this with you,鈥� he shared.

Phoenix Rising Award

Andrew Moffa was named the 2026 Phoenix Rising Award winner. The award is presented to one newer member of 乱伦视频鈥檚 staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of 乱伦视频鈥檚 mission with an engaged mind in inspired leadership and global citizenship.

Moffa is the assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. He was described as the 鈥渕entor people dream of having鈥� and someone who 鈥渃reates an environment where students feel valued and empowered鈥� in several roles he plays, including advising students in 乱伦视频 101, mentoring members of the 乱伦视频 Votes! Team and supporting students who work in the office.

One nominator shared that Moffa 鈥渆mbodies the essence of allyship: showing up consistently, listening deeply and helping students bring their goals and ideas to life.鈥� Students said he is 鈥渁n amazing support to any student he comes across鈥� and 鈥渁n open space for us.鈥�

Moffa expressed gratitude towards the Kernodle Center and the Division of Student Life, as well the students he works with. 鈥淚t comes back to the students that we work with,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 here, that鈥檚 why I love showing up to work 鈥� it wouldn鈥檛 be the same without them.鈥�

Phoenix Collaboration Award

The 2026 Phoenix Collaboration Award was presented to 乱伦视频 Guided Reflection on Work Student Employment Mentoring Implementation Work Group, led by Alison Doherty, Jo-Rae Jennings, Emily Krechel, Noah Orr and Kameryn Taylor. 乱伦视频GROW is a framework designed to help students connect what they鈥檙e learning in the classroom with the skills they are developing in their campus jobs. Through brief conversations with their supervisors, students reflect on how their work supports their academic, professional and personal growth.

The award is presented to an 乱伦视频 staff team or group that has fostered cooperation, collaboration and open communication across two or more departments/offices/centers on campus.

A nominator said about the group, 鈥淭he team modeled the very competencies it seeks to cultivate in students: communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism and adaptive thinking.鈥�

乱伦视频GROW was designed to be the fabric of supervision and student employment university-wide. Due to the collaborative efforts, supervisors now have clearer expectations, stronger training and accessible tools to facilitate intentional developmental conversations, and student employees are more likely to recognize transferable skills, articulate growth and connect work to academics and future careers.

Emily Krechel, director of new student programs, addressed the audience with 乱伦视频GROW members standing near the podium. As chair of the workgroup, she described the team as 鈥渢he most productive, efficient and collaborative people she has ever had the privilege of working with.鈥�

Phoenix Community Engagement Award

Tammy Hill, student health insurance and immunization compliance project manager, was named the 2026 Phoenix Community Engagement Award winner. The award recognizes a member of the 乱伦视频 staff who has demonstrated exemplary service to the university, local or global community through their engagement in volunteer organizations.

Hill is a leader within the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and was described as someone who tirelessly contributes her time, expertise and energy to support cultural preservation, community engagement and organizational leadership.

Hill is profoundly dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of her tribal community鈥檚 history, culture and traditions. When she was 55, she pursued a degree in American history to deepen her understanding of Western expansion and the many successes of other tribes in the United States. She has served the OBSN as newsletter editor, a member of the Scholarship Committee and Tribal Secretary on the Tribal Council, and she is self-taught in the skills needed for her current role managing the tribal website, web store and trading post.

One nominator stated, 鈥淲hether supporting her tribal community, fostering cultural awareness or strengthening connections within the 乱伦视频 community, she leads with humility, integrity and dedication. She demonstrates that service is not simply something she does 鈥� it is who she is.鈥�

Hill has been at 乱伦视频 for more than two decades and leaves an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike who fondly reflect on her guidance, warmth and genuine care. She was not present at the ceremony and Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for Student Life/dean of Student Health & Well-Being/assistant professor, accepted on her behalf.

Blanche Garrison Memorial Award

Drema Holder was named the 2026 Blanche Garrison Memorial Award recipient. The award was established in memory of the late Blanche Garrison, an 乱伦视频 Medallion awardee, who served the university with distinction as a staff member at Maynard House. This award was created through the generosity of President Emeritus Leo Lambert and Laurie Lambert and recognizes a staff member who has contributed significantly to shaping the student experience at 乱伦视频 through their everyday commitments and actions to support, encourage and mentor 乱伦视频 students.

Holder is the Moseley Center program assistant and was described as the epitome of graciousness and customer service, someone whose authentic kindheartedness, commitment and enthusiasm are vital to keeping her area of campus running effectively and making all who pass through its halls feel welcome.

One nominator shared that Holder 鈥渃ontinually puts others before herself, uplifting students and advocating for them to receive the recognition they deserve.鈥� Another nominator added, 鈥淚f Moseley is the heart of campus, then Drema is the heart of Moseley.鈥�

Holder shared that this is her 48th year in higher education and 鈥渁ll my students and all my coworkers have a special place in my heart.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year Awards

Three Staff Member of the Year Awards are presented annually to university non-teaching staff 鈥� one for each of the following categories: facilities management, professional hourly staff and administrative staff. 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book announced the award winners.

Staff Member of the Year 鈥撀燩rofessional Hourly

Sharon Holmes was honored as the 2026 professional hourly staff member of the year. Holmes is a program assistant in the Office of Alumni Engagement and described as someone who goes above and beyond to facilitate events, manage student workers and make alumni feel welcome.

Nominators shared that Holmes is a 鈥渕om away from home鈥� for student workers and a valued source of support and friendship for her colleagues.鈥� Another team member added, whatever the team needs, she will do without question and with the biggest smile you will ever see.鈥�

She was further described as 鈥渢he welcoming voice on the phone, the smiling face when alumni stop by her office and the helpful hand when students have questions.”

Upon receiving the award, Holmes shared that working at 乱伦视频 is meaningful to her because she is from Alamance County. She expressed her appreciation to her team members, saying, 鈥淭hey are truly a pleasure to be around, to work with and to collaborate with. It鈥檚 a joy to support them.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Administrative

Ross Wade was named the 2026 administrative staff member of the year. He is 乱伦视频鈥檚 interim associate vice president for the Student Professional Development Center.

Wade was recognized for steering his department through a period of critical transition with 鈥渞emarkable grace transparency and intentionality.鈥� He is described as having thoughtful, future-focused leadership and lauded for restoring a sense of direction and vigor to the team and introduced policies that have substantially improved workflow efficiency.

One nominator stated that 鈥淗e leads by example 鈥� rolling up his sleeves, staying engaged and demonstrating through his own actions what dedication to this work actually looks like.鈥�

Wade expressed the challenges of stepping into a leadership role during a time of transition for SPDC. 鈥淚 stumble through it every single day with the grace and the help from the SPDC team,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭hank you so much for your patience, kindness and ideas.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Facilities Management

Carol Pulliam received the facilities management staff member of the year award. She is the custodian for Sato Commons.

Nominators used an array of sentiments to describe why Pulliam is, as they describe, one of the most important members of her building鈥檚 team: exceptionally detail-oriented, proud of her work and orderly. 鈥淪he ensures every facet of the physical space reflects the excellence for which 乱伦视频 is known,鈥� a nominator said.

Pulliam was not only recognized for her immaculate work, but also her willingness to submit FixIt requests and helping students set up research posters.

Another nominator shared that her genuine warmth truly sets her apart. 鈥淗er willingness to engage people on the floor in meaningful conversations helps make our floor more connected and caring.鈥�

Addressing her staff peers, she expressed, 鈥渢hank you, God, and thank you to all the people that made this possible 鈥撀營 love each and every one of you.鈥�

Patrick Murphy G鈥�01

Assistant vice president for financial aid

Patrick Murphy joined 乱伦视频 at the beginning of 1994 as bursar for 乱伦视频 College to find a career that would, as he put it, add positivity to his day. Retiring at the end of the month, Murphy has served in a myriad of roles at 乱伦视频, including director of financial aid, senior associate dean and director of financial aid and assistant vice president for financial aid.

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Greg Zaiser, vice president for enrollment, credited Murphy with quietly and deliberately supporting 乱伦视频鈥檚 growth from a regional college to national and international distinction.

鈥淲hat I know now is because of Pat鈥檚 patience, accessibility and strong desire for success,鈥� added Zaiser.

After retirement, Murphy looks forward to spending more time with his wife and his five grandchildren, who are all under the age of six. He says his favorite memory at 乱伦视频 was picking up astronaut and former senator John Glenn and his wife from the airport and guiding them across campus to multiple events.

鈥淚 will miss the people I work with,鈥� he said. 鈥溌衣资悠� has been the only place I worked where my friends are also people I work with.鈥�

Beth McCain

Assistant teaching professor of accounting

Beth McCain joined 乱伦视频 in 2016 teaching part-time as an adjunct after teaching at a community college. She was hired permanently in 2021 as a lecturer and also served as the director of the Master of Science accounting program. She retired on December 31, 2025.

While at 乱伦视频, McCain led January Term study abroad courses to Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and was the inaugural faculty member for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business study abroad program in Singapore.

At the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Catherine Chiang, professor of accounting and chair of the department of accounting, described McCain as one of the most dedicated and student-centered educators she had the privilege of knowing. 鈥淵our decade of service has shaped careers, strengthened our programs and raised the standards for what it means to be an 乱伦视频 educator,鈥� said Chiang.

McCain returned the compliments to her department chair and gave a shoutout to Linda Poulson, who gave McCain 鈥渁 chance鈥� and also to her husband, who was in attendance.

Now retired, McCain is volunteering for Guilford County Animal Services in Greensboro and taking a French course at 乱伦视频 in preparation for a three-month trip to France in the fall. Reflecting on her time at 乱伦视频, McCain said, 鈥淚 will greatly miss the amazing faculty and staff that I worked with as well as relationships that I developed with my students over the years.鈥�

Linda Niedziela

Associate professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology

Linda Niedziela joined 乱伦视频 in 2001 excited to teach courses in genetics and biotechnology. She was attracted to the university鈥檚 strengths in undergraduate education and undergraduate research. She will retire at the end of May after serving in a myriad of roles, including biology department chair, assistant professor, associate professor, director of the science branch of 乱伦视频 College Fellows and the Japheth E. Rawls chair for undergraduate research in science.

Niedziela said she will miss what she calls the 鈥渄aily therapy sessions.鈥� She shared that every day during the semester, whoever is able will meet for lunch on the first floor of McMichael and discuss wide-ranging topics, including teaching tips, research reports, personal stories about families and pets and anything else that is on the mind of lunch attendees.

She said, 鈥淚 will miss the wonderful faculty and staff colleagues in the biology department who have become like family to me.鈥�

After retirement, Niedziela and her husband, Carl, an adjunct assistant professor of biology at 乱伦视频, who will also be retiring, will travel with their dogs in an airstream travel trailer and spend time in their woodworking shop. She will also be devoting more time training and competing with her Shetland sheepdog in performance dog sports.

Anthony Hatcher

Professor of journalism and chair of the Journalism Department

Anthony Hatcher joined 乱伦视频 in 2002 and has served as associate professor of journalism, full professor of journalism and the inaugural chair of the Department of Journalism.

Hatcher said he did not have a passport until he joined 乱伦视频 in his early 40鈥檚. 鈥淪ince 2004, I have taken students to Hong Kong, South Africa and multiple European countries,鈥� he reflected. Hatcher also created a religion and media course in his first year, which he taught every year since.

One of those colleagues, Harlen Makemson, professor of communication design, praised Hatcher at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon for Hatcher鈥檚 empathy and humanity during what he described as a time of upheaval in the media world, brought on by new technologies. 鈥淎nd while it’s true that Anthony Hatcher serves on virtually every major standing committee at 乱伦视频, it’s his humanity, his warmth and his care, that is his most impactful service to his university.鈥�

鈥淚 will miss being with students, and I will miss seeing my colleagues 鈥撀爉y friends 鈥撀燿aily or weekly,鈥� said Hatcher. During the ceremony, he added, 鈥淚 hope in addition to teaching all those wonderful students I鈥檝e had over the past nearly quarter century, I hope in some small way, I made their lives a little better because God knows they helped me be better.

After retirement, Hatcher looks forward to biking, hiking, travel and spending time with his granddaughter. 鈥淲riting will be part of retirement as well, since I can鈥檛 sing or paint,鈥� he added.

Robert Moorman

Frank S. Holt, Jr. professor of business leadership and professor of organizational behavior

Robert Moorman joined 乱伦视频 as the Frank Holt Jr professor of business leadership in 2011, a title he held throughout his time at 乱伦视频. Retiring in May, Moorman has also served as the department chair for the Department of Management, Entrepreneurship and International Business.

During the Faculty, Staff Awards Luncheon, Haya Ajjan, dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and professor of management information systems, shared that Moorman has a gift few others do 鈥撀爐he ability to ask the types of questions that 鈥渕ake you stop walking, look around at where you actually are and suddenly see it鈥 question that stays with you for the rest of your life.鈥� Ajjan offered Moorman a golf club afterwards in the spirit of his retirement.

During the ceremony, Moorman shared that education is so much more than reading books and looking at stats. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really about the relationships we have,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s the relationships with our students and the utter joy of seeing people cycle through during this really important time of their lives, you know, touching you and stepping in and stepping out and then seeing them grow as they go.鈥�

Moorman said his favorite memories are those involving friendships with colleagues and partnerships with students. 鈥淚 have fond memories of a few colleagues congregating in my office talking about the joys and frustrations of the day,鈥� he said.聽 鈥淚 also have fond memories of holding classes that just seemed to 鈥榳ork鈥� that day and then talking with students afterward about how they continued thinking about our discussions.鈥�

After retiring at the end of this month, Moorman looks forward to what he calls unstructured adventure. 鈥淚 am looking forward to a time of boredom that then grows into something new, unplanned and adventurous. What fun!鈥�

Charity Johansson

Professor of physical therapy education and chair of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Department.

In 1999, Charity Johnsson joined what would become the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as one of its first faculty. She retired in December 2025 after decades of service in which she held positions of associate professor, full professor, faculty administrative fellow, interim associate department chair, interim department chair and program director, department chair and program director and university parliamentarian.

Johansson said she is already missing the 鈥渄aily exchanges with colleagues whose brilliant minds and genuinely kind hearts鈥� have shaped her over nearly three decades. Likewise, she will miss the students, and their 鈥渋nfectious enthusiasm, their compassion and the joy of watching them transform in ways they hadn鈥檛 even imagined possible.鈥�

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Crystal Ramsey praised Johansson as a 鈥渃ornerstone of the 乱伦视频 academic community, whose legacy is defined not just by the position she has held, but by the enduring way she has nurtured the hearts, minds and professional identities of future healthcare providers.鈥� Ramsey is an associate professor of physical therapy education and a former student of Johansson鈥檚.

At the ceremony, Johansson reflected on the retirement of Gerry Francis, who served as professor emeritus of mathematics and provost emeritus.

鈥淕erry Francis told me he doesn鈥檛 miss the work, but he really misses the people 鈥� and I get that,” she said.

She also said it was a privilege working with so many in the 乱伦视频 community who have encouraged her, challenged her and made her laugh to help her be a better a human. 鈥�Fred Rubeck, you鈥檙e among those,鈥� Johansson added, honoring the late professor of performing arts and chair of the Department of Performing Arts.

Now retired, Johansson said she is enjoying time outdoors with family and close friends, planning travel and trying new ventures, including fiction writing.

Marcia Dodson

Program assistant for the Station at Mill Point Neighborhood

Marcia Dodson joined 乱伦视频 in 2015 and is the proud mother of three sons who graduated from 乱伦视频. She will be retiring at the end of May and has served as a service desk analyst for facilities management, program assistant in the Danieley Neighborhood and Station at Mill Point.

A favorite memory of Dodson鈥檚 while at 乱伦视频 is joining the London Experience for staff, where she built relationships with colleagues she had not yet had the opportunity to meet while working at 乱伦视频. 鈥淲hat an awesome experience!鈥� she reflected.

After retirement, Dodson looks forward to being a traveling grandparent with her husband.

Rosemary Haskell

Professor of English

Rosemary Haskell joined 乱伦视频 in 1985 and will be retiring in August. She has held the roles of temporary instructor and assistant, associate and later, full professor of English.

Haskell said she will most miss her kind and interesting colleagues, as well as the 鈥渆nergizing power of the new class of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first-years each August.鈥�

One of Haskell鈥檚 favorite memories at 乱伦视频 is during the transition of the Fighting Christians to the Phoenix. She enjoyed the papier-mache birds and eggs in trees around campus that offered a clue to the new mascot.

After retirement, Haskell said she plans to spend time with her family and do some home improvement work.

Cheryl Riley

Custodian

Cheryl Riley joined 乱伦视频 in 2013 as a custodian and will retire at the end of May. 鈥淚 will miss the people I work with,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I look forward to spending time with my grandkids.鈥�

Linda Dunn

Adjunct assistant professor of Peace and Conflict Studies

Linda Dunn joined 乱伦视频 in 1998 as the director of the Alamance County Dispute Settlement Center, where she trained a group of students and returned to train several faculty members in mediation skills, who later became volunteer mediators for the center. Dunn鈥檚 official start date on record is 2001, when she taught a two-credit mediation and conflict resolution skills course as part of a new minor called Nonviolent Studies. She retired at the end of December, 2025.

Federico Pous spoke on behalf of Dunn during the Faculty/Staff Awards luncheon, praising Dunn鈥檚 ability to teach hands-on peaceful conflict resolution skills and strategies across different social backgrounds.

鈥淟inda’s way of teaching and interacting with students, staff and professors, makes you feel that you are equal to her in the same community space,鈥� he shared.

鈥淚 will miss the students and their passion the things I teach,鈥� said Dunn. Two of her students attended the luncheon.

After retirement, she plans to attend cultural events on campus and potentially assist in future facilitated discussions on campus. She will also continue to volunteer as a mediator at the Alamance County District court, continue restorative circle skills and mediation and training skills with Restorative Justice Durham and the Orange County District County District court.

鈥淚 will continue to be an activist for restorative justice and peacemaking organizations as we navigate the chaos and violence in our world,鈥� she added.

Elizabeth Bailey

Assistant teaching professor of exercise science

Elizabeth Bailey began her career at 乱伦视频 in 2004 and, enjoying the vibe of the community, wanted to be 鈥減art of it all.鈥� She started as a lecturer for the required wellness course, lectured for the School of Education before joining Exercise Science.

Retiring at the end of Spring semester, Bailey said she will most miss her colleagues and all the 鈥渇riends among the faculty and staff鈥� she has made while at 乱伦视频.

鈥淚 will also miss the opportunities to continue to learn that are available at 乱伦视频, whether it be through taking classes or participating in workshops or going abroad,鈥� she added. She said, while at 乱伦视频, he has learned a lot.

Bailey said her retirement plans continue to evolve, and she still intends to exercise classes and do some research on the side.

Kim Giles, 鈥�11 G鈥�16

Associate director of communications for the Student Professional Development Center

Since her first role in 1995, Kim Giles has served in various roles at the university, including data entry in admissions and accounting, budget clerk in the physical plant, program assistant for Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics, and assistant director of communications in the Student Professional Development Center.

Giles retired during the summer of 2025. She said she cherishes the opportunity to earn an MBA at 乱伦视频 along with her daughter. She said about the experience, 鈥渨hat an unforgettable experience that was in crossing the stage along with my daughter to get our MBA鈥檚 together 鈥撀爄t was quite surreal.鈥�

Giles also reflected on traveling with peers and faculty to Vietnam and Singapore, the many evolutions of Staff Appreciation Day, and being honored as the staff member of the year 鈥撀燼n experience she said she will cherish forever.

Since retiring, Giles has taken nine cruises and has done kayaking, camping and gardening. She looks forward to continuing to spend time with family.

Sharon Moss LaRocco

University accompanist and instructor in music

Sharon Moss LaRocco was recognized at the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon by Hallie Hogan, associate professor of music. LaRocco joined the 乱伦视频 Music Department in 1988 as a pianist for musical theater productions, music ensembles and student recitals.

Hogan shared, 鈥淎lthough she kept a very low profile, there was never any doubt about this, because she never missed a beat, much less a note, and maintained high quality for every performance she gave,” Hogan said.

She shared that students developed a strong admiration for LaRocco鈥檚 talent and a deep love for her kind and understanding nature.

Beyond 乱伦视频, Sharon has devoted herself to advocating for people with autism, through her work as a leader in the Office of Society of North Carolina, notably promoting autism awareness for the Native American communities of Western North Carolina.

At the awards ceremony, LaRocco shared that one of her favorite memories was the construction of Rhodes Stadium, which signaled to her the emergence of a marching band.

鈥淲ho doesn鈥檛 love a marching band?鈥� asked LaRocco to the audience. 鈥淎nd the spirit and the energy it creates walking through the campus, en route to the games.鈥�

Jana Lynn Patterson

Associate vice president for Student Life/dean of student health & well-being/assistant professor

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life and associate professor of education, described Patterson as someone who is consistent in how she shows up for others, patient when a young leader makes a mistake, honest with students and colleagues even when it is hard and someone who not only believes in others, and one who helps others believe in themselves.

鈥淪he supported students in college through tragedy, advised student organizations, and celebrated their success,鈥� said Dooley. 鈥淪he has created spaces of welcome and belonging, and met the students in their darkest hours, helping them piece together on plans to move forward.鈥�

Patterson was also recognized for her 40 years of service and held back tears while addressing the audience. A first-generation student from Hope Mills, North Carolina, Patterson said her parents could have never dreamed where she is today.

鈥淭o my staff and colleagues, you are the A-Team,鈥� she shared. “But to everyone in this community, I want you to know that every day has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this community and to have worked with you.鈥�

Also retiring

Retiring staff members will be recognized on May 29 as part of Staff Appreciation Day.

• Joan Barnatt
• Mona DeVries
• Chris Dockrill, head women’s golf coach
• Sharon Hodge
• John Chinnici, community service officer
• David “DD” Donohue, painter
• Kelly Elliston
• Gloria Graves, custodian
• William “Tom” Hall, telecommunications technician
• Rhonda Kosusko, associate director of career services, education and 乱伦视频
• Katherine Rodriguez, assistant director for application processing
• Michelle Stephens, custodian
• Ed Williams, service desk analyst
• Donna Wood , electronic services/ acquisitions librarian

After 乱伦视频 first-year Nikki Guevara was recognized for performing life-saving CPR on fellow student Lucy Sharp in September, program director Kathryn Bennett realized the importance of emergency preparedness. In a program that serves older individuals, the risk of medical emergencies such as falls or heart attacks is significant. Bennett decided that the student workers needed to be trained in CPR and first aid to help LIFE@乱伦视频 members if an emergency ever occurred.

Student workers Andrew Glas, Izzy Bennett, Natalie Gazjuk, Jeliannie Vidal and Terrence Pittman gathered in the spring at Johnston Hall to receive an Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Red Cross training from Zach Gentz, assistant director of campus recreation for facilities and aquatics. The students practiced how to perform CPR, how to help someone who is choking, and how to provide first aid in a variety of medical emergencies, like head injuries or diabetic attacks. Gentz emphasized the importance of students continuing to educate themselves and practice these skills after the training.

鈥淚f somebody needs help, I know exactly what steps to follow,鈥� said Vidal. 鈥淚t makes me feel great that LIFE@乱伦视频 wants to create a聽safe space for its members.鈥�

As a program that serves seniors, Bennett understands the special needs of their members and strives to create a welcoming, engaging and safe environment to enrich this lifelong learning community.

鈥淚f you’re Asian American or from the motherland [Thailand] or from down south or up north, I feel something in common with you,鈥� he said.

Sartyoungkul鈥檚 experiences shape how he cooks and how he leads. As executive chef for 乱伦视频 Dining, he focuses on creating meals that people recognize, enjoy and feel comfortable choosing.

鈥淚 love seeing people enjoy my food,鈥� he said.

Noppanit 鈥淢eena鈥� Monaghan shares the same excitement for creating an enjoyable meal. As chef de partie, she prepares meals at the international station in Lakeside Dining Hall. She is also Sartyoungkul鈥檚 mother and, together, they focus on getting the details right, from how a dish is prepared to how it lands with the people eating it.

鈥淚 work with students every day who are trying to make 乱伦视频 a home away from home,鈥� Monaghan said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important I try everything that goes out to make sure it is 100 percent right.鈥�

That attention to detail often means learning dishes that are new to them. Sartyoungkul said they spend time researching recipes, studying techniques and planning menus to authentically reflect the food where students come from.

For Monaghan, that care shows up in small, specific moments.

鈥淚 made arepas for a student from Colombia and she loved it,鈥� she said.

For Sartyoungkul, those moments explain why the work matters. A single meal can help one student feel familiar while introducing others to something new.

鈥淢any international students miss the food from home,鈥� he said. 鈥淧roviding familiar tastes helps students feel seen, valued and more at ease in their campus environment.鈥�

That belief carries into how he works with student groups across campus. During Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Sartyoungkul partnered with the Asian Pacific Student Association to plan dining hall takeovers featuring Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Students identified the cuisines and worked with him to shape the menus.

For him, the process is as important as the food itself. It ensures the meals reflect what students want to see and what they want to share with others.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want anyone to feel left out,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e vegan, from another country, have dietary preferences or religious needs or an allergy, we want to make sure there are options for everybody.鈥�

That sense of care is rooted in family. Sartyoungkul describes himself as a third-generation chef who learned alongside his mother in the kitchen.

鈥淢om beats me at Asian foods, especially with her great stir fries and Thai noodle dishes,鈥� he said. 鈥淗owever, I am trained on European cuisine and steaks, so I have her beat there.鈥�

Still, there are moments when their strengths meet in the middle. Those moments often bring people together.

At 乱伦视频鈥檚 annual holiday party for employees, Monaghan manages a shrimp and grits station that regularly draws long lines of guests waiting for a plate. The dish reflects both comfort and confidence, with attention paid to technique as well as familiarity.

For Monaghan, the setting may change. The standards do not.

At work, their relationship is grounded in respect. They understand their roles and trust each other鈥檚 strengths.

鈥淢y mother and I are very close,鈥� Sartyoungkul said. 鈥淲hile she is my mother, I am also her campus executive chef, and we both clearly understand and respect those roles.鈥�

For Monaghan, the work always comes back to the people she serves each day.

鈥淚 work to make students smile,鈥� she said.

Together, Sartyoungkul and Monaghan prepare food that reflects a wide range of cultures. Their work is guided by care, connection and a desire to help others feel at home, one plate at a time.

乱伦视频 honors Asian & Pacific Island Heritage Month

As part of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 乱伦视频 is sharing stories through Today at 乱伦视频 that highlight Asian and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff who contribute to a campus environment where cultural identities and experiences are celebrated year-round. Throughout the month, 乱伦视频 is also recognizing API Heritage Month through a series of events and programming.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 award recipients reflect the very best of 乱伦视频鈥檚 commitment to global engagement,鈥� said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. 鈥淭hrough their leadership, service, scholarship and care for others, they help create a campus culture where internationalization is not simply an aspiration, but a lived experience. Their efforts strengthen our community and remind us that global education is essential to preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens in an interconnected world.鈥�

Courtney Smith, senior associate director of financial aid, received the staff award for her outstanding support of study away students. Her work, particularly in the area of financial aid and literacy, has played an important role in helping students thousands of students access global opportunities and navigate the financial aspects of studying away.

鈥淐ourtney鈥檚 contributions have been pivotal to the university鈥檚 efforts to make international experiences more accessible and manageable for students,” said Allegra Laing, executive director of global programming.

Jeff Carpenter, William S. Long Professor and professor of education, received the faculty award in recognition of his leadership in global education, including as chair of the Global Education Curriculum Committee; support and leadership of overseas programs, including the joint GEC/Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education program in New Zealand; and strong record of scholarship and teaching with a global focus. It was noted that Carpenter鈥檚 work as a teacher educator, scholar and mentor has helped strengthen 乱伦视频鈥檚 global learning environment, and his teaching overseas reflects a sustained commitment to international and intercultural education.

Huria Tahiry, recipient of 乱伦视频鈥檚 Commitment to Democracy Scholarship, received the international student award for her contributions to 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus community since arriving in fall 2022. Tahiry has served as an International Student Ambassador and has been involved in the Muslim Student Society, Eco-Reps, the Asian Pacific Student Association and other campus organizations. She also founded Caravan Club focused on Central Asian countries and culture, worked as an environmental justice intern and served as a SOC analyst for the Information Security Office. In addition, she is president of Women in Computer Science (WiCS).

Most recently, Tahiry worked with campus partners to bring Habiba Sarabi to 乱伦视频, helping foster dialogue about the global impact of Afghanistan鈥檚 ban on women鈥檚 education and the ongoing fight for educational rights and gender equality. Denise Teeters, director of international students, said Tahiry stands out not only for her accomplishments but for her character, noting that she is consistently among the first to offer support to others.

鈥淗er presence has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our campus, and we are stronger because of her,鈥� Teeters said.

Mya Lee received the Study Away Student Award for exemplifying 乱伦视频鈥檚 commitment to global learning through academic excellence, leadership and meaningful engagement abroad. An Odyssey Scholar, Global Ambassador and student-athlete, Lee brings a thoughtful and inclusive perspective to global education.

鈥淢ya鈥檚 study abroad experience in Florence further reflected her dedication to cultural exchange, learning and community, while inspiring her peers through her leadership and engagement,” said Danthon, program coordinator.

One of those teams, purchasing & technology, shows how sustainability can fit naturally into the work people already do by working towards 1) reducing the campus printing footprint by digitizing self-service options and encouraging electronic resources, 2) sourcing technology that uses environmentally conscious best practices and manage its lifecycle responsibly, and 3) educating and engaging the campus community about sustainable technology practices.

Those strategies might sound complex, but the team says most of the work builds on existing processes and collaborations. Adding sustainability often means asking one more question or making one small adjustment.

鈥淲e regularly partner with purchasing on contract management and business agreements,鈥� said Pat Donohue, one of the team leads and the university鈥檚 deputy chief information officer. 鈥淎dding a request for sustainability transparency from our vendors is a natural improvement of existing processes to align with university strategic objectives.聽 This is an example of how bold strategy can often be a minor adjustment in organizational behavior.鈥�

Patrick Schwartz is the assistant director of procure to pay at 乱伦视频 and one of the team leads for the purchasing & technology implementation team. He added, 鈥淛ust by being part of this team, the collaboration between our two departments was already strong, and it strengthens every day.鈥�

When IT evaluates vendors, the team already asks about data security, storage and compliance. Now, they also ask vendors to disclose their carbon footprint and energy consumption. It is a simple step that helps 乱伦视频 make informed decisions about the products and services it uses.

In addition, Schwartz said the purchasing team can see the purchasing trends on the backend and, leveraging their strong relationship with IT, work together to assure that vendors are providing products to campus that are environmentally and fiscally sustainable and responsible.

Collaboration creates momentum

Collaboration has been key to success. Conversations about sustainability often uncover other opportunities to improve processes, strengthen partnerships and share resources.

Edith Smith shared one of those ideas. She serves as a purchasing agent at 乱伦视频 and is a member of the purchasing & technology implementation team. She worked with Amazon to ensure that the first products displayed when employees search for a product are those that have sustainable qualities. In addition to this, Smith and others are looking into ways to encourage the university to increase its partnership with local vendors to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy.

鈥淚t can be difficult to put a list of vendors together for a campus with decentralized purchasing, but for me, it鈥檚 important to ask how we can encourage our colleagues on campus to use local vendors more regularly and to work with vendors that will cut emissions,” said Smith.

鈥淭he focus on sustainability gave us a framework to accelerate improvements we were already pursuing,鈥� said Donohue. 鈥淚t has been a clear example of how bringing together diverse mindsets with a shared purpose can improve service delivery, streamline business processes and create long-term value for the university.

Schwartz agrees with this sentiment and adds that the team is educating people to consider which sustainable products are offered by vendors.

鈥淣one of us can do this work on our own,鈥� he added.

Fiscal responsibility meets sustainability

One of the most significant changes was extending the lifecycle of university-owned laptops and desktops to five years.

鈥淲e ensure an extended lifecycle by applying updates and doing necessary maintenance on the equipment throughout its usable lifecycle,” said Rebecca Black,聽director of campus technology support and member of the purchasing & technology implementation team.

When the lifecycle of the technology ends for us, it goes through a chain of disposal through an agreement with ethically responsible vendors, who repurpose the equipment or its components.

鈥淭he equipment we recover doesn鈥檛 just go into a waste facility. It has another, purposeful life afterward,鈥� she added.

Donohue added that the proceeds from selling depreciated equipment is reinvested to subsidize advanced support of 乱伦视频 computers.

鈥淭his benefits our community through faster repairs and maintenance while allowing campus technology support specialists to focus on high-value service delivery than hardware break/fix efforts. It鈥檚 a win-win,鈥� he said.

The same principle applies to reducing the number of printers on campus. Fewer devices mean less energy consumption and less paper use, but the change also reflects a cultural shift. Convenience often competes with sustainability, and the team acknowledges that change takes time.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a fine line between doing what鈥檚 easy and convenient and making an extra, impactful effort towards sustainability,鈥� Beck said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e in the moment where this is a necessary priority.鈥�

Schwartz added, 鈥淭his is one of the best examples of how our work aligns together. We evaluated paper processes on campus and moved purchase card request forms and Adobe signatures to digital processes.鈥�

In addition to the paper and cost-savings, Schwartz and Smith say that these processes also simplify and better organize employee workflows.

鈥淲hen we thoughtfully scale technology resources in ways such as consolidating printers and encouraging digitization, we also reduce costs and free-up resources that can be reinvested into new innovations that benefit the university,鈥� Beck said. 鈥淭hese efforts will also help us operate more efficiently and enhance the quality of services for our 乱伦视频 campuses.鈥�

About the Sustainability Master Plan

The Boldly 乱伦视频 Strategic Plan calls on 乱伦视频 to 鈥淓ngage the campus in sustainable practices to become carbon neutral by 2037 鈥� invest in renewable energy, reduce campus energy consumption 20 percent, purchase offsets to make the global study program carbon neutral and continue to build LEED certified buildings 鈥� and prepare students to lead lives that build a sustainable future.鈥� The 10-year Sustainability Master Plan 2025 is a roadmap for that bold commitment.

Acorn Academy was awarded a five-star rating by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education following a comprehensive evaluation of the program. The on-site child care and early learning facility opened in August 2025 and has expanded to offer a summer camp, classrooms for pre-schoolers and backup care.

The rating affirms the care, intention and dedication that define Acorn Academy. 鈥淓arning a five-star rating required consistent commitment from our entire team, ongoing professional development, strong classroom practices, thoughtful curriculum implementation and a shared belief in doing what鈥檚 best for children,鈥� said Cherelle Sharpe, head of school for the child care facility.

Jason Husser, professor of political science and public policy and director of the 乱伦视频 Poll, said, “乱伦视频 cares about people being able to work while not worrying about whether their child is safe and growing and learning.”

Sharpe said that, for families, the rating provides reassurance that their children are in a program that prioritizes safety, growth and meaningful relationships every day. Children are learning and growing in a nurturing, high-quality environment designed to support their development.

鈥淐hildren deserve the highest quality care during their most critical developmental years,鈥� said Sharpe. The new child care benefit for employees offers excellence in early childhood education that supports children鈥檚 growth and the families鈥� peace of mind.

鈥淲hen parents know their children are safe, valued and thriving, they are better able to focus on their work and responsibilities with confidence,鈥� added Sharpe.

Ty Goss, program assistant for Arts and Music, says that having an onsite child care facility eases the burdens of drop-off and pickup times to the work commute. “Just knowing that [my daughter is] right across campus… I can focus on my work knowing that she is safe.”

Acorn Academy offers both year-round child care and early learning for ages six week to five years and summer camp for ages five through 12 during 乱伦视频’s Planning Week. Visit the to learn more and enroll.

Longtime 乱伦视频 administrator Jeff Stein was reintroduced to the campus community this winter as the university鈥檚 new chief integration officer and executive vice president. A key advisor to 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book and a member of the university鈥檚 senior staff, Stein will collaborate with students, faculty and staff to support the creation of a fully integrated institution through the merger of 乱伦视频 and Queens University of Charlotte. Stein, who built a career at 乱伦视频 and later served as president of Mary Baldwin University, answered questions about what drives his work and why he is excited for the historic merger.

Who is Jeff Stein and what are his responsibilities as 乱伦视频鈥檚 chief integration officer and executive vice president?

I鈥檓 a product of this community 鈥� a passionate advocate for students and access to mentored opportunities that empower students to launch great lives. For 21 years, 乱伦视频 provided me the opportunity to work in and out of the classroom with students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and local communities to design the residential campus, community-based learning, Jewish Life, Boldly 乱伦视频 and more. This community has always supported [my wife] Chrissy and me and our kids, and I鈥檓 thrilled to be back to help guide this innovative merger.

You led the development of the Boldly 乱伦视频 strategic plan. How will that experience help inform your work in Charlotte and what are effective ways to build strong relationships and develop trust during this type of organizational change?

It鈥檚 all about listening. The voices of thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, 乱伦视频 families and local community members were needed to shape the Boldly 乱伦视频 strategic plan. Similarly, the Queens and 乱伦视频 communities 鈥� your questions, your ideas and your values 鈥� will be integral to shaping the future of the merger.

What are some of the pleasant surprises you鈥檝e encountered as you鈥檝e begun your role in Charlotte?

It鈥檚 been fun to reconnect with the 乱伦视频 community and to begin getting to know members of the Queens community 鈥� smart, talented and dedicated faculty and staff, who put students first and believe in engaged and mentored learning. Charlotte is full of top-notch restaurants, arts, breweries, sports and rapidly expanding industry. Come visit 乱伦视频鈥檚 beautiful Tremont building (thank you Holly Hodge and Jenny Gonzalez), and we鈥檒l show you around South End or Uptown.

What does success look like at 乱伦视频 and at Queens one year from now?

Back in 2022, as part of Boldly 乱伦视频 implementation, a group of us on the regional learning centers team worked to identify Charlotte as the next location in 乱伦视频鈥檚 national campus work 鈥� for students, community, alumni and 乱伦视频鈥檚 brand.

What鈥檚 exciting about how this groundbreaking merger accelerates that work 鈥� and the reason people all over the country are watching 鈥� is that two strong, world-class, student-centered institutions are engaging to expand opportunities for students, and for and with Charlotte.

While much of the next year鈥檚 tasks are regulated by guidelines from the federal government and accreditors, our success will come from planning for integration of our operations and services, imagining new opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and developing relationships across 乱伦视频 and Queens.

乱伦视频 dedicated a bench in memory of longtime employee Rena Leath on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Leath worked at 乱伦视频 for 30 years, starting as a dining hall supervisor and then moving to Environmental Services. On Thursday, she was remembered as “dedicated, reliable and deeply kind,” as friends and family gathered for the dedication in the Collonades, between Story Hall and Moffitt Hall.

“She made others feel cared for, seen, and respected, often without words 鈥� simply through the way she moved through her work,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, who led Thursday’s dedication. “Rena was not only a devoted member of this campus 鈥� she was a woman whose life was shaped by love, joy, and connection outside of these walls.聽She loved to travel, to be with friends, and to gather with her family around meals, stories and laughter. She understood that joy is a practice, and she embraced it fully.”

Raymond Fletcher, senior director of facilities management, acknowledged how many lives Leath touched in her work at 乱伦视频. Friends and loved ones also shared words of remembrance during the dedication, describing Leath as someone who “left a little bit of light wherever she went.”

“This bench is more than just a place to sit, it’s a place to pause, reflect, and remember her kindness, her laughter, and her generous heart,” said Nicki Elliott, a friend of Leath’s and a distribution services associate with 乱伦视频’s Environmental Services. “I hope that everyone who stops here will feel even a small part of the warmth and love she gave so freely.”