The Popp Martin Student Union’s Jeremy Dale first learned the important role that college unions play in students’ lives while an undergraduate at Appalachian State University.
Dale, associate director of finance, worked in App State’s Plemmons Student Union from virtually his first day on campus. He credits his professional career to those early undergraduate experiences.
Today, Dale holds master’s degrees in business administration and college student development from Appalachian State. In his role at UNC Charlotte, he understands the value of using best practices to ensure the needs of the University are met.
“It is important that you build relationships within the University and know all of your resources,” Dale said. “Focus on student leadership and what they can bring to the table through volunteering and their own personal experiences.”
Upon completion of his graduate studies, Dale worked as the assistant director of staff and community development at his alma mater. He oversaw the Broyhill Events Center, Plemmons Student Union and Appalachian State University’s famous student-staffed nightclub, Legends. Through his oversight of Legends, Dale worked with student teams to build leadership skills and discuss policy changes.
While at App State, Dale and his team won the Excellence in Training Award from the Association of College Unions international (ACUI) in 2015. Dale attributes their success to strong leadership and team building skills.
“It is important to understand that community comes from working together and being supportive of one another,” Dale explained.
Now a full-time UNC Charlotte employee, Dale was familiar with the University through a summer 2011 internship with the (Popp Martin) Student Union and Cone University Center. As associate director for finance and administration, Dale helps the Division of Student Affairs best utilize funding to fit its mission.
Dale joined the University in 2018; and he stated he is excited to work with his colleagues to promote growth within the University.
“It feels good to work for a University that is the heart of the Charlotte community,” he said.
Dale is the ACUI Region III communications coordinator and was the regional conference chair in 2015. In his spare time, he travels with his partner Christina Jaeger, and they enjoy spending time in Asheville hiking. He also is a proud uncle who enjoys spending time with his “adorable 2-year-old niece.”
This article originally appeared in Inside UNC Charlotte.