Housing and Residence Life
Begley Builds, Creates and Inspires in Profession and on Paper
By Micah Jordan, Communications Assistant for Student Affairs
For 14 years, Steven Begley has been a vital part of UNC Charlotte’s Housing and Residence Life team, serving as both the inventory control supervisor and a mentor to countless students over the years.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Begley moved to North Carolina about two decades ago, following his mother who had lived in the area when he was younger. He laughs when recalling his decision to move south, saying he wanted to “get away from the extreme weather.” Since then, Charlotte has truly become home.
Before joining the University, Begley worked in several different fields that all helped shape his skillset. He started in construction, spent five to six years maintaining homeowners associations and even had an early job working for a local weatherman taking care of maintenance tasks for his home.
Eventually he found his way to UNC Charlotte and began working as a residence hall mechanic, handling everything from lighting to furniture repairs across residence halls. Over time, Begley became known for his ability to teach and mentor students.
“When I was a maintenance worker, I taught my students how to do everything I did,” he said. “They learned to fix things, build showers, replace lighting, all of it.”
His mentorship did not end when the workday did; Begley stayed in touch with many of his former student workers, attending seven graduations and three weddings, all of which featured students he once trained.
Now as the inventory control supervisor, Begley oversees the entire inventory system for Housing and Residence Life, a program he developed from the ground up. He, his two full- time staff, and eight student workers manage the receiving, shipping and handling of all products used across residence halls.
Begley’s favorite part of the job is the teamwork and precision that comes with keeping everything organized, something he proudly said he is able to handle by keeping “a mental log of where everything is at all times.”
Outside of work, Begley’s creativity takes on a new form through his lifelong passion for art. He’s been drawing since kindergarten, earning straight A’s in art from elementary through high school.
What started as a side hobby has grown into something much larger in recent years. Begley has showcased his work three times in Downtown Monroe’s “Home Brew Taproom & Tunes” bar, as well as in other local venues. Made with colored pencils and markers, Begley’s pieces fill both his home art studio and office on campus. Lately, he’s been experimenting with 3D art, continuing to push his creative boundaries.
Various art works made by Steven Begley
In addition to his art and University work, Begley gives back as an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts helping young people develop life skills and confidence.
Reflecting on his time at Charlotte, Begley credits many colleagues including Jackie Simpson, John Storch, Charlie Bowling, Charlie Donahue, Jeff Brindle, and Kenny Setzer for helping him get where he is today. He said he has been “lucky to work with great people.”
Whether he’s repairing residence hall furniture, building an inventory system, or bringing a drawing to life, Steven Begley approaches everything with patience, skill and heart.
“At the end of the day,” Begley said, “I just like making things better than I found them.”