Congratuations to the 2024-2025 End-of-Year Award Winners!
- Assessment Champion: Transition & Belonging Team
- Outstanding Mentor: Benjamin Moten (SAMC)
- Outstanding Supervisor: Bridget Johnson (UREC)
- #NinerPride: Lanita Brown (HRL)
- Rising Star: Katie Tomer (CWP)
- Newest Student Affairs Team Member: Denis Vargas (SAMC)
- Niner Legacy: Frank Fleming (Student Affairs)
- Excellence in Contribution: Mark Manning (SARA, formerly SI)
- Outstanding Program: Student Affairs Data Lake (SARA)
- Outstanding Interdepartmental Collaboration: Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution
- Team Player: Carla Strickland (HRL)
- Above and Beyond - Administrative Support: Jamie McLaughlin (CWP)
- Above and Beyond - Facilities Support: Sean Grandison (UREC)
- Behind the Scenes: Max Hofmann (SAMC)
- Dedication to Students: Katie Russo (SASS)
- Positive Impact: Wendy Moore (HRL)
- Excellence Under Pressure: Milan Novakovic (HRL)
- Vice Chancellor’s Award: Lucian Wilhelm (CRES)
Nominations Process (Spring)
Nominations for division awards open each spring. Award descriptions, eligibility and criteria are listed on each award. All award nominations will be peer reviewed and selected by employees outside of the Division of Student Affairs. Award winners will be announced at the Student Affairs End-of-Year Celebration.
Award Descriptions
This award is presented to the office or individual outside of the Division of Student Affairs with whom staff within the Division partner or collaborate with to advance a cause or solve a problem to benefit students and/or the division. The “friend” must be an integral part of the program or cause.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- The nominator must be a current member of the Division of Student Affairs
- Nominations should be based on the current academic year, and may include summer programming (for the summer preceding the start of fall semester of the current academic year)
CRITERIA
Recognizes faculty or staff member, alumni, or department – not part of Student Affairs – who has:
- Provided consistent and continuous support to the division;
- Contributed to the mission of the division in a variety of ways;
- Gone above and beyond in providing assistance to staff and programs of the division;
- Provided significant dedication and contribution to divisional or departmental missions
This award is designed to recognize Student Affairs staff, departments or areas that are driving impactful change within their unit(s). Nominees show quality work and exceptional dedication toward building a Culture of Evidence within their area and/or unit. Nominees have demonstrated the use of assessment for improvement of programs and/or services while identifying strategic practices that can be replicated by other units to achieve similar outcomes.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee.
CRITERIA
The Division of Student Affairs recognizes the individual or team/department that demonstrates the following:
- Impact – Promotes impactful change toward improving programs/services through the demonstrated use of assessment
- Culture of Evidence – supports the divisional Culture of Evidence initiative through the intentional use of assessment
- Collaboration – Demonstrates strategic practices of assessment that can be replicated by other units or areas to achieve similar outcomes
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year
10+ Years of Service
Recipients who have contributed a minimum of 10+ years within the Division are recognized for creating a legacy of excellence, supporting student success and providing outstanding contributions to the Division and the University.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
- Have a minimum of 10 years of service in the Division of Student Affairs at the time of the current year’s award ceremony
CRITERIA
The selection committee considers, but is not limited to, the following criteria:
- Contributions toward job excellence – demonstrating performance on the job that is consistently outstanding and frequently outside the normal scope of prescribed duties.
- Innovation – demonstrating independent action and resourcefulness; encouraging new ideas and creativity; exhibiting leadership qualities within the context of position responsibilities; demonstrating other skills that exceed work expectations.
- Commitment to the Division - utilization of the Division’s goals to guide their practice
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year.
Recognizes an individual who provides exceptional guidance, support and encouragement to other staff, fostering their professional and personal development. The recipient dedicates their time and expertise to encourage growth, build confidence and help other staff achieve their goals. These individuals foster a culture of learning, collaboration and empowerment.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
- Have a minimum of one year of service in the Division of Student Affairs at the time of the current year's Award Ceremony
CRITERIA
- Actively invests time and effort to support the personal, intellectual, or professional growth of others.
- Encourages others to build confidence, take initiative, and develop their skills.
- Serves as a role model by sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices to meet the individual needs of other staff.
- Directly contributes to the success of other staff’s growth, achievements, and personal and professional development.
Recognizes a supervisor who exemplifies exceptional leadership by inspiring, guiding and empowering others to achieve their best. The recipient demonstrates vision, integrity and the ability to foster collaboration, innovation and excellence
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
- Must be in a supervisory position
- Have a minimum of one year of service in the Division of Student Affairs at the time of the current year's Award Ceremony
CRITERIA
- Demonstrates a clear vision that significantly contributes to the organization’s success.
- Motivates team members to achieve their best by fostering a supportive and empowering environment.
- Exhibits exceptional communication skills, ensuring clarity and alignment within the team.
- Effectively addresses challenges and implements solutions that improve processes, outcomes or team culture.
Recognizes an individual who exudes Niner Pride. They represent the best of UNC Charlotte and bring their pride to their work.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
CRITERIA
- Exudes #Niner Pride
1-5 Years of Service
Recognizes employees who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments through their use of personal initiative, analytical and critical thinking skills and problem-solving capability. This individual is successful in moving a team toward goals that are consistent with the vision of a department, group, committee or University organization.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
- Have a minimum of one year and no more than 5 years of experience in higher education and service in the Division of Student Affairs at the time of the current year's Award Ceremony
CRITERIA
- Taking initiative to improve areas in their department, division and/or University.
- Dedication and commitment within their role and department at the university.
- A team player within the department and division.
- Contributed to the direct or indirect impact on the development of students and/or student groups by promoting an environment that encourages student academic and interpersonal success and sense of belonging.
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year.
Recognizes employees new to the Division of Student Affairs, but with a minimum of five years of professional experience who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments through their use of personal initiative, analytical and critical thinking skills and problem-solving capability. This individual is successful in moving a team toward goals that are consistent with the vision of a department, group, committee or University organization.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
- Have a minimum of five years of professional experience not in the Division of Student Affairs at UNC Charlotte.
- Have a minimum of one year but less than five years of service in the Division of Student Affairs at the time of the current year's Award Ceremony
CRITERIA
- Taking initiative to improve areas in their department, division and/or University.
- Dedication and commitment within their role and department at the university.
- A team player within the department and division.
- Contributed to the direct or indirect impact on the development of students and/or student groups by promoting an environment that encourages student academic and interpersonal success and sense of belonging.
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year.
Recognizes an individual who made a significant impact on the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments. This award recognizes those who go above and beyond their responsibilities and leverage their expertise, leadership, collaboration, and commitment to foster teamwork and cooperation. Recipients were critical to the achievement of the shared goal or outcome.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
- Have a minimum of one year of service in the Division of Student Affairs at the time of the current year's Award Ceremony
CRITERIA
- Demonstrated meaningful outcomes that significantly benefited the department, group, committee or University organization
- Fostered a culture of teamwork and mutual support, demonstrating the ability to work effectively across teams, functions or reporting lines.
- Encouraged and empowered others to achieve their best while fostering a positive team environment.
- Contributed to the direct or indirect impact on the development of students and/or student groups by promoting an environment that encourages student success
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year.
This award recognizes a Student Affairs employee, team or department that has shown quality programming/initiatives through innovative and creative ideas/solutions that support divisional and/or institutional goals and promotes student success.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee, department, or area
CRITERIA
The Division of Student Affairs recognizes the individual or team/department that demonstrates the following:
- Supports current issues and interests of students and/or staff;
- Provides a quality program/initiative with innovative ideas and goals;
- Demonstrates a cutting edge style, a new initiative, and/or a new spin on an old program/initiative;
- Goes above and beyond expectations in the planning and delivery of a program/initiative.
Award presented to the members of a committee, department, working group, etc. that helped provide a positive impact to the mission and values of the Division of Student Affairs. Recipients exemplified exceptional collaboration and teamwork to achieve a shared goal. This award recognizes those who broke down silos, fostered cooperation, and worked seamlessly across departments or reporting lines to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can deliver exceptional results.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee, office or team
- Be a group of members representing multiple offices, departments and/or reporting lines.
CRITERIA
- Collaborated with individuals outside of their office, department, and/or reporting line to achieve a shared goal and outcome.
- Demonstrated outstanding performances and results due to group achievement/collaboration. Examples may include delivering exceptional customer service, cost savings, time savings, creative ideas, maintaining high safety records, combining talents of traditionally separate units, actively demonstrating by example a willingness to encourage teamwork in the workplace, developing innovative programming, etc.
- Demonstrated cooperation, collaboration and open communication to complete a project or achieve a goal.
- Delivered a significant benefit or value to a department, division, or the University as a whole.
- Worked toward a common goal while being supportive and motivational of each other.
Award presented to the member of a committee, department, working group, etc. that helped provide a positive impact to the mission and values of the Division of Student Affairs. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrated outstanding commitment to teamwork, collaboration and support for their colleagues. Recipients consistently put team success above individual recognition, foster a positive work environment and contribute to the achievement of shared goals through cooperation, collaboration and respect for others.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
- Have a minimum of one year of service in the Division of Student Affairs at the time of the current year's Award Ceremony
CRITERIA
- Actively contributed to the achievement of team goals and projects by prioritizing group success over individual recognition.
- Displayed a willingness to take on tasks to support team objectives and a positive outcome.
- Demonstrated cooperation, collaboration, and open communication to complete a project or achieve a goal.
- Worked toward a common goal while being supportive and motivational to others.
Recognizes employees who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments. This employee exceptionally completes essential administrative functions within the division. This award is designed to celebrate the contributions of employees often completing responsibilities “behind the scenes.”
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee. Including but not limited to: Administrative Support Associates, Administrative Assistants, Security Guards and Loan Key Operators
- Be a full-time employee
- Previous award winners from the past (3) years are ineligible for the award
- Must be employed with the Division of Student Affairs for a minimum of six months by May 1 (of the current academic year)
CRITERIA
- Provided exceptional service and/or support “above and beyond” normal job requirements which contributes to the success of the department’s work and to the UNC Charlotte community
- Consistently been a team player within the department and division
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year
Recognizes employees who have contributed to the success of the Division of Student Affairs and their individual departments. This employee exceptionally completes essential facilities functions within the division. This award is designed to celebrate the contributions of employees often completing responsibilities “behind the scenes.”
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee. Including but not limited to: Facilities Management, Housing and Residence Life Facilities, Locksmiths and Housekeeping
- Be a full-time employee
- Previous award winners from the past (3) years are ineligible for the award
- Must be employed with the Division of Student Affairs for a minimum of six months by May 1 (of the current academic year)
CRITERIA
- Provided exceptional service and/or support “above and beyond” normal job requirements which contributes to the success of the department’s work and to the UNC Charlotte community
- Consistently been a team player within the department and division
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year
The Behind The Scenes award recognizes full-time staff who work “behind the scenes” for the good of Student Affairs and UNC Charlotte and, while not being publicly celebrated, demonstrates meaningful impact through dedication and service. Any individual in an area that provides services or support for students directly or indirectly is eligible for nomination.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee.
- Be a full-time employee.
CRITERIA
- Taking initiative to support students, student organizations, the department, and/or the division with no tangible benefits for doing so.
- Dedication and commitment within their role and department at the University as shown through being resourceful, approachable and trustworthy.
- A team player within the department and division.
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year.
Recognizes an individual who had a significant and yet overlooked impact on students and their success. Recipient’s efforts foster academic, personal or paraprofessional success for students without seeking recognition, and they demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive environment for student growth and development. Individuals are frequently seen as a cornerstone of support for student success despite not being in the spotlight.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
CRITERIA
- Provides exceptional support to students, helping them achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.
- Goes above and beyond to ensure that students have the support, resources, guidance, or encouragement needed to thrive.
- Supports students without seeking public recognition.
- Contributed to the direct or indirect impact on the development of students by promoting an environment that encourages student success.
- Made a direct and meaningful impact this academic year.
Recognizes an individual who has an ongoing positive and yet overlooked impact on other employees. Recipient’s efforts foster others’ engagement and morale without being in a leadership role or seeking recognition. They demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive environment for others. Individuals are frequently seen as a cornerstone of support for others despite not being in the spotlight.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
CRITERIA
- Provides exceptional support to other employees to achieve their personal and professional goals.
- Goes above and beyond to ensure that others have the support, guidance, or encouragement needed to thrive.
- Supports other employees without being in a leadership role or seeking public recognition.
- Contributes to the direct or indirect impact on the development of others by promoting an environment that encourages success.
Recognizes an individual who excels in high-pressure situations, consistently delivering outstanding results when it matters most. Recipients are the go-to team members who step-up during critical moments, solve problems effectively, and help the team achieve success in challenging circumstances. Their reliability makes them indispensable.
ELIGIBILITY
Recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements to be recognized:
- Be a current Division of Student Affairs employee
- Be a full-time employee
CRITERIA
- Knowledgeable, resourceful, always comes through in the clutch when the team needs them, they help make others' jobs easier.
- Delivers high-quality results even when faced with complex challenges or unexpected obstacles.
- Demonstrates resourcefulness, creativity, innovation, reliability, and solution-oriented team outcomes.
2023-2024 Award Winners
- Rookie of the Year (1-2 years): Alexis Rice (CAPS)
- Rising Star (3-5 years): Mikala Harvey (LCE)
- Most Valuable Niner (6-9 years): Michael Maksymowski (LCE)
- Hall of Famer Award (10-19 years): Michelle Guobadia (OFSL)
- Niner Legacy (20-plus years): Carla Hines (HRL)
- Behind the Scenes: Jordan Bullington-Miller (SARA)
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Justice: Paul Holliday-Millard (SARA)
- Outstanding Team Contribution Award: Housing and Residence Life Administration and Assessment Team
- Outstanding Program/Initiative Award: HELP Certificate — Sarah Besse, Lucy Bullock, Alexis Rice and Chelsey Walker (CWP)
- Friend of Student Affairs Awards: OneIT Student Affairs Support (for partnership on the Student Affairs Data Lake project) and Patrick Madsen (for support of TEDxUNCCharlotte)
- Above & Beyond Award for Administrative Support: Bonnie McDaniel (SE)
- Above & Beyond Award for Facilities Support: Star Watson (HRL)
- Assessment Champion Award: Kirby Fitzpatrick (OFSL)
- VCSA Awards: Shayauna Newsom (TSI); Larry Gourdine (SASS); Donny Edwards (HRL)
2022-2023 Award Winners
- Rookie of the Year (1-2 years): Janay Crosland (SASS)
- Rising Star (3-5 years): Kevin Cappelmann (HRL)
- Most Valuable Niner (6-9 years): Joshua Wood (SNMAS)
- Hall of Famer Award (10-plus years): Mindy Sides-Walsh (LCE)
- Behind the Scenes: Ayanna Morrison (SI)
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Justice: Kristin Coffey (Venture)
- Outstanding Team Contribution Award: Student Affairs Research and Assessment (SARA)
- Outstanding Program/Initiative Award: Light Up the Lake (SI)
- Friend of Student Affairs Awards: OneIT Student Affairs Support, Julie Sparks; Damian Bass, FM Maintenance; Officer Johnson and K-9 Barney, Police and Public Safety; Dr. Tamara Johnson and Laura Smiles, urbanCORE and Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Dr. Suzanne Voigt, University Career Center; Heather Gladys, Barbara Seyter, Lauren Grimes, Jen Tollison, Blake Morgan, Undergraduate Admissions
- Above & Beyond Award for Administrative Support: Charlotte Muhammad (HRL)
- Above & Beyond Award for Facilities Support: Bill Ballinger (HRL)
- Assessment Champion Award: Stephanie Rewitzer (HRL)
- VCSA Awards: Terrence Harper and Phylicia Currence (CAPS); Jes Dormady (LCE); Sarah Ekis (HR)
2021-2022 Award Winners
- Rookie of the Year (1-2 years): Donovan Cyrus (HRL)
- Rising Star (3-5 years): Chris Washington (UREC)
- Most Valuable Niner (6-9 years): Jon Billings (SACVM)
- Hall of Famer Award (10-plus years): Kristy DeSantis (HRL)
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Justice: Emily Teitelbaum (SI)
- Outstanding Team Contribution Award: University Recreation and Popp Martin Student Union & Cone University Center
- Outstanding Program/Initiative Award: Green Dot Program (CWP)
- Friend of Student Affairs Award: Ragean Hill, Athletics
- Above & Beyond Award for Administrative Support: Tierra O’Garra (OFSL)
- Above & Beyond Award for Facilities Support: Randy Barnhill (PMSU)
- Assessment Champion Award: Center For Wellness Promotion
- Virtual Innovation Award: Michael Maksymowski (LCE)
2020-2021 Award Winners
- Rookie of the Year (1-2 years): Sara Sibley and Asia Woods
- Rising Star (3-5 years): Terrence Harper
- Most Valuable Niner (6-9 years): Emily Wheeler
- Hall of Famer Award (10-plus years): Renita Eason and Casey Tullos
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Justice: Daniela Recabarren and James Lorello
- Outstanding Team Contribution Award: Student Assistance and Support Services
- Friend of Student Affairs Award: Office of Emergency Management
- Above & Beyond Award for Administrative Support: Aysen Ulupinar
- Above & Beyond Award for Facilities Support: Steve Hargett
- Assessment Champion Award: Cierra Whatley and Aaron Brink
- Virtual Innovation Award: Student Involvement and New Student and Family Services
- Vice Chancellor's Award for Exemplary Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty: Counseling and Psychological Services, Housing and Residence Life and Student Health Center
2019-2020 Award Winners
- Rising Star - Jessica Pinti Dunson (CRC)
- Most Valuable Niner - Leigh Norwood (CAPS)
- Outstanding Team Contribution - Student Involvement
- Above and Beyond, Facilities Support - Doug Moore (HRL)
- Above and Beyond, Administrative Support - Francesca Williams (Student Involvement)
- Hall of Fame - Kelly Merges (Student Niner Media)
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Justice - Kim Turner (IEE)
- Rookie of the Year - Tyris Gillis (IEE)
- Assessment Champion - Jeremy Dale (Popp Martin Student Union & Cone University Center)
- Friend of Student Affairs - Dr. Michelle Reinken, David Quackenbush, Amanda Copley, Suzanne Voigt for their Game of Life-College Edition collaboration
2018-2019 Award Winners
- Rising Star - Larry Gourdine, Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS)
- Most Valuable - Nadia Campbell, Leadership & Community Engagement (LCE)
- Outstanding Team Contribution - Leadership & Community Engagement (LCE)
- Above and Beyond, Facilities Support - Steffan Moody, University Recreation (UREC)
- Above and Beyond, Administrative Support - Tashika Pope, Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
- Hall of Fame Award (10+ Years of Service) - John Storch, Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
- Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Award - Jarice Carr, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Friend of Student Affairs Award - Digital Media Communications, University Communications
2017-2018 Award Winners
- Rising Star - Alan Hinton, Housing and Residence Life (HRL) & Jordan Holliday-Millard, New Student and Family Services (NSFS)
- Most Valuable - Mason Reuter, Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
- Outstanding Team Contribution - New Student and Family Services (NSFS)
- Above and Beyond - Matt Rutkowski, Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
- Hall of Fame Award (10+ Years of Service) - Jim Hoppa, Student Union, Activities and Recreation (SUAR)
- Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Award - Rachael Forester, Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)
- Friend of Student Affairs Award - Patrick Madsen, University Career Center