Awards and Recognition

Prof. Eric Heberlig with Harvey Gantt and Provost Joan Lorden

Based in part on our work to help students take full advantage of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, The Washington Center has named UNC Charlotte its New Affiliate of the Year for 2014. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to earn academic credit while working and learning in Washington, D.C. Our work at the time of the DNC was led by my Special Assistant for Constituent Relations, Betty Doster, and Professor Eric Heberlig of the Department of Political Science. Eric added another notch to his belt recently when he was named a co-recipient of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation’s D.B. Hardeman Prize for his recently published book, Congressional Parties, Institutional Ambition and the Financing of Majority of Control. The prize designates the best book on the U.S. Congress from the fields of biography, history, journalism, and political science.

Also this fall, UNC Charlotte’s “Zero Waste Initiative” for Jerry Richardson Stadium was named the 2014 Wells Fargo Green Award winner at the annual Charlotte Chamber Energy Summit. During the Charlotte 49ers inaugural football season in fall 2013, 82 percent of the waste generated during six home games was recycled (6.92 tons) or made into compost (12.99 tons), and 286 gallons of fryer oil was converted to biofuel.

On a personal note, about a month ago I had the privilege of receiving an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Kingston University in London, England. I accepted the honor on behalf of UNC Charlotte faculty, staff, and students who make our extensive international programs work so successfully. We have maintained academic and administrative cooperation with Kingston University since 1981. More than 500 students and dozens of faculty members from both sides of the pond have spent time studying at our respective institutions, and recent exchanges have included administrative staff as well. During our visit, I had the chance to spend some time with UNC Charlotte students who are completing their studies there this year as well as with Kingston students who were resident in Charlotte last year.