In This Issue
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Competition Launches February 18
Nexus: Networking Across Disciplines 2025
Personally Speaking Event Explores Prenatal Genetic Testing, Disability Rights and Reproductive Justice
Globally Networked Learning (GNL) Information Session
40th Witherspoon Lecture Asks What a Biblical Monster Can Teach Us About Ecological Crisis
International Speaker Series: H.E. Ambassador Nicole Bintner-Baksian from Luxembourg
Join urbanCORE Events Supporting Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning
O. Max Gardner Award Call for Nominations
J. Murrey Atkins Library
Center for Teaching and Learning
Register for the Global Learning and Internationalization Institute
Marian Beane Crossing Borders Writing Contest
Accepting Applications for Honors Faculty
Faculty Council News
Dissertation Defense
Latest AA News
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Competition Launches February 18
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program’s 2026-2027 competition opens on February 18, 2025. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. Learn about opportunities to go abroad in Fall 2026 through Spring 2027 in a Zoom webinar. Interested applicants may also connect with Associate Provost Joël Gallegos, campus Fulbright liaison, for additional information.
Nexus: Networking Across Disciplines 2025
Nexus: Networking Across Disciplines fosters the emergence of interdisciplinary research teams by providing faculty with structured opportunities to learn about one another’s research and brainstorm areas of mutual interest. Through a series of summer workshops, Nexus supports the initial stages of project development as faculty formulate shared research questions, consider analytical strategies, and identify potential funding sources.
Nexus 2025 aims to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations that advance our understanding of community health and well-being and inform the development of innovative, evidence-based solutions to persistent challenges. Workshops will be held on May 15-16 and August 13, 2025, with working groups expected to brainstorm ideas over the summer. Details and application forms are available on the Nexus website. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7.
For more information, join us on Tuesday, February 18, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in the Lambla Gallery of the Storrs Building (RSVP). We will celebrate the successes of interdisciplinary working groups formed through past Nexus workshops and discuss target areas for Nexus 2025.
Nexus 2025 is organized by the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences and the Division of Research with support from the Cato College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Computing and Informatics. Questions can be directed to CHESS Associate Dean for Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration Beth Whitaker.
Personally Speaking Event Explores Prenatal Genetic Testing, Disability Rights and Reproductive Justice
In their book, Prenatal Genetic Testing, Abortion, and Disability Justice, Amber Knight, Ph.D. and Joshua Miller, Ph.D. explore how genetic testing can constrain pregnant women’s options. In an effort to balance a complicated array of factors — including familial, social, and financial support they can reasonably expect to receive — prospective parents must make crucial and compelling decisions about whether or not to raise a disabled child.
Globally Networked Learning (GNL) Information Session
The Office of International Programs will host a GNL info session which will address the process for embedding virtual exchange into coursework as well as faculty funding opportunities for summer 2025, fall 2025 and spring 2026. Faculty are invited to attend the hybrid information session on February 21 from 12:00-1:00 pm. Register for the session by filling out the expression of interest form on the GNL website.
40th Witherspoon Lecture Asks What a Biblical Monster Can Teach Us About Ecological Crisis
The 40th Anniversary Loy H. Witherspoon Lecture, featuring Ken Stone, Ph.D. of the Chicago Theological Seminary, will be held at The Dubois Center at 6:00 p.m. on February 24. with a reception at 5:00 p.m. Stone will provide a close reading of the Hebrew Bible text in the context of unprecedented environmental change, providing a model for the love of all things. More information.
International Speaker Series: H.E. Ambassador Nicole Bintner-Baksian from Luxembourg
The Office of International Programs invites you to an International Speaker Series event. H.E. Ambassador Nicole Bintner-Baksian from Luxembourg will present on Luxembourg’s role in international affairs, contributions to economic innovation, and leadership in sustainability and financial services on Tuesday, February 25 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Halton Reading Room, Atkins Library. More information.
Join urbanCORE Events Supporting Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning
urbanCORE invites faculty with from beginner-to-expert community engagement experience to three February events designed to help you integrate community engagement into your teaching. All events are either online or in-person (Sycamore 306) with an online option. Zoom links will be shared with registrants closer to the event date. For more information contact Dr. Holly Middleton at holly.middleton@charlotte.edu.
Information Session on new “Intro to Community-Based Research” course
Community-engaged faculty, learn how Dr. Sarah Powell’s new “Intro to Community Based Research” course can support your goals for students. This one-credit-hour research methods course may be useful for students embarking on community-engaged projects, courses, or majors.
Interest Meeting for Faculty New to Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning
Interested in community-engaged teaching and learning but don’t know where to start? Join this virtual conversation with Professor Erin Washburn, who can serve as a thought partner to help match you with a community partner and course design. Courses that address any type of inequality are especially relevant.
Playing with Data: Sandbox for the Quality of Life Explorer
Join Liz Morrell and Katie Zager of the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute for “Playing with Data: Sandbox for the Quality of Life Explorer,” an online workshop on how to use this research tool for your scholarship and teaching.
Thursday, February 27, 1:00 – 2:00 PM (Register)
O. Max Gardner Award Call for Nominations
The call for nominations is now open for faculty nominees for the 2026 O. Max Gardner Award. This award is given annually by the UNC Board of Governors to “that member of the faculty of the University of North Carolina who, during the current scholastic year, has made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.” Nominees can be of any rank, “including instructors, engaged in teaching in any unit, institution or branch of service” in the University system. Past UNC Charlotte recipients of the award include Pinku Mukherjee, Department of Biological Sciences, and Diane M. Browder, Department of Special Education. More details about previous campus nominees can be found on the Office of Academic Affairs website. Please forward the names of nominees to Jen Knight by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7. Include in your nomination the individual’s name, rank, and department/unit. Also, please provide a brief description of this individual’s specific contribution(s) or achievement(s) and why they would make a good nominee. If your nominee is selected to be put forward as our campus nominee for the award, you will be asked to collaborate on a letter of recommendation.
J. Murrey Atkins Library
Early Closure Announcement
Atkins Library will close at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20 for construction-related electrical work. The library will reopen at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21.
The Black Read: Reading & Discussion Group
Join Atkins Library to read and discuss passages from Black literature, speeches, and correspondence. Bring what you want to read or reach out to Adreonna Bennett to request library materials for the event. Refreshments and prizes will be provided for participants!
Who Controls What You See? A Panel on Media Ownership and Censorship
Join the Critical Media Literacy Collaborative, Niner Times, and Atkins Library for an engaging panel discussion that explores the far-reaching effects of corporate media ownership on the information we consume. Using case studies like the U.S. TikTok ban and recent Meta fact-checking and content inclusion changes, the panelists will examine issues of censorship, mis/disinformation, and digital literacy in today’s evolving media landscape. The panel will include Assistant Professor in Philosophy and Data Science Damien P. Williams, Assistant Professor in Writing, Rhetoric & Digital Studies Wilfredo Flores, and former Editor-in-Chief of Niner Times Sunnya Hadavi. This event is part one of the series Behind the Screens: Exploring Social Media Ownership and Digital Privacy. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Tuesday, February 25, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Halton Reading Room (Register)
Center for Teaching and Learning
What’s New in the CTL?
2025 CHARLOTTE AI SUMMIT
Towards Human-AI Partnerships in Teaching and Learning
AI PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
The Next-Generation Learning with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
SOTL SCHOLARS SERIES
Showcasing Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Projects through the UNC Charlotte SoTL Grants Program
COMING SOON:
CHECK IT OUT!
Center for Teaching and Learning SPRING Workshops
Click the links below to register!
Essentials of Teaching and Learning Certificate Workshops
Using Feedback to Improve Teaching and Learning
Asynchronous Course
Enhancing Cultural Awareness
Asynchronous Course
Workshop (1-day)
Register for the Global Learning and Internationalization Institute
The Office of International Programs invites faculty members to apply for the Global Learning and Internationalization Institute (GLII), scheduled in person from May 12 to May 16. GLII supports faculty in developing goals and plans for internationalizing their teaching/curriculum and/or research agenda and facilitates an international education and global learning community of practice. More information and registration.
Marian Beane Crossing Borders Writing Contest
The Office of International Programs (OIP) invites UNC Charlotte students who are interested in sharing their international experiences to enter the Marian Beane Crossing Borders writing contest. The contest was developed in 2004 by Marian Beane, the former Director of the International Students and Scholars Office within the Office of International Programs. OIP continues this tradition in hopes that this contest serves as a constructive way for students to reflect on the value of international living and its impact on personal growth. Please share this opportunity with students who may be interested in telling their story. Winners may receive up to $400. For more information, please visit our website or contact us at globaleducation@charlotte.edu.
Accepting Applications for Honors Faculty
The Honors College is now accepting applications to the Honors Faculty. Now through March 15, nominate your faculty to be part of the Honors Faculty (faculty may also self-nominate). Visit the Honors College website for more information and to access the application.
Please visit the Faculty Governance website for the latest news from the Faculty Council including:
The dissertation defense is one of the ways a new scholar demonstrates readiness to join the academy and is an opportunity to share their research widely. View All Dissertation Defense Announcements.
For up-to-the-minute news from Academic Affairs (faculty awards, research, recognition, initiatives), visit the Academic Affairs Division News webpage.
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