Mark West Receives Bonnie E. Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement

Mark West, professor and chair of the Department of English, is the 2019 Bonnie E. Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement recipient for his ongoing commitment to civic involvement that has positively impacted the University’s relationship with the community. He received the honor in September 2019.

Throughout his career, West has been a strong advocate for children’s and adult literacy and has brought his expertise into the community with his work with Charlotte-area schools, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and others. His commitment to civic engagement is underscored by a recent grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council for the project, “The Child Character in Southern Literature and Film,” a partnership with area schools and the Charlotte Public Library to raise awareness about diversity and the history of childhood in the South as reflected in children’s literature.

The Provost Awards, presented each year, recognize faculty and academic units for exemplary work in the areas of teaching, advising and community engagement. These three areas remain vital to UNC Charlotte’s mission to educate and prepare students for chosen careers and to address community needs in the greater Charlotte region.

The Provost’s Awards include: the Bonnie E. Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement and the Bonnie E. Cone Early Career Professorship for Teaching along with recognition of excellence in teaching and excellence in undergraduate academic advising.