College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences

After over three decades in the criminal justice profession, Concord Police Chief and UNC Charlotte alumnus Guy Smith retired on March 1, 2015.

A UNC Charlotte team won third place in the nation in the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition on Feb. 22 in a contest designed to consider complex, contemporary ethical issues.

The PBS film “Italy’s Mystery Mountains” showcases UNC Charlotte geography and earth sciences faculty and student research into the age of river terraces. This research delves into landscape evolution, providing meaningful information on the impact of external forcing, such as climate.

At age 27, UNC Charlotte alumnus Reverend Brandon Fisher is the youngest pastor in his AME Zion Church district, and also is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Washington, D.C. He has embraced social activism, recently challenging a new generation of leaders.

UNC Charlotte historian Shepherd W. McKinley’s book, “Stinking Stones and Rocks of Gold: Phosphate, Fertilizer, and Industrialization in Postbellum South Carolina,” has been named the best book of South Carolina history published last year.

Students go hungry every day at UNC Charlotte. To address this critical need, a team of students, faculty and staff have opened a campus food pantry. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty and students are leaders in the effort.

Roslyn Arlin Mickelson has been named the 2014 University Professor of UNC Charlotte in recognition of her outstanding scholarly achievement in a professional field, as well as demonstrated ability to excel in interdisciplinary research, teaching, and service. The University Professor is recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Chancellor and holds this title for life.

In a work that explores the influence of literature on Walt Disney and his creativity, Mark West, chair of the English Department, has co-edited and contributed to the recently released “Walt Disney, from Reader to Storyteller: Essays on the Literary Inspirations.”

As a boy, UNC Charlotte alumnus David Gwilt perched on his family’s Syracuse, N.Y. porch, listening to stories shared by his great-aunt Peggy, who lived to age 99, and other relatives. Decades later, he has tapped his interest and knowledge of psychology and gerontology as the host of Radio 4 the Ages™,

In recognition of his distinguished research and dedication to others’ scholarship over an almost 50-year career, UNC Charlotte sociology professor Murray Webster has received the national 2015 Cooley-Mead Award from the American Sociological Association’s Social Psychology Section.