College News
In the contemporary world, natural sciences and philosophy may seem to be worlds apart. Yet, these disciplines are not always estranged. Trevor Pearce, a UNC Charlotte philosophy assistant professor, currently is researching the historical connections between philosophy and biology, and he has found that the innovative method of thought utilized by pragmatists can prove relevant to contemporary education.
Loy H. Witherspoon, professor emeritus of philosophy and religious studies at UNC Charlotte and a longtime confidant to University founder Bonnie Cone, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 15, in Charlotte. The founding chair of the Department of Religious Studies, Witherspoon retired in 1994 after 30 years of distinguished service at the University. “Loy Witherspoon embodied the values and aspirations of UNC Charlotte,” said Nancy Gutierrez, dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
Common sense suggests that dangerous prison conditions will deter released prisoners from committing more crimes and returning to prison. However, studies by UNC Charlotte researcher Shelley Listwan have found that harsh prison conditions may actually push prisoners the opposite direction.
Surrounded by the sprawl of a modern city, the dense forest grove of Osun-Osogbo in southwestern Nigeria has long stood as a silent sentry guarding the mysteries of the ancient past. Those secrets are now revealed by UNC Charlotte researcher Akin Ogundiran, whose work has upended long-held views of how West Africa became a global economic player.
UNC Charlotte scholar Tanure Ojaide has been named this year’s recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), in the Humanities category. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the investiture ceremony on December 1 in Abuja, the country’s capital. Established in 1979, the Nigerian National Order of Merit is the highest academic honor in Africa’s most populous country.
The Department of Psychology received The Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2016, in recognition of the department’s efforts to improve students learning and outcomes, through the collective responsibility of faculty members for maintaining high-quality teaching.
Jason Black, chair of the Department of Communication Studies, and co-author Ray Harrison, assistant professor at Tennessee State University, are recipients of a national communications award, the National Communication Association Critical & Cultural Studies Division Outstanding Article of the Year Award.
More than 25 people will showcase their art in the “Artistic Protest: Representations of Race, Violence, Injustice and Inequality” event on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., in Cone University Center, McKnight Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
UNC Charlotte Communication Studies Professor Alan Freitag received the prestigious Infinity Award from Public Relations Society of America-Charlotte in November, 2016. The Infinity Award honors a public relations professional whose character, career and service represent the highest standards and who excels in the practice of public relations.
Students in the literature class “War and Genocide in Children’s Literature” are raising money to benefit Operation Refugee Child, a nonprofit organization that provides living supplies to children residing in refugee camps. The class goal is to raise $2,000 for this Promoting Peace project. This will enable the students to provide 130 backpacks filled with supplies to child refugees fleeing Syria.
For his international work in advancing public sector performance, UNC Charlotte researcher James Douglas has received the Senator Peter B. Boorsma Award from The Southeastern Conference for Public Administration. “Receiving the award affirms in my mind that the work I have been doing abroad is meaningful and is hopefully making a difference in the world,” he said.
Students participating in UNC Charlotte’s Model United Nations this fall are finding increased opportunities to compete nationally and internationally, as well as options for volunteering in the local community. Model UN educates delegates on international policies and institutions, and helps students develop potential solutions to international issues.