A glimpse into innovation at UNC Charlotte

Innovation leads to the initiation of new and better ideas. At UNC Charlotte, these ideas, whether they’re creating an easier student experience or helping faculty improve courses and curriculum, build a more exceptional place for students, faculty and staff to learn and grow together.

Using the “Innovation” category out of the five categories of awards through the Staff Employee of the Year Program, UNC Charlotte recognizes a staff member who displays innovation in research and initiation in establishing successful, new and outstanding methods, practices, plans or designs.

Angelica Watts, Melissa Battle, Lisa Meckley and Leslie Zenk are few of the hard working employees who received this award in past years.

Angelica Watts, technology support analyst in the 49er Card Office, was recognized for developing a mobile ordering program in a user-friendly app, which encompassed 29 dining retail locations, including 12 national brands and eight private brands. This was the largest mobile ordering college campus program industry-wide.

Melissa Battle was honored for her efforts in 2019. As a member of the Meal Plans and 49er Card team, Battle led a project that allowed students to submit their 49er ID card photos online, resulting in a decrease of 90 percent of on-campus photo sessions for freshman students.

Lisa Meckley, who at the time served as director of enrollment communications, was recognized in 2018 for her innovation in improving communication with current and future students. Because of Meckley’s efforts in redesigning the UNC Charlotte portal, she improved streamlining information regarding enrollment, financial aid, registration/records and student accounts.

Leslie Zenk, associate provost for Academic Affairs, was awarded in the “Innovation” category for leading an advisory implementation system that brought Acalog and Curriculog to UNC Charlotte in 2017. This improved course and curriculum changes and created a transparent approval process.

Despite the difficulty that 2020 brought the University, many employees still found innovative ways to navigate the pandemic. If there’s a colleague you’d like to nominate or would like to know more about nominating, additional information can be found on the Human Resources website.