College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences

From an unprecedented look at what has been called the Gifted Generation, to a behind the scenes review of the costs and benefits of hosting major political party conventions, to an exploration of the factors that prompt citizens to reject public policies that appear to give them exactly what they want, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty have published an array of books that pull back the curtain on government topics that affect citizens’ lives.

Public sector managers face specific challenges that differ from those of people working in the for-profit arena. To address these challenges, UNC Charlotte’s Gerald G. Fox Master of Public Administration Program and the University’s Continuing Education Office offer the MPA Public Management Academy Professional Development Certificate program.

Newcomers wanting to run for public office face a steep learning curve, as measured in time and effort. Author Mary Jo McGowan Shepherd, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at UNC Charlotte, in her new book examines the hurdles created by the campaign system and the potential impact on democracy.

Most meetings end with attendees wondering what was accomplished. In 2019, leaders everywhere or pretty much anyone who interacts with others should resolve to read the new book, “The Surprising Science of Meetings”, by UNC Charlotte’s Steven Rogelberg. “The Washington Post” recently listed it as one of 10 leadership books to watch for in 2019.

The aromas and tastes of the holiday season call forth memories of traditions and of times spent with family and friends. Hot chocolate is a particularly special drink, building connections among people worldwide. We invite you to pause for a moment to consider historical, botanical, and cultural aspects of this comforting drink. We also hope you will take a moment to savor this special time of year with those you cherish.

Tanure Ojaide, Frank Porter Graham Professor of Africana Studies at UNC Charlotte, is co-recipient of the 2018 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa for his book, “Songs of Myself.”

Dr. Louis Diamant (Lou), professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, died at home in Charlotte on November 23, 2018. In 1963, when the University was still Charlotte College and consisted of only two buildings, Diamant became the founding chairperson of the Psychology Department.

Sue Spaulding, long-time member of the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, died suddenly on December 5, 2018. An avid and fearless traveler, she was doing what she loved most—cruising the sunny tropics. She was hired as Lab Director in 1993 and served the department in a variety of roles until her retirement in 2014.

With resources provided through the Levine Scholars Program and the Department of Geography & Earth Sciences, student Danielle Miller has led an effort to create a weather studio in the McEniry Building for meteorology students to use to hone their skills. “I knew we needed a space to have higher quality equipment, to get more real life experience and help our students be better prepared,” she says.

Africana Studies outgoing chair Akin Ogundiran will serve as Editor-in-Chief of African Archaeological Review (AAR). This is the oldest continent-wide journal in the field of African archaeology. The five-year appointment will provide students with the opportunity to be part of the editorial process of a major international journal, in addition to providing UNC Charlotte with more visibility as a research university, Ogundiran said.