Staff Accomplishments
UNC Greensboro Student Affairs Team members are committed to engagement, service, and teamwork that makes our division a place where people belong, grow, and succeed.
University & Professional Association Awards
Dr. Jill Beville, UNCG Staff Excellence Award
Dr. Brett Carter, 2026 NASPA Region III AVP/Senior Level Student Affairs Professional Award
Dwayne Hines, Southeastern Association of Housing Officers Service Award
Ches Kennedy, Associate of Recovery in Higher Education Access, Belonging, and Connection Award
Aaron Kidd, North Carolina Housing Officers Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award
Connor Lane, South Atlantic Affiliate of College & University Residence Halls The Golden Louie Award
Nicole Merritt, 2025 UNC System Janet B. Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship
Jarrod Rudd, 2026 NC Campus Engagement Civic Engagement Professional of the Year Award
Sharese Stribling, North Carolina Housing Officers Outstanding New Professional Award
Dr. Tye Wesley, American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Women’s Identity’s Wisdom Award
Publications
Dr. Timothy Burkhalter
Burkhalter, T. (2025). Connecting with Others Makes All the Difference. In Anderson, D.S. The Intentional Life: Crafting Your Legacy, One Day at a Time (1st ed.). Routledge. doi.org/10.4324/9781003541080
Dr. Adrienne Michele Craig
Craig, A. M., & Gassiot, K. (2025). Experiences, Expectations, and Challenges of Mid-Level Student Affairs Professionals | Craig, Gassiot – ACPA Developments
Ashley Jones & Jennifer Cotto-Ecklund
Jones, A., & Cotto-Ecklund, J. (2025, January 30). Fraternity & Sorority Life and Student Conduct Collaboration: Opportunities and Barriers. Association of Fraternity /Sorority Advisors Perspectives. afa1976.org/opportunities-and-barriers
Curtis Tarver
Tarver, C. (2024). U.S. University Fraternity and Sorority Flags. Vexillium, 27, 8–10.
Certifications & Leadership Development
Chris Gregory, Tina Vires, UNCG/Center for Creative Leadership Faculty and Staff Leadership Development Program 2024-25
Ashley Jones, Fraternity Executives Association Interfraternity Institute, 2025 Cohort
Jordan Kelber, National Academy of Sports Medicine, Personal Trainer Recertification
Aaron Kidd, Jarrod Rudd, NASPA Region III/SACSA Mid-Managers Institute, 2025 Cohort
Yahira Robinson, Imani Williams-Swittenberg, NASPA Region III/SACSA New Professionals Institute Cohort
Bianca Smith, The Etiquette Institute, Consulting Certificate
Tina Vires, UNCG LEADership Program Completer, Fall 2024
Dr. Tye Wesley, Association of College and Housing Officers-International’s STARS College Faculty, 2024-26
Community & Professional Service Leadership
Dr. Cathy Akens, Jossey Bass Student Affairs Today Editorial Board
Dr. Cathy Akens, NASPA’s James E. Scott Academy Board
Dr. Tim Burkhalter, NASPA Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee 2024-26, NASPA Strategies Conference Planning Committee 2024-25
Dr. Tim Burkhalter, UPenn and UNC System Resilience Program Instructor Training 2024
Dr. Adrienne Michele Craig, NASPA Region III/SACSA Mid-Level Manager Institute Director 2025 and 2026
Katherine Faulkner, City of Greensboro Human Rights Department, Commission on the Status of Women Vice-Chair
Kathleen McGirty, Association of College Unions International (ACUI) 2024 Regional Conference Education Sessions Coordinator
Dr. Helen Mulhern Halasz, NASPA Student Affairs Certification Advisory Group & Webinar Series Facilitator 2023-26
William Parrish, Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Corporate Partnership Development Team
Augusto Peña, NASPA Region III State Ambassador, Latino/a/x Knowledge Community; Weatherspoon Art Museum Council 2024-27
Yahira Robinson, NC Housing Officers Vendors & Corporate Partners Chair 2024-25
Tina Vires, Association on Higher Ed’s (AHEAD) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Co-Chair of Coordinator’s Knowledge & Practice Community
Dr. Tye Wesley, ACPA, Chair of Communities of Practice 2025-27
Dr. Jennifer Whitney, Cone Health Foundation Board of Directors, Greensboro, NC, 2026–Present
Dr. Jennifer Whitney, Journal of College Student Mental Health Editorial Board, 2022–Present
The Student Affairs Division initiated awards for staff excellence with the inaugural winners announced in April 2005. Every year, the Student Affairs Recognition Committee will coordinate the selection of awards to outstanding permanent full-time and part-time employees in the Division of Student Affairs.
Student Affairs Award Winners
Above and Beyond: Mike Ackerman (RECWELL) & Dwyane Hines (HRL)
Dedication to Students: Kathleen McGirty (EUC)
Rookie of the Year: Maryann Aterbridge-Whitten (DOS)
Graduate Assistant of the Year: Elliot McLaughlin (RECWELL)
Outstanding Mentor Award: Marisa Gonzalez (OIE), Dr. Randy Patterson (CAPS) & Jayla Beeler (HRL)
Culture of Care: Theresa Parrish (HRL)
Team Player: Michaela Coleman (OIE)
Legacy Award: Loretta Shorter (HRL)
Unsung Hero: Steve Raye (HRL)
Team Players: Allisen Greathouse (HRL) & Ashley Jones (CAP)
Graduate Assistant of the Year: Ayana Cholula (OIE)
Rookie of the Year: Katherine Faulkner (CPD)
Culture of Care: Be Well. Stay Well Event Planning Committee (Ashley Marshall, Sikirat Kazeem, Jenn Whitney, Shahnaz Khawaja, Jacqueline Blabon, Jill Beville)
Community Impact: Keeyana Talley (HRL)
Excellence in Assessment: Joseph ”JoJo” Johnson (HRL)
Excellence in Assessment Award (Department): Spartan Well-Being (SHS)
Diversity & Inclusion: Brian Daniel (DOS) & Bri Welsh (OIE)
Partnership Award: Jesse Ford (Assistant Professor, UNCG Department of Teacher Education and Higher Education)
Legacy Award: Regina King (HRL)
Unsung Heroes: Ashley Marshall (RecWell) & Anna Gray (EUC)
Team Player: Meredith Atchison (CAP)
Graduate Assistant of the Year: Cedric Dunham (Esports)
Rookies of the Year: Arrius McCain (CPD) & Tyeesha “Tye” Wesley (HRL)
Culture of Care: Annette Isley (HRL)
Community Impact: William Parrish (EUC)
Excellence in Assessment: Vivian O’Brien (CPD)
Excellence in Assessment Award (Department): Office of Intercultural Engagement (OIE)
Partnership Award: Dr. Heather Adams (English Department)
Legacy Award: Melvalyn Pate (Division Office)