Excellence in Innovation Award
2024 Recipient

Dr. Clare Merlin-Knoblich
Department of Counseling
The Cato College of Education Award for Excellence in Innovation is awarded to one outstanding, full-time faculty member who exemplifies a commitment to student success, demonstrates creativity and innovation, and sustains a positive impact on the university and community constituencies.
The recipient will receive a plaque and $1500 in faculty professional development funds.
Eligibility:
Nominee must have a full-time faculty appointment.
Nominees must have four (4) years experience as a UNC Charlotte faculty member.
Individuals may not win this award more than once.
Cato College of Education faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders may make nominations.
Requirements:
Personal statement from the nominee on innovative approaches that support nomination materials (limit 750 words). The personal statement should address how these activities demonstrate creativity/innovation and impact local communities.
Current resume/vita must be submitted.
A maximum of three (3) additional letters of support affirming positive impact of engagement can be submitted.
Nominations must be submitted to this form by March 1, 2025. Thank you!
For questions regarding submission of nomination materials, please contact Dr. Jordan Z. Boyd at jboyd44@charlotte.edu.
Previous Recipients:
2024 – Clare Merlin-Knoblich
2023- Tisha Greene
2022 – Bettie Ray Butler
2021 – Jae Hoon Lim
2020 – Tehia Glass
2019 – Lisa Merriweather
2018 – Gloria Campbell-Whatley
2017 – Spencer Salas
2016 – Lan Kolano
2015 – Greg Wiggan
2014 – Adriana Medina
2013 – Stephen Hancock