Staff

Dr. Adnot joined the Honors College in January 2019, having most recently served as Visiting Assistant Professor at Davidson College. She earned her Ph.D. in Education Policy and Masters in Public Policy from the University of Virginia, and her Masters in Teaching from Pace University in New York. Dr. Adnot oversees curriculum for the University […]

Gretchen Bagley joined the Honors College in early 2015 from the legal industry. She oversees the Honors College application process; manages scholarship contracts; provides administrative support for Merit Scholars Programs, the University Honors Program, and the Honors College Advisory Board. She is a native of Charlotte, and enjoys baking, traveling, music, and spending time with […]

Ms. Chenault joined the Honors College in August 2022. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Behavior from UNC Chapel Hill. Ms. Chenault provides administrative support to the Honors College. She also enjoys being involved in the community by volunteering at elections polling locations and at a local food pantry.

Faculty Fellow for Martin Scholars, Dr. Fernández Sanchez is a teaching professor of Spanish and affiliate faculty of Latin American Studies, where she has been a faculty member since 2017. Dr. Fernández Sánchez joined the Honors College in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and passion for students’ engagement and academic excellence. She […]

Dr. Cindy M. Gilson, Associate Dean of the Honors College and Professor of Gifted Education, joined the Niner Nation community in 2014 as a faculty member in the Cato College of Education’s Special Education and Child Development Department. From 2014-2024, she taught courses in Gifted Education, and served as the Director for the Graduate Certificate […]

Mr. Hooker joined the Honors College in March 2025. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity at Duke University. His previous degrees include a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. Mr. Hooker advises the UHP students on their co-curricular experiences, […]

Faculty Fellow for Albert Scholars and UHP students, Dr. Howden is a Professor in the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, where he has been a faculty member since 2008. He is a member of the Laboratory of Systems Physiology and Group Leader of a busy research team investigating cardiovascular health. Dr. Howden […]

Dr. Keener joined the Honors College in October 2021, having previously worked as a member of the English faculty at Santa Clara University. Originally from Charlotte, he earned his Ph.D. in English from Northwestern University and his Master’s degree from North Carolina State University. Dr. Keener advises students in the University Honors Program, merit scholars, […]

Ms. Lynch joined the Honors College in October 2018, and enjoys advising and mentoring students via the programming she coordinates for them. She also manages the First Year honors experience for students in the University Honors Program, helping them to adjust and assimilate to college life. Her master’s degree in Education & Human Development, complements […]

A Professor of English, Dr. Pereira joined the Honors College in 2012 after chairing the Department of English. Her mission has been to build honors access and quality: during her tenure, the College has doubled its staff, added three faculty fellows, and developed a robust rotation of interdisciplinary courses. Her favorite Honors College course to […]