Staff

Dr. Adnot is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the Honors College, where she leads senior capstone courses for the University Honors Program, teaches interdisciplinary honors seminars, and conducts research on teaching and learning in honors education. She joined the Honors College in January 2019, initially serving as Associate Director until 2022 and as Team Lead […]

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 […]

Dr. Cao earned his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona before joining the Department of Biological Sciences at UNC Charlotte in 2013. He instructs both undergraduate and graduate students in evolutionary biology, ecology, and specialized topics in complexity science. Outside of academia, Dr. Cao enjoys photography, hiking, video games (Half-Life […]

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, […]

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 […]