Title:
Order of the Hornet Induction of Chancellor Philip L. Dubois (Chair Dunlap)
Action:
ACTION:
Induct Chancellor Philip L. Dubois into the Mecklenburg County Order of the Hornet
Commission Contact: Chair Dunlap
Presentation: Yes
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The Order of the Hornet was established in 1972. It is bestowed by the Board of County Commissioners on persons who have displayed valor or high order of service uniquely and specifically to the citizens of Mecklenburg County. This is the highest honor bestowed by the Board. The Order of the Hornet was founded in the spirit of the early Mecklenburg patriots who signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775, and proclaimed the County’s freedom from Britain more than a year before the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed. Those early patriots valiantly fought for their independence during the Revolution and gave Lord Cornwallis such difficulties during his occupation of Charlotte that he termed the town a “hornet’s nest” of rebellion. Because Chancellor Philip L. Dubois reflects the honor, strength, and fierce American patriotism that so stung Lord Cornwallis, he is being recommended for membership in the Order of the Hornet.
Dr. Dubois’ career in higher education spans more than 40 years. As a first-generation college student, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Davis, and a master’s and doctoral degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dubois returned to the University of California, Davis, to start his career in academia as an assistant professor, rising through faculty and administrative ranks to hold various positions, including full professor and associate vice chancellor for academic programs.
Dr. Dubois was recruited by UNC Charlotte in 1991 where he spent the next 5 1/2 years as provost and Vice chancellor for academic affairs. On March 18, 2005 Dubois was named UNC charlotte's fourth chancellor. After a 15-year tenure as chancellor, Dr. Philip L. Dubois will retire June 30, 2020, having led the University through a 43% growth in enrollment, an expansion of academic programs, the implementation of diversity-related initiatives, growth in research funding and the construction and renovation of campus facilities. It was also under his leadership that football was added to the University’s athletic offerings. Our entire city cheered on the 49ers in their first-ever bowl appearance last December.
As Chancellor, Dubois helped the University build a strong partnership with the greater Charlotte area to ensure the vitality of our growing region and his dedicated leadership placed UNC Charlotte on a remarkable growth trajectory, with enrollment reaching nearly 30,000, as a leading urban research institution focused on the economic, educational, environmental, health and social needs of our region.
Chancellor Dubois has led the largest facility construction and renovation program in the University’s history, exceeding $1.2 billion including The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, located adjacent to Mecklenburg County’s beautiful First Ward Park. A new recreation facility, a comprehensive energy research building, as well as a new science building that will come on line in Spring of 2021 are among the major buildings added over the last 15 years.
Chancellor Dubois collaborated with elected officials and the Charlotte Area Transit System to make possible the construction of the light rail line from Center City Charlotte to the UNC Charlotte campus, increasing the connection and opportunities for partnership between the University and the rest of the city. He partnered with Central Piedmont Community College to launch the 49erNext program, which creates a clear path for community college students to enroll at UNC Charlotte and he worked with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to create two early colleges at UNC Charlotte, one for students interested in STEM fields and another for those interested in teaching.
Chancellor Dubois has been recognized regionally and nationally as a leader in higher education, achieving many awards and accolades throughout his distinguished 40-year career in higher education, including the City of Charlotte Mayor’s Award, Charlotte Magazine Charlottean of the Year and inclusion on the Charlotte Business Journal’s list of Most Admired CEOs.
he has also received many community recognitions which include Charlotte World Affairs Council World Citizen Award (2016), the CASE District III Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Award (2015), the Leo M. Lambert Engaged Leader Award (2014), the Belk Innovation in Diversity Award (2013), the Charlotte Energy Leadership Award (2013), the Charlotte Cornerstone Award (2012, for positive economic impact), the Creative Thinker’s Award (2012, for UNC Charlotte-Center City), and the Charlotte Regional Partnership “Jerry” Award (2009, for public sector contributions to economic development).
Chancellor Dubois and his wife, Lisa Lewis Dubois, have three children: Logan, Taylor and Ali, and are the grandparents of twin boys, Brooks and Leo, who they are looking forward to spending time with, in retirement.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
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