Massey Awards

The Massey Award winner “leads not by the example of his power, but by the power of his example.”

Massey Award winner Summer Montgomery ’81 is a student service specialist in the University’s largest department.

The Massey Award winner and dean of students is always on call to help them navigate difficult situations.

Massey winner Khin Su Su Kyi, a Myanmar refugee, models hard work and diligence.

The Massey Award-winning housekeeper advocates for her fellow employees and makes students feel at home.

The Massey Award winner’s contributions to Carolina’s curriculum are vital but often hard to see.

Executive assistant to two chancellors, Massey Award winner Elizabeth Williams made the University run smoothly.

The recipients include two housekeepers, two administrators, two academic staff members and one executive assistant.

During the pandemic, Massey Award winner Allan Blattner expanded his role, meeting needs well beyond shelter.

Massey Award winner David Barnette Jr. is busy on and off the job, but he always makes time to connect with others.

The four-member team won a shared Massey Award for its “tireless commitment” during the pandemic and beyond.

Massey Award winner Melissa Mack has put on thousands of events and is a mentor to many at Carolina’s premier cancer center.

Massey Award winner and self-described “big auntie” Chineka Stanley is free to be herself and bond with the residents she serves.

Massey Award winner Ken Cleary is a constant innovator, a broadcasting mentor and a manager who trusts others’ expertise.

A Campus Health team, events organizer, producer, housing director and staff who keep facilities clean received Carolina’s highest honor for employees.

More than 100 Massey Award nominators described how vital the practical knowledge and can-do spirit of this Outer Banks native is to the success of the Institute for Marine Sciences.

When the pandemic hammered the Carolina community, the Massey Award recipient and grateful alumnus dove in to help establish a frontline defense against COVID-19.

Working around the clock, this Massey Award winner and expert lab manager used thank you notes and chocolate to keep her COVID-19 testing lab team going.

While working for six vice chancellors since 2008, Massey Award winner Trevaughn Eubanks has always shown her signature pizzazz and an “unrelenting heart of service.”

Whether preparing for Spring Commencement or cleaning up debris in fall, Massey winner Mark Moon keeps Carolina’s campus beautiful and his colleagues safe.

A self-proclaimed “Debbie Downer,” Massey Award winner Susan Fiscus kept insisting that the impossible couldn’t be done even as she made it happen.

The recipients, including a team that helped launch the Carolina Together Testing Program, will receive recognition for their contributions at an in-person event.

Former Employee Forum chair and Massey Award winner Shayna Hill has tirelessly advocated for University staff during a dark and difficult period.

Massey Award recipient Sibby Anderson-Thompkins is a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, from her days as a Carolina student throughout her career.

Housekeeper Teresa Golson received a Massey Award for 22 years of service to the University and helping the North Carolina Botanical Garden stay clean and safe for visitors during the pandemic.

Massey Award winner Vanessa Mitchell, computer support analyst at the UNC School of Social Work, is known for her high-quality work, self-improvement and helping others succeed.

Massey Award recipient James Holman has spent his career at Carolina advocating for his fellow employees.

The email looked suspicious, but when housekeeper Sandra Foxx finally opened it, she got the surprise of her life.

Sports Medicine Director Dr. Mario Ciocca, a 2021 Massey Award winner, helped keep student-athletes healthy, safe and competitive during the pandemic.

Whether it’s driving through a snowstorm to rescue a stranded nurse visiting from Malawi or supporting world-class infectious disease faculty, 2021 Massey Award winner Kathy James is all about helping.

Given the exceptional year spent dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic, the University is bestowing eight awards.

Massey Award winner Julie Cannefax takes care of business and nurtures students for the curriculum in toxicology and environmental medicine.

Painstaking stewardship and a long view of history drive Massey Award winner Tom Bythell as he cares for Carolina’s precious campus.

Massey Award winner Patti Wilkinson inspires with her warmth, problem-solving skills and knack for grace under pressure.

Massey Award winner Joseph Jordan embodies the University’s “Lux, Libertas” motto and makes the Stone Center a vital part of campus.

Massey Award winner Steve Davis has dedicated his life to preserving the history of North Carolina’s Native American peoples for future generations.

Massey Award winner Carol Womack’s path took her from a Jamaican farm through some hard times and to a new life in North Carolina.

For over 35 years Jones advises students in the School of Media and Journalism. As director of student service and assessment, Jones is a resource and moral support. “I am their mom away from home.”

For 29 years Deborah Hawkins has worked as manager of parking control and event operations. She says her team is like family and she’s dedicated to safety and access.

Douglas is director of volunteer engagement for University Development and is also a Carolina alumna.

With 25 years of experience as the curator for the North Carolina Collection at University Libraries, Anthony is dedicated to knowledge, research and, of course, Carolina.

For the past 18 years, Burton has worked her way up through Housekeeping Services and is now the go-to person for problem-solving and support.

As director of the Carolina Center for Public Service, Blanchard is an advocate for social engagement, public health and working directly with communities.

In recognition of their “unusual, meritorious or superior contributions,” six University employees will receive the 2019 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Awards.

Stephen Farmer said Barbara Polk's good deeds typically take place behind the scenes. "She has done them out of love for the University and the goodness of her heart," he said.

Massey Award winner Daryl Odom has worked 30 years as a housekeeper in Kenan Center, helping the center fulfill its mission with his dedication, attention to detail and friendliness.

Winning a Massey award was the latest bit of good fortune for Nan Kham and her family.

"I don’t know what it’s like to live under a bridge. I don’t know what it’s like to be in a mental institution. These men and women who are certified do, and they can show them that there is a different way," said Ronald Mangum.

Massey Award winner Martina Ballen has been paying the bills for athletics for the past 31 years, currently administering a budget of $95.5 million.

The Massey award recognized the role Gregory Gangi has played as a catalyst for shaping interdisciplinary curriculum and learning opportunities beyond the classroom to better prepare students for emerging career paths.

Said Chancellor Carol L. Folt: "These amazing people, through their hard work and dedication, day in and day out, create the Carolina we love."