The Gillings School had strong representation at this year’s University Day procession
Three members of Gillings School community received special recognition during the ceremonies on University Day.
In October 2022, three members of the Gillings School community received special recognition during the ceremonies on University Day, which marked the 229th anniversary of the University of North Carolina’s founding and the beginning of public higher education in the United States.
Nicole K. Bates, DrPH (‘08) MPH (‘00), was honored with the University Distinguished Alumna Award. She is a public health leader and strategist with decades of experience working to improve health and development opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. She currently serves as director of strategic partnerships and initiatives for Pivotal Ventures, a company founded by Melinda French Gates to advance social progress. Bates, who studied in both the Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Health Behavior, now serves on the UNC Gillings Advisory Council.
F. DuBois Bowman, PhD (‘00), was also honored with the University Distinguished Alumni Award. A graduate of the Department of Biostatistics, he is a renowned expert in the statistical analysis of large complex data sets and serves as dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health. His ongoing research program mines massive data sets and has important implications for mental and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia and substance addiction.
Charletta Sims Evans, MEd, was honored with the Rebecca Clark Staff Award for Moral Courage, which recognizes an individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice. As the associate dean for student affairs at the Gillings School, Sims Evans has been on the leading edge of advocacy for staff and students, especially during the pandemic when mental health issues escalated. She pioneered a system for reporting microaggressions and recently facilitated a conversation between students and staff following an incident of racial bias and harm. She addresses challenging situations head-on to promote a safe environment for all, especially those with marginalized identities.
Two UNC Gillings researchers also shared their current work as part of the ceremony.
Orlando Coronell, PhD, presented on a novel clean water technology that effectively removes toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Margot Midkiff, a health policy and management student, offered insight on findings around human and environmental relationships and how they can change in response to hurricanes, flooding, pollution and other factors.
