2025 Massey Awards recognize service to Carolina

Six Carolina employees will receive the 2025 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Awards, one of the most prestigious distinctions for faculty and staff.

Established in 1980 by the late C. Knox Massey ’25, the awards recognize “unusual, meritorious or superior contributions” by University employees. The awards will be presented at a luncheon April 26.

“Carolina employees are at the heart of this institution — we could not succeed without their commitment to excellence. Each year, our Massey Awards shine a light on the countless ways our outstanding employees contribute to the Carolina community,” said Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “This year’s six winners truly deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. We are grateful for the chance to honor them and celebrate all they do to ensure our University can carry out our mission of research, teaching and service to the people of North Carolina and beyond.”

The winners, selected through a campus-wide nomination process, each received a $10,000 stipend and award citation.

This year’s recipients are:

James Brower, housekeeper, Facilities Services

Brower knows every room, stairwell and chair inside the Kenan Center at Kenan-Flagler Business School, and everyone who works in the building knows Brower. He’s worked at the Kenan Center for 23 years, and his co-workers appreciate his high quality of work and attention to detail in keeping the space meticulously clean and safe. Brower is known for his reliability and interpersonal skills, always knowing when colleagues need extra assistance or are in the mood for a quick chat.

Susan Gaylord, research associate professor, UNC School of Medicine

Gaylord has spent three decades teaching at Carolina and was an early pioneer of mindfulness research after watching her sister struggle with a cancer diagnosis. She studies alternative medicine practices and encourages her students not only to engage with course materials but also to consider how these practices might fit into their own future careers. Gaylord directs the integrative medicine program and is a founding faculty member of the physical medicine department.

James Glass, housekeeper, Carolina Housing

Glass has worked as a housekeeper at various residence halls for 20 years, serving as a leader who not only ensures cleanliness and upkeep but also leads trainings across campus. Resident advisers and office assistants in Connor Community built a quote board to celebrate the warm greetings and bits of wisdom “Mr. James” bestows on everyone he meets. His compassion and attentiveness set him apart, serving as a role model and surrogate family member to thousands of students.

Kim Miles, student services manager, UNC College of Arts and Sciences’ classics department

Miles is the classics department’s longest-serving staff member. For 35 years, she’s been the heart of the department, seeking ways to keep students, faculty and staff connected to each other. She tackles the many details of enrolling students, shepherding them through classes and preparing them for graduation. No matter the question, Miles knows the answer or how to find it. She recognizes that a department is a community, and interactions of all members lead to new discoveries, research and directions for future work.

Katherine Moore, retired assistant dean for Student Affairs, UNC School of Nursing

Moore ’78, ’90 (MSN) has served the broader Carolina community for 45 years. During her tenure at the UNC School of Nursing, she worked with six deans and more than 10,000 students, many of whom credit her for helping them choose Carolina and for their success once on campus. Known for her empathy and commitment to providing individualized support, Moore was a champion and advocate for prospective students, then a mentor and sounding board once they enrolled.

Gail Moriarty, business services coordinator, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Moriarty is one of Carolina’s longest-serving employees, spending more than 50 years at what’s now the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy — watching it grow and contributing to its success. Nominators cited how Moriarty makes it her mission to ensure new employees have a great first day, and how she often takes on work that needs to be done, but no one wants to do. She’s a true team player who helps put many pieces together for the entire department, helping Eshelman thrive.