UNCSA staff member receives statewide Erskine Bowles Award
Joe Rick, a staff member of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, is the recipient of the 2016 Erskine Bowles Service Award, a statewide honor recognizing an employee of the 17-campus University of North Carolina system for exemplary community service. Rick is Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Director of Residence Life.
A short documentary about Rick’s involvement on campus and in the community will be broadcast at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15 on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Now.
The Erskine Bowles award is given annually to a staff member who has shown exemplary understanding, empathy, and devotion to mankind and whose accomplishments are consistent with the goals exemplified by Erskine B. Bowles during his tenure as UNC President and in accordance with the University’s public service mission.
Rick was recognized for numerous contributions, including:
- Organizing the “Big Help” community service initiative developed for UNCSA Residence Life with monthly volunteer projects for the staff in the Winston-Salem community;
- Organizing creative ways to build camaraderie among staff, faculty and students, such as “First Thursday” and “Why Not Wednesday” events after work;
- Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Services since 2007, currently mentoring two little brothers;
- Volunteering with Mrs. Pumpkin’s community service fundraiser Gingerbread Cottage Project since 2006, with proceeds of the annual event going to a local nonprofit organization;
- And serving as a student-athlete academic coach for Wake Forest University Student-Athlete Services since 2004.
Joe’s a rock star on our campus. He champions our institutional vision to develop citizen-artists who will transform their communities through creativity and compassionate service. His mentorship of our students and staff creates a culture of empathy, trust and respect for all. We’re thrilled and proud that he has brought this honor to the ‘School of the Cool.’
Chancellor Lindsay Bierman
“Joe’s a rock star on our campus,” said Chancellor Lindsay Bierman. “He champions our institutional vision to develop citizen-artists who will transform their communities through creativity and compassionate service. His mentorship of our students and staff creates a culture of empathy, trust and respect for all. We’re thrilled and proud that he has brought this honor to the ‘School of the Cool.’”
The Bowles award was established in 2010. The winner is selected by a committee from the UNC Staff Assembly.
Rick was nominated for the statewide award by the UNCSA Staff Council as a result of having received its Community Service Award for 2015/16.
“Joe Ricks’ unanimous selection as the 2016 Erskine Bowles Award winner was based on three themes in his nomination package,” Staff Assembly Chairman Pernell Bartlett said. “First, he served others consistently, spanning more than 10 years. Second, his service impacted the lives of the young and underserved in the community. Third, he was selfless and tireless in his efforts. Whether he was coaching, mentoring, walking or building, Joe was always serving others.”
Rick earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Appalachian State University after earning a master's in counseling from Wake Forest University. He earned his bachelor's in biology from the University of Jamestown in North Dakota.
Rick is the second UNCSA staff member to receive the award. Alumnus Edwin Martinat (School of Design and Production ‘08) was the recipient in 2012, when he worked in Residence Life under Rick’s leadership.
December 12, 2016