Jeanette Sims to Lead Community Affairs

UNC Charlotte took another important step in staking its claim as an engaged university by naming Jeanette Sims as director of community affairs. She begins work in the Division of University Advancement on Aug. 21.

Her primary responsibility is to direct programs and initiatives in support of UNC Charlotte’s mission as it strives to address the cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health and social needs of the greater Charlotte region. 

Sims will serve as a principal conduit between the university and the community at large and will provide leadership and strategic direction to campus-wide activities that build collaborative relationships with key local constituencies and organizations.

“Engaging our students, faculty, and staff in the challenges and opportunities in Charlotte and all of the cities and towns in our region is one of our campus' top strategic priorities,” said Niles Sorensen, Vice Chancellor for Advancement. “I am delighted to have someone with Jeanette's breadth of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds to lead our efforts.”

Most recently, Sims was Interim Conference Director for the North Carolina Governor’s Conference for Women.  Prior to her work with the NC Governor’s Conference, she worked with The Lee Institute as the Charlotte Regional Director for the American Leadership Forum, the Institute’s flagship program.  Sims graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. 

Sims reports to Sorensen, as a member of the University Advancement senior team.  The division supports the University’s mission by cultivating alumni, community and government support and affinity. It helps strengthen the identity and awareness of the region’s only doctoral-granting institution in order to build and sustain effective, lasting partnerships throughout the community and state.

“UNC Charlotte is an important member of the Charlotte community,” said Sims. “I am excited to be part of the UNC Charlotte team and work with its valued community partners.  Together, we can build effective programs to address community issues and serve the common good of our region and state.”