Betty Stancil
Honorary Alumna Award (Posthumous)
Mrs. Betty Sue McCachren Stancil, a lifelong resident of Cabarrus County, spent 43 years at UNC Charlotte. That time and dedication to the university made her the go-to person for institutional knowledge.
“She had a wealth of information about UNC Charlotte,” says Misty Cowan-Hathcock, Ed.D. ’85, ’91, ’92, ’96, ’04. “We often would refer to her as the UNC Charlotte encyclopedia.”
Stancil began her career in 1974 in the Placement Office, where she helped students find jobs after graduation. In 1990, she moved to the Office of Alumni Affairs, where she worked as an administrative assistant to the executive director. She retired from full-time service in 2003 and continued in a permanent part-time role until June 2017.
“We’ve had several alumni directors over the years,” says Cowan-Hathcock. “Betty’s been the one constant. She had a lot of connections and knew just about everyone.”
Although Stancil’s job title was administrative assistant, she was much more than that – she was the caretaker and matriarch of Alumni Affairs for 27 years.
“Betty was a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew her, always placing her family, friends and colleagues above herself,” says Mark Colone ’83, major gift officer for the College of Arts + Architecture at UNC Charlotte. “She was caring, loving, kind, honest, humorous, loyal and dedicated. She had a loving spirit, always treating everyone with kindness and respect.”
In early 2016, Stancil was diagnosed with AML leukemia. Throughout her treatment, she continued to live with an attitude of gentle positivity, continuing to come into the office and serve UNC Charlotte, its alumni and staff. Her grace and strength were constant during this time, and her faith in God was her rock. Surrounded by her family, Betty passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2017.
Because Stancil was a special person to her family, friends and UNC Charlotte, the Past Presidents of the Alumni Association honored her in perpetuity by creating the Betty M. Stancil Scholarship Endowment. The life she led was cherished so much that the quest of raising $25,000 was done in a matter of days, surpassing $36,000 and is still growing.
Her scholarship, shared with her in her home during the final days of her life, will be granted annually as she hoped, to a student with financial need from Cabarrus or Mecklenburg Counties who maintains a 3.0 GPA. It seems fitting that, long after she has gone, the legacy of Betty Stancil will continue to serve UNC Charlotte and its students for years to come.