Dhiaa M. Jamil, ’78
Bonnie E. Cone Lifetime Achievement Award
Perhaps Robert Johnson, Dean of the College of Engineering, says it best: “Dhiaa Jamil’s leadership and dedication have helped to transform both UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte region. He is constantly looking for ways to help this institution more effectively serve our students and contribute to our community and industry.”
A 1978 graduate of UNC Charlotte, Dhiaa joined Duke Power in 1981 as a design engineer. He rose through the ranks and became site vice president of the McGuire Nuclear Station in 2002. After a series of major leadership positions and the Duke Energy/Progress Energy merger, he was named executive vice president and chief nuclear officer before assuming his current role of executive vice president and president of regulated generation and transmission.
“Dhiaa has distinguished himself as an industry leader, a devoted alumnus, and a wonderful member of the Charlotte community,” says Johnson.
Dhiaa was vital in bringing to light a serious deficiency in the number of engineers prepared to work in the power industry. After approaching UNC Charlotte about the need, he was instrumental in leading the campaign to fund the Energy Production Infrastructure Center (EPIC) at UNC Charlotte. He diligently worked to bring EPIC to fruition, partnering with industry and government leaders to raise $76M in funding for the EPIC Building, with an additional $5M commitment from the state to support the energy program.
“The generous financial support [was] integral to gathering momentum for the EPIC project,” says UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “This support reflects the depth of academic and industry collaboration in the Charlotte Region.”
In his current role as a member of the Board of Trustees of UNC Charlotte, Dhiaa’s passion goes far beyond engineering. He advocates on behalf of the university with local corporations in support of university initiatives including faculty development, scholarships, athletics, and the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band. The family established the Hope E. Jamil EPIC Student Fellow Scholarship to provide support for students with financial need and is also a strong supporter of the Niner Food Pantry.
Says Johnson, “His vast contributions to 49ers everywhere will be evident for years to come.”