Nancy Stallings ’72

Distinguished Alumna Award

Nancy Stallings is a tireless trailblazer. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNC Charlotte in 1972, she set about making her mark on public service in the state.

She was the first woman to serve in an executive position in North Carolina’s Department of Transportation and was the second female lobbyist in the state. She has served on boards at the regional, state and national levels, including the North Carolina Property Tax Commission, Craven Community College Foundation Board, and the United States Ship (USS) Battleship North Carolina Board.

“She has broken the glass ceiling time and again, paving the way for generations of women to come in the arena of public service,” said Judy Lekoski, director of development in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Nancy Stallings is an excellent example of how a UNC Charlotte education prepares you for a successful career and future.”

Nancy was previously executive director of the North Carolina Global TransPark Foundation, where she helped attract business to the eastern part of the state. Nancy worked with the Department of Transportation to get the Neuse River Bridge built in Craven County. She also worked on the campaigns for former governors Jim Hunt and Beverly Perdue.

At UNC Charlotte, Nancy was a member of the Alumni Board, where she championed fundraising for the Harris Alumni Center — home to the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association. She has twice been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, given to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the state.

“I can think of no other individual who so greatly deserves this award,” said Beverly Perdue, former governor of the state of North Carolina. “I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable accomplishments throughout Nancy’s career in public service.”