The HonorableWilliam (Bill) Brawley ’78

Distinguished Alumnus Award

The Honorable William “Bill” Brawley has served his community, state, country, and University with passion, distinction, and honor.

Following his honorable discharge from active duty in the US Army, Brawley arrived on the UNC Charlotte campus, like many in his era, as a non-traditional student. As a single parent, he balanced the obligations of a full-time job, fatherhood and the demanding rigor of his Accounting major. Brawley’s eclectic interests in learning ran the gamut from business to poetry, but he still found time to cheer on his beloved Charlotte 49ers basketball team as they brought home the win in the ’77 NIT, and was among the jubilant crowds celebrating their own version of “March Madness” when the festivities spilled out onto Highway 49.

Bill’s career has included roles in the technology, utility and real estate industries, but he found his heart and true passion in public service. His career in the public sector began with his election to two terms on the Matthews Town Council and included eleven years on the Mecklenburg County Parks Commission. Over the years, he served or chaired over a dozen other boards and committees.

Taking his public service to the next level, Bill was elected to the NC House of Representatives in 2010, rising quickly through the ranks into leadership positions.

He was named Senior Co-Chairman of the powerful Finance Committee and Chairman of the Transportation Committee. Bill earned praise for taking on complex initiatives, bringing consensus to challenging and fractious issues, and using the principles he learned in Professor Tom Turner’s Accounting classes to describe tax policies.

During his tenure in the NC House, Bill championed projects critical for continued growth for the UNC System and UNC Charlotte – most notably the $90 million Connect NC Science Building. He also led the legislation that approved financing for Levine Hall and the University Recreation Center, currently under construction, on the UNC Charlotte campus.

Bill brought focus to the devastating issue of human trafficking and served as a strong advocate for those without a voice. He was named Regional Legislator of the Year in 2018 by the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce for his work on pro-business tax policy and economic development legislation.

To this day, Bill remains an avid supporter of the University, and his enthusiasm and dedication to his alma mater remain undimmed and evergreen.