Senior Scholars at Queens

Seelbinder Literary Arts Series: "North Putnam"
2025-03-25 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Ketner Auditorium, 1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC, 28274
The English & Writing Studies Department, in partnership with The Independent Picture House, is pleased to present Director Joel Fendelman and Producer James Chase Sanchez, who will share and discuss their film North Putnam. This documentary depicts a year in the life of a rural Indiana school district and the community it serves. Crafted with empathy, a hyper-real reporting lens, and skillfully lush cinematography, the film aims to reach across divides and to spark action-oriented conversations about the interdependence between public schools and community development.

International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil with Mark Kelso
2025-03-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil
SPEAKER: Mark Kelso, Professor, Political Science, International Studies & Sociology Department, Queens University
An overview of international efforts to enhance global environmental protection, with a focus on recent efforts to address climate change. Discussion of where these efforts have succeeded.
Discussion of key challenges that lie ahead.

BIOGRAPHY
Mark Kelso is Professor of Political Science at Queens University of Charlotte. His research interests focus on environmental policy and political leadership.
His most recent publication is “A Green Presidency? Barack Obama and the Environment” in Meena Bose and Paul Fritz, Evaluating the Obama Presidency (2024).
He has also published in Congress and the Presidency and Presidential Studies Quarterly. He is the 2017 winner of the Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Spring Expo: March 21
2025-03-21 09:00 - 10:00 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
Spring Expo!
March 21, 2025
9-10 am before speaker event
Exhibitors include:

The Connery on Providence – a newly built apartment community for seniors (55+)
McIntyre Elder Law Firm – information about asset protection, veteran benefits, Medicaid and wills.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Passion for Bach & Coltrane
2025-03-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts, 2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, 28207, United States
The Grammy Award winning Passion for Bach and Coltrane pairs Imani Winds, the poet A.B. Spellman, Harlem Quartet, and a jazz piano trio to synthesize classical and jazz styles, highlighting the gifts of all the performers onstage. Inspired by and featuring Spellman’s poetry, Passion interweaves orated poems with music, in a manner inspired by J.S. Bach’s Passion settings. Jeff Scott selected one masterwork by each composer — Bach’s Goldberg Variations and John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme — and used each as source material to construct a mosaic tapestry around the drama and imagery in Spellman’s text. Pensive, ethereal moments are punctuated by Bach, while the tone for moody, dark passages is set by Coltrane’s work. Winner of the 2024 Grammy for Best Classical Compendium Album.

Critical Thinking – A Quick Course
2025-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Only
TOPIC: Critical Thinking – A Quick Course
SPEAKER: Pierce Howard, Ph.D
Beginning with a definition of critical thinking–and in the spirit of critical thinking, Pierce will offer several definitions. What it is, and what it is not.
The core is questioning, so we will explore the world of asking questions that most support critical thinking. Then Pierce will identify obstacles to thinking critically, followed by qualities that foster critical thinking.
This all leads up to identifying System I (instincts) and System II (processes) mental functions, what Daniel Kahneman described in his Thinking, Fast and Slow (2013). We will close with a daily tool bag that includes five basic skills of critical thinking.
NOTE: This meeting is Zoom only. PUMC is closed on 3/14/2025.

BIOGRAPHY
Pierce J. Howard, PhD, was born in Kinston, North Carolina. Making his way through public schools, he learned to love reading, writing, mathematics, music, and nature. Four years at Davidson College stoked his passion for literature, music, philosophy, and psychology. Three years in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence Specialist molded his penchant for research and investigation. During graduate school at East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he changed his major from literature to educational psychology.
His first job was with the North Carolina Advancement School in Winston-Salem. Moving to Charlotte in 1977 to teach at West Charlotte, Pierce then co-founded LEAD (long E) Associates in 1979. Between arriving in Charlotte and retiring, Pierce also served as an adjunct professor at UNC–Charlotte, Pfeiffer University, and most recently the McColl School of Business at Queens University.
In 1986, along with his wife, Jane, he started a consulting company, now named Paradigm Personality Labs. Over 32 years, they offered training, team building, coaching, and personnel research to clients on six continents. In 1994, Pierce wrote and published The Owner’s Manual for the Brain, now in its 4th edition and published by William Morrow. He even appeared as a guest on “Oprah” in1995. Subsequently, he wrote more than 20 books. The Howards’ core service has been through several personality assessments that they developed: the WorkPlace Big Five Profile, the SchoolPlace Big Five Profile, the WorkPlace Values Profile, and the WorkPlace Performance 360. In 2018, Pierce retired as the Chief Innovations Officer at Paradigm, but in retirement, he’s now writing The Owner’s Manual for Critical Thinking.

Curriculum Committee Meeting - March 12
2025-03-12 13:15 - 14:00 | Zoom Registration Required
Curriculum Committee Meetings are open to Membership.
Join our monthly Curriculum Committee meetings, via Zoom, to hear about upcoming speakers/events or to suggest speakers you know (or have heard speak) and believe would be of interest to your fellow Senior Scholars.
These meetings are always held on the Zoom platform.

The Shadow of Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Adam Law
2025-03-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: The Shadow of Alzheimer’s Disease
SPEAKER: Dr. Adam Law, Visiting Scientist, Cornell University
This talk will explore Alzheimer’s Disease from a personal, professional and research perspective, as a physician who, in retirement, is participating in a laboratory investigating its molecular mechanisms.

BIOGRAPHY
Adam Law is a Londoner by birth and emigrated to the USA at the age of thirty-one. He moved to Ithaca 34 years ago and has lived in the same home in North East Ithaca where he and his wife Jane Marie raised 3 Ithacan children.
He trained in medicine and molecular medicine at the University of London. He was a post-doctoral researcher at UCSF and Cornell University in molecular biology and genetics. He was the only endocrinologist in Tompkins County for most of his 28 year career in medical practice in Ithaca and also was a primary care physician.
During this time when he was president of the medical staff at The Cayuga Medical Center, he was responsible for bringing medical students and residents to Ithaca from Weill Cornell, where he was a clinical assistant professor.
He has co-founded 2 non-profits. In 2010 Physicians, Scientists and Engineers for Healthy Energy (PSE) in his living room, currently board president and in 2021 Artists with Evidence (AwE), currently board treasurer.
He retired from clinical medicine in 2022. Currently, he is a visiting scientist in the Lis lab in the Biotechnology Center at Cornell University researching Alzheimer’s disease. His hobbies are learning the guitar, studying Brazilian Portuguese, running and cycling.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

How PBS Charlotte Shines the Spotlight on our Region with Amy Burkett
2025-02-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: How PBS Charlotte Shines the Spotlight on our Region
SPEAKER: Amy Burkett, PBS General Manager
Amy will share interesting statistics and behind the scenes production details woven in and out of video clips of local documentaries as well as our signature Emmy winning news magazine Carolina Impact.

BIOGRAPHY
Amy has been honored to lead the renaissance of PBS Charlotte since 2013. She’s grateful that over that time the station has seen over a 400% increase in community support. In addition to the wonderful national content the station has five weekly local shows the newest Unspun is a political program that helps you know what politicians are often thinking but not saying hosted by former Charlotte mayor and governor Pat McCrory. Amy has led the station for five Emmy awards during her time year brining her total to 11 Emmys during her more than 30 years in broadcasting. She’s published two leadership books.
The 7D’s to Your Destiny and The Dirty F-Word: Lessons From our Failures

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

America and Changing Economic World with Jay Bryson
2025-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: America and Changing Economic World
SPEAKER: Jay Bryson, Managing Director, Chief Economist, Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Bank
Dr. Bryson will present his annual analysis of financial markets and macroeconomic developments in the global economy.
He will also provide an outlook for the next two years including forecasts of GDP growth rates, inflation rates, and interest rates in the major economies of the world.

BIOGRAPHY
Details coming soon.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Medicare Fraud with Austin Caton
2025-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Medicare Fraud
SPEAKER: Austin Caton, Aging Program Coordinator, Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Austin is an Aging Program Coordinator for the Digital Navigation Program providing assistance with technology and training for older adults in our region.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

New Member Orientation - February 14
2025-02-14 09:00 - 09:30 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
All members old and new are invited to attend our New Member Orientation meeting in person.
Learn more about the organization including how to meet people, join events and how you can help the organization – the best way to meet new people!
In person meeting, in Room 106 in PUMC.
Click the RSVP button for an email to tell us you’re coming!

Curriculum Committee Meeting - February 12
2025-02-12 13:15 - 14:00 | Zoom Registration Required

2025 Homecoming & Reunion
2025-02-08, 2025-02-07 | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts, 2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, 28207, United States
Two Campus Traditions, One Royal Weekend
More Details: View Event Page »

The Future of US-China Relations with Keren Zhu
2025-02-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
GREAT DECISIONS TOPIC: The Future of US-China Relations
SPEAKER: Keren Zhu, Assistant Professor, Davidson College
U.S.-China relations have emerged as the most consequential dynamic in contemporary international relations, profoundly influencing global politics, economics, and security. This lecture will explore the evolution of U.S.-China relations since 1949, examine the key factors shaping the future of this relationship, and analyze how their competition extends to and impacts other regions.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Keren Zhu is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Davidson College. She teaches courses on Asia Pacific international relations, the rise of China, and policy analysis. Her research focuses on Chinese foreign policy, the Belt and Road Initiative, and global infrastructure development. She holds a B.A. from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, an M.Sc. from the University of Oxford, and a Ph.D. from the Pardee RAND Graduate School.
Dr. Zhu has published extensively on China’s global engagement and U.S.-China relations. She also co-hosts “The Belt and Road Podcast” and is currently working on a book about the global impact of Chinese infrastructure projects. Prior to Davidson, she held academic and research positions at the RAND Corporation, University of Southern California, Boston University Global Development Policy Center, and The New School India China Institute.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

What did you say? Communication, Problem-solving, and Intelligence in Birds with Jeffrey Thomas
2025-01-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: What did you say? Communication, Problem-solving, and Intelligence in Birds
SPEAKER: Jeffrey Thomas, Professor of Biology, Queens University of Charlotte
Birds, especially songbirds, say a lot. But what do we know about what they’re saying to each other? And how do they use their communication to negotiate interactions with each other, find food, and learn about their surroundings? Birds offer a rich and fascinating opportunity to explore and define animal intelligence and the complexity of communication systems.
From mockingbirds to ravens to vultures, birds show a remarkable breadth of intelligence, but research is beginning to shed light on the connections between vocal behavior and problem solving.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Jeffrey Thomas is a professor of biology and the director of general education at Queens University of Charlotte. His research and teaching examine the intersection of ecology and evolutionary processes on animal communication systems. He has also served on the board of Carolina Raptor Center.
In his spare time, he travels, cooks, and takes his dog for long walks.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

Distinguished Leaders in Action Lecture Series
2025-01-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Sykes Learning Center, 1926 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, 28274, United States
Featuring: Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer
Free Event: 6 pm to 7 pm
Sykes Learning Center, Ketner Auditorium
1928 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28274
More Details: Views Event Page

International Holocaust Remembrance 2025
2025-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts, 2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, 28207, United States
Starts: 7 pm
Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement
2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, NC 28207
More Details: View Event Page

What a Rush! A Brief History of Mining in North Carolina with Valerie Reynolds
2025-01-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: What a Rush! A Brief History of Mining in North Carolina
SPEAKER: Valerie Reynolds, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences UNC Charlotte
From the first gold discovered in the United States to the ultra-pure quartz fueling the semiconductor industry, mining has played an essential role in North Carolina’s economy for centuries. This presentation will provide a brief history of mining in North Carolina as well as the geologic conditions responsible for forming such valuable mineral deposits.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Reynolds earned her PhD from the University of Tennessee, then worked as a Research Assistant at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History for 2 years before beginning her teaching career. She taught at The University of the South (TN) and Colby College (ME) before arriving at UNC Charlotte in 2012. In addition to teaching, Dr. Reynolds is the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Geology and Earth & Environmental Sciences programs and is a faculty advisor for the student-led GEO club.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

How Music Impacts Society with Joe Kendrick
2025-01-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
TOPIC: Songs of Solidarity, Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope Amidst Struggle: A Brief Survey of the Impact of Music on the Radio for Social Movements
SPEAKER: Joe Kendrick, Director of Programming and Operations Manager, WNCW
An overview of songs, artists, genres and eras of music on radio that reflect and have impacted various social movements in America.

BIOGRAPHY
Public radio programmer, music host, writer, podcaster, college instructor, public speaker, event producer
My role is to envision and develop the sound and image of WNCW, create original programming and manage round the clock operations. I recruit, develop and manage our programming staff. Also I host and produce weekly music shows and a bi-weekly podcast, Southern Songs and Stories. I represent WNCW in person as well as virtually worldwide to donors and industry partners. Additionally, I am part of the team that produces the annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Tryon, NC.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

New Member Orientation - January 17
2025-01-17 09:00 - 09:45 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211

Concert: The Testament of Freedom
2025-01-12 15:00 - 16:30 | Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts, 2319 Wellesley Ave, Charlotte, 28207, United States
Free Event: 3 to 4:30 pm
Location: Sandra Levine Theatre
More Details: View Event Page

Behind the Curtain with Laura Little
2025-01-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Behind the Curtain
SPEAKER: Laura Little, Executive Producer, Laura Little Theatricals
Laura will speak about what it takes to put up a theatrical production at the community theatre and regional levels and the difference between Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway.
She’ll explain the difference between the roles of the artistic director, executive director, producer, and general manager.
You’ll hear the many ways producers find a show and the process used to determine the trajectory of taking it to Broadway and whether it should move on to a national tour.
And finally, the audition process. Possibly concluding with a mock audition.
NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

BIOGRAPHY
Laura Little – Executive Producer / Artistic Director of Laura Little Theatrical Productions
Laura Little produced All Is Calm off-Broadway as well as the PBS special of the same show. She co-producer the Tony Award winning Come From Away on Broadway, Toronto, London, Australia, and National Tour. Other Broadway credits include: co-producer of the five time Tony Award winning Peter and the Starcatcher and First Date starring Zachary Levi.
Current Broadway Production: Our Town starring Jim Parsons, Katie Holmes and Richard Thomas
Broadway investing partner: Tony Award winning Parade and Swept Away.
In Charlotte she produces cabarets at Middle C Jazz Club and in 2023, the Radio City Music Hal style show Need a Little Christmas.
Laura is the past Executive Director of Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre and Executive/Artistic Director of CYT Spokane and founder of LLL Talent Agency (now MAM).
Current:
Member the LIG Rotary Club of Charlotte-part of Charlotte Rotary Club.
Advisory Board for PBS Charlotte
Past:
Past President and member of Coeur d’Alene Sunrise Rotary
Past member of the Coeur d’Alene Noon Rotary
Past President and member of Idaho Public Television
Past Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Advisory Board
Awards:
She was honored to be a Soroptimist Woman of Distinction recipient in 2015
2020 Girls Scouts of America Women of Distinction Award

Curriculum Committee Meeting - January 8
2025-01-08 13:15 - 14:00 | Zoom Registration Required

Holiday Luncheon - December 4, 2024
2024-12-04 11:30 - 14:00 | Maggiano’s, 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Join your fellow members at our end of year luncheon filled with entertainment and a speaker.
Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Time: 11:30 am – 2 pm (serving starts at 12 noon)
Location: Maggiano’s Little Italy. 4400 Sharon Rd (Southpark). Maggiano’s Little Italy, Southpark
Price per Attendee: $50. Buy Tickets Here
You can “Buy Tickets” via the link here or at the weekly meetings beginning October 18.
Or you can also mail a check payable to Senior Scholars:
Senior Scholars at Queens; ATTN: Nancy Stancill; 1900 Selwyn Avenue MSC 1409; Charlotte, NC 28274.

Menu:
Family style serving at tables seating 10. Each table will receive all the following items:
• Appetizers: Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta and Stuffed Mushrooms
• Italian Tossed Salad
• Entrees: Chicken Marsala, Mom’s Meat Lasagna and Mushroom Ravioli
• Desserts: Gigi’s Butter Cake and Tiramisu
• Ciabatta Rolls
• Beverages: Coffee, Iced Tea, Water and Soft Drinks
• Alcoholic Beverages: May be purchased at bar in the luncheon

Speaker: Mark Washburn, former senior reporter and columnist for the Charlotte Observer; Topic: “Miracle on the Hudson: the reporter who covered the story looks back.” More info on Mark Washburn below.
Entertainment: Holiday music provided by Randy Broome on trombone and Pierce Howard on B flat and Piccolo trumpets.
Other Business: Introduction of 2025 Officers and Members of the Board of Directors
Mark Washburn is a semi-retired journalist who spent his career at newspapers in the South. At the Miami Herald, he rose to State Editor, responsible for coverage of Florida outside Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In 1999 he transferred to the Charlotte Observer, both owned by Knight Ridder Newspapers.
At the Charlotte Observer, he was a writer and columnist until his retirement in 2017. With Knight Ridder, he served on three teams that won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, for Hurricane Andrew in Miami, the 1997 Red River Flood in North Dakota and Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast. He also covered the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq and served on the bureau’s investigative team during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He also served two tours as a war correspondent in Iraq.
He lives in Davidson with his wife, Betsy
NOTE: The last day for online registration/payment is Monday November 25. Checks mailed to the Queens’ mailbox must be received by Friday November 22.

Earl Scruggs Center with Mary Beth Martin
2024-11-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby
SPEAKER: Mary Beth Martin, Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center, Shelby, NC
The Earl Scruggs Center combines the life story of legendary five-string banjo master and Cleveland County native, Earl Scruggs, with the unique and engaging story of the history and cultural traditions of the region in which Mr. Scruggs was born and raised. It was in the nearby Flint Hill community where Mr. Scruggs learned to play banjo and began the three-finger playing style that has come to be known around the world as “Scruggs Style.”
The Earl Scruggs Center explores Mr. Scruggs’ innovative career and the community that gave it shape while celebrating how he crossed musical boundaries and defined the voice of the banjo to the world. Mr. Scruggs embraced tradition while also adapting to the changing times and looking toward the future—themes which resonate throughout the Center. Engaging exhibits, special event space and rich programming provide a uniquely rich experience for visitors.
BIOGRAPHY
Mary Beth Martin has served as the Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, NC, since 2018. During her time at the Center, Mary Beth has established ongoing programming including Musical Explorations for local children, the Center Stage Concert Series, instrument camps, and K-12 educational opportunities with the Bluegrass Ambassadors. She has been instrumental in founding and producing the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, which has been nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Event of the Year Award.
She holds an M.B.A. from Gardner-Webb University and a B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina State University. She is a graduate of IMBA’s Leadership Bluegrass program and Leadership Cleveland County.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

MakerSpace Charlotte: Enabling & Celebrating Human Creativity with Steven Gray
2024-11-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: MakerSpace Charlotte: Enabling & Celebrating Human Creativity
SPEAKER: Steven Gray, Makerspace Board Member
This talk will present an overview of makerspaces as a means of providing affordable access to a wide variety tools, equipment and training to the general public both nationally and across the globe. In particular it will highlight MakerSpace Charlotte’s offerings and its impact on the local community and discuss how the space envisions it role going forward to support the arts, local non-profits, and lifelong learning in the Charlotte community and beyond.
NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

BIOGRAPHY
Steven Gray is a founder and the current executive director of MakerSpace Charlotte — a role which he has held for the past 7 years. During his tenure the organization has grown from 13 memberships and 800 sf of space to over 500 memberships and 33,000 sf.
Prior to helping establish MakerSpace Charlotte, he operated a small custom electronic design business for nearly two decades servicing clients ranging from fortune 500 companies to struggling artists and everything in between.
He also worked on Wall Street for 5 years between undergraduate and graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Curriculum Committee Meeting - November 13
2024-11-13 13:15 - 14:00 | Zoom Registration Required

An Untold Story of the US Involvement in Afghanistan...And Its Aftermath...A Personal Journey with George Forsythe
2024-11-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Hybrid: In-Person at PUMC & via Zoom, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
TOPIC: An Untold Story of the US Involvement in Afghanistan…And Its Aftermath…A Personal Journey
SPEAKER: George Forsythe, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (retired)
George will discuss the establishment of the National Military Academy of Afghanistan from 2003-2005…its strategic implications and lessons learned. George will also discuss how his translator and their family immigrated to the US and settled in the heartland and how they help resettle Afghan families after 2021.

NOTE: Attend in-person at PUMC, no registration required. Attend via Zoom, please register with the Zoom link above.

BIOGRAHPHY
GEORGE B. “BARNEY” FORSYTHE, Ph.D.
Brigadier General, U.S. Army (retired)
BG (ret) George B. Forsythe was born at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on November 13, 1948. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from United States Military Academy at West Point in 1970, and an M.A.C.T. degree in Social Psychology and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He spent thirty-five years on active duty in the United States Army, serving in command and staff positions before returning to West Point’s Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership in 1984 as an Academy Professor. In 1991 he was promoted to Professor of Psychology and Leadership, and in 1996 he was appointed Professor, USMA, and Vice Dean for Education, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. Upon retirement, he was advanced to Brigadier General.
While at West Point, General Forsythe supervised the core and electives courses in leadership, designed and taught in the Eisenhower Graduate Program in Leader Development, consulted on West Point’s Cadet Leader Development System, advised the LA Police Department and the Bangladesh Military Academy, and conducted several major leadership research projects as Director of the Center for Leadership and Organizations Research. In 2003, he led an international team that wrote the concept plan for the National Military Academy of Afghanistan
Following his retirement from the Army, General Forsythe was selected to be the Senior Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Westminster College in Missouri, and in February 2008, he was appointed Westminster’s 20th President. Under his leadership, the College designed and implemented the Westminster 2020 strategic plan, internationalized and diversified the campus community, expanded academic programs, integrated academics and student life around the Concept for Student Development, created and implemented a system for assessing student learning, modernized the campus infrastructure, and enhanced the College’s national reputation, with 95% of graduates in fulltime employment or graduate school within six months of graduation. General Forsythe retired as Westminster’s President in 2015, and he now serves as a faculty member with the Thayer Leadership Group at West Point, where he does corporate leadership training.
General Forsythe’s scholarly achievements comprise over forty publications and presentations on leadership and student development, post-secondary education, and assessment. He has received three awards for Best Paper by an Established Investigator from the Division on Education in the Professions of the American Educational Research Association. In 2011, General Forsythe was honored with the Missourian Award for outstanding contributions in the areas of business, civic leadership, and the arts. In 2015, he was named by Ingram’s Kansas City Business Magazine as 50 Missourians You Should Know. He is a Professor Emeritus at both West Point and Westminster College.
He and his wife, Jane, reside in Beaufort, South Carolina. Jane is a retired early childhood educator. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.

New Member Orientation - November 8
2024-11-08 09:00 - 09:45 | Providence United Methodist Church (PUMC) – Wolfe Hall, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28211
All members old and new are invited to attend our New Member Orientation meeting in person.
Learn more about the organization including how to meet people, join events and how you can help the organization – the best way to meet new people!
In person meeting is in Room 106 in PUMC.
Click the RSVP button for an email to tell us you’re coming!
