Massey Awards

Established in 1980 by the late C. Knox Massey ’25 of Durham, the C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award recognizes “unusual, meritorious or superior contributions” by University employees. The winners, selected through a campus-wide nomination process, each receive a $10,000 stipend and an award citation.

2021 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award Winners

Eight Carolina employees received the 2021 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award, one of the most prestigious distinctions for faculty and staff. Given the exceptional year spent dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic, the University bestowed eight awards, rather than the usual six.

  • Shayna Hill

    Leading with her heart

    Former Employee Forum chair and Massey Award winner Shayna Hill has tirelessly advocated for University staff during a dark and difficult period.

  • Sibby Anderson-Thompkins

    Finding her calling

    Massey Award recipient Sibby Anderson-Thompkins is a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, from her days as a Carolina student throughout her career.

  • Teresa Golson was one of many Carolina housekeepers who kept public spaces clean and safe for others throughout the pandemic. The North Carolina Botanical Garden was one of few public spaces that allowed visitors for the last year and a half.

    Bloom where you’re planted

    Housekeeper Teresa Golson received a Massey Award for 22 years of service to the University and helping the North Carolina Botanical Garden stay clean and safe for visitors during the pandemic.

  • anessa Mitchell (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

    Nurturer of success

    Massey Award winner Vanessa Mitchell, computer support analyst at the UNC School of Social Work, is known for her high-quality work, self-improvement and helping others succeed.

  • James Holman

    Good work and good trouble

    Massey Award recipient James Holman has spent his career at Carolina advocating for his fellow employees.

  • Sandra Foxx smiling.

    A role model for us all

    The email looked suspicious, but when housekeeper Sandra Foxx finally opened it, she got the surprise of her life.

  • Dr. Mario Ciocca

    Always on call

    Sports Medicine Director Dr. Mario Ciocca, a 2021 Massey Award winner, helped keep student-athletes healthy, safe and competitive during the pandemic.

  • Kathy James

    Dedicated to helping

    Whether it’s driving through a snowstorm to rescue a stranded nurse visiting from Malawi or supporting world-class infectious disease faculty, 2021 Massey Award winner Kathy James is all about helping.

  • Photos of eight employees

    Carolina employees earn prestigious Massey Awards for outstanding service

    Given the exceptional year spent dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic, the University is bestowing eight awards.

2020 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award Winners

Six Carolina employees were selected to receive the 2020 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award, one of the most prestigious distinctions for faculty and staff. “Carolina is distinguished in the ways our teaching, research and service efforts benefit the people of our state,” Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz said. “This work is made possible by the contributions of our extraordinary colleagues, who are the recipients of this year’s Massey Awards. I am grateful for their service and their dedication to our community.”

2019 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award Winners

In recognition of their “unusual, meritorious or superior contributions,” six University employees received the 2019 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Awards. “These amazing colleagues who, through their dedicated work and commitment to excellence, continually up the pace of progress at the Carolina we cherish and love,” Guskiewicz said. “We thank them for their service to our University and our state. They are the soul of this most public of the public universities,” wrote Guskiewicz.

2018 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award Winners

Six employees at Carolina were selected by then-Chancellor Carol L. Folt to receive the 2018 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Awards, one of the most coveted distinctions earned by faculty and staff. “These amazing people, through their hard work and dedication, day in and day out, create the Carolina we love,” Folt said. “They are incredible community builders and we thank them for their service and commitment to excellence,” wrote Folt.