From student to alumnus to University employee captures Zachary Tarlton’s trajectory at UNC Charlotte.
Currently, the office manager for the Department of Dance, Tarlton completed a bachelor’s degree in architecture and the Bachelor of Architecture before joining the University as a full-time employee, first with the School of Architecture.
“Beginning work here straight out of college was a challenge in that I had to overcome the perception of still being seen as a student,” said Tarlton. “But, the reward is that I’m still part of the campus community but in a different way than before. As a student, I was very involved in the College of Arts + Architecture – I went to concerts and art shows, and I performed in a production. Now, I can share with current students how I was involved and encourage them to participate and take advantage of all the college and University have to offer.”
Tarlton said his job in the Dance Department revolves around “assisting the chair and faculty members. I want them to have everything they need for their classes. Dance is a studio-based discipline, so part of my job is to ensure the studios are maintained and ready for use.”
A native of Charlotte, Tarlton is a pianist and part-time music director in his free time. He works with various local theater companies.
“I started playing the piano as a child – I couldn’t reach the pedals,” explained Tarlton. “In high school, I started playing for church and from there the theater.”
He has served as musical director for Theatre Charlotte’s productions of “Gypsy” and “Avenue Q,” the latter earned him a Metrolina Theatre Association award for outstanding musical direction/conducting. In addition, he was musical director for Matthews Playhouse’s “Westside Story,” and next year, he will be part of the “Addams Family” production by Theatre Charlotte.
“My life outside work is all theater, but I do enjoy traveling, usually to New York City for more theater. I work on about 10 shows a year, so I’m usually going from work to the theater, but I’ve yet to drive to the wrong one, so that’s been good,” Tarlton said. Completing home and craft projects also take up some of Tarlton’s free time – he’s built about half the furniture in his house and is busy with various renovations.
With only two years at the University, Tarlton continues to find ways to participate on campus. Last year, he served as the Giving Green champion for the College of Arts + Architecture, and he will do so again this fall.
“I think it’s important for everyone to be part of the campaign; there is value in building community in the place you work,” Tarlton noted. “As a recent graduate, I couldn’t support the campaign financially to the level of others, but Giving Green offered a chance to support a cause that was personal to me – the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (one of the 1,000-plus charities of the State Employees Combined Campaign). Plus, as champion, I get to interact with other people in the college and across the University – I enjoy meeting new people, especially because I may work with them in the future.”