As director of the University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE), Cathy Blat views her role as an advocate for student success.
“I have less contact with students than when I was with the Lee College of Engineering,” noted Blat, who undertook her current position in July 2011. “More of my duties are administrative. The center’s staff does the real work, but I have the opportunity to help put progress in place. I can advocate for resources that can have impact on and contribute to our students’ success.”
The UCAE, through its six programs, provides free services, programs, materials and academic support for students in order to retain and graduate them. The center is located in the Fretwell and Colvard buildings, and its programming is comprised of tutorial services, supplemental instruction, Building Educational Strengths and Talents, the Learning Lab, individual consultations and student success.
“More and more students see us as a resource, and they are coming in earlier to take advantage of our services rather than waiting until they are in trouble,” Blat stated. “All students need help at some point.”
Time management is an issue for many students. They are not used to juggling the demanding course load of college, and often, for the first time, they don’t have someone helping them to decide how to spend their time, explained Blat.
A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Blat first came to UNC Charlotte as an international student. She earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University. After graduation, she worked for a small microelectronics firm in the area.
In 1998, a position as a faculty associate/lecturer opened in the Lee College of Engineering, and Blat interviewed for the job. During her tenure at the college, she initiated the engineering freshman learning community and the Women in Science and Engineering Program.
She also has served on a number of University committees, including the Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee, the Expectations Development Team and the Student Success Working Group.
During her time in the city, Blat has witnessed a number of changes. “Charlotte was a small city when I arrived as a student. I rarely heard anyone speak Spanish, so when I was out and about and I heard someone, I would turn around and talk to them. Now, there is a sizeable Latino community. It is great to see Charlotte and the University becoming more international.”
Outside her duties as UCAE director, Blat is a student, too. She currently is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in curriculum and instruction. She decided to pursue a doctorate after her children were in college; her daughter Irene is completing a Ph.D. in biology at MIT, and son Daniel is studying international business at Appalachian State University.
Blat and her husband Enrique, a deputy engineer for the city of Concord, live in the Elizabeth/Myers Park area of Charlotte.