2026 Massey Awards honor service to Carolina

Six Carolina employees will receive the 2026 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Awards, one of the most prestigious distinctions for faculty and staff.

Established in 1980 by the late C. Knox Massey ’25, the awards recognize “unusual, meritorious or superior contributions” by University employees. The awards will be presented at a luncheon April 26.

“Carolina employees are at the heart of this institution — our success is made possible by their dedication, talent and commitment to excellence,” said Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “Each year, the Massey Awards provide an opportunity to recognize the many ways our outstanding employees strengthen the Carolina community. This year’s six recipients exemplify that impact through their hard work and service. We are proud to honor them and grateful for all they do to advance our mission of research, teaching and service to the people of North Carolina and beyond.”

The winners, selected through a campus-wide nomination process, each receive a $10,000 stipend and award citation.

This year’s recipients are:

Ioana Costant, director of International Student and Scholar Services, UNC Global Affairs

Since 2020, Costant has led the ISSS, which supports more than 4,000 scholars and students at Carolina. As director, she’s modernized the ISSS portal and created a J-1 playbook, sharing resources for hosting international scholars. Costant collaborated with campus partners to interpret fast-changing immigration laws, finding solutions and communicating with students and scholars in a timely manner. She’s worked at Carolina since 2015.

Rebecca Egbert, associate director of admissions and C-STEP program director

Egbert has helped more than 2,100 community college students transfer to Carolina through the transformational Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program. She was charged with launching the program in 2005, and since then has built statewide partnerships and created pathways for high-achieving students to attend Carolina. In her 29 years here, Egbert has also led University-wide initiatives to improve transfer student success and has mentored colleagues and students.

Tracy Harter, housekeeper, Facilities Services

Harter has worked at Carolina for nearly 20 years, creating a welcoming, home-like environment in Carolina’s residence halls. While maintaining clean, safe and comfortable living spaces, Harter has built meaningful relationships with students, offering encouragement and mentorship that help them excel personally and academically. She’s shown leadership during emergencies and has been an advocate for coworkers and the campus community, championing improved working conditions, equity and access to resources.

Lloyd Kramer, professor emeritus in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences’ history department and director emeritus of Carolina Public Humanities

Kramer spent four decades sharing the value of the humanities with Carolina students before recently retiring. His interests focused on modern European history and 19th-century France. During his two terms as director of CPH, he expanded its offerings to create a wide portfolio of activities and programming. Kramer held many roles at Carolina, including serving as interim chair of the faculty and chair of the history department, and received the University’s Thomas Jefferson Award in 2021.

Laurie Norman, director of alumni relations, UNC School of Education

Norman has built a career and life centered around the UNC-Chapel Hill community, dating to when she was a student. Not only did Norman enhance the School of Education’s Alumni Council, building meaningful and lasting connections, she was also a founding member of the Order of the Bell Tower. Her 35+ years at Carolina tell a story of support and connections, elevating colleagues and fostering professional growth while ensuring students feel connected after they leave Carolina.

Mark Wampole, systems specialist, Information Technology Services

A friendly face to all and true jack of all trades, Wampole provides high-level technical support for leadership in South Building and during Board of Trustees meetings and other high-visibility campus events. He routinely goes beyond his job description, troubleshooting complex issues, anticipating needs and engineering creative solutions that include home-built monitor stands and table toppers and cost-effective IT solutions. A Carolina employee for nearly 27 years, Wampole has an unwavering service-oriented mindset that keeps the University running behind the scenes.