the
motivation, it is unlikely that we will reach our full creative potential in a space," said Berka. Because of this, he encourages students to take ownership of their creative endeavors and root their projects in topics they are interested in and passionate about.
3. A REFRESHED 6
PERSPECTIVE "When I was a student, research was something so distant from me, because I thought I didn't enjoy doing it," said Berka. "It was something I contemplated not finishing my Ph.D. program over. I felt so fortunate to win the McColl School's Research Excellence award in 2021 because my work at Queens has allowed me to conduct research on topics that I thoroughly enjoy studying." Along with being recognized for research excellence, Berka has received awards for service and teaching excellence throughout his tenure at Queens.
4. PASSION TO TEACH "I moved to Charlotte for my first job and I had intentions of only living here for a year," Berka explained. He arrived at a crossroads when he felt settled in the city, but unsettled in his career. At his core, Berka knew he wanted to teach. It was his passion for teaching that drove him to enroll in a Ph.D. program at UNC Charlotte and he has remained in Charlotte ever since.
5. THE GIFT THAT Photo by: Amy Hart
KEEPS ON GIVING It was in that Ph.D. program that Berka was initially introduced to his wife, Heather. Now, Heather works as a leadership development consultant and executive coach but has guest lectured at
Queens several times. "She taught innovation in some of my creativity classes and has mentored different students," Berka said. "Since she works full-time in the industry that I teach students about, she really helps me ensure my curriculum is accurate and up-to-date." Berka shared that his wife gifted him with the painting and family photos that help make his office on campus feel more like home.
6. FINDING JOY IN FATHERHOOD For Berka, as much as he loves what he does professionally, no job can compare to his most important role as a father. His sons Townson (8) and Brooks (4) smile back at him from the framed photos on his desk and often visit campus in person to enjoy quality time with their dad made sweeter by their favorite treats — cookies and ice cream from the cafeteria.
—Morgan Williams
Rice Continues Leading Trough an Equitable Lens
QUEENS NAMES ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AND CHARLOTTE TALENT INITIATIVE DIRECTOR
LeAnna Rice has been named Queens University's assistant vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion and will lead the newly formed Charlotte Talent Initiative as its first director. Throughout her career, Rice has built strategic
frameworks across various college campuses to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering environments that champion wellness for students, faculty, and staff. Before her Queens journey began as the associate dean of students and Title IX coordinator, Rice served as director of a multicultural affairs program and a therapist within higher education. She conducted extensive work in mental health promotion and suicide prevention with a focus on improving outcomes for college students of color. Rice began her educational journey at Queens, and while she was unable to finish her studies as a Royal, she credits the university for deeply impacting the trajectory of her career. "Queens was the first place I was meaningfully
introduced to concepts such as 'equity' and 'inclusion.' I was encouraged to wrestle with what those words meant and charged to find intentional ways to apply them to my own life," Rice explained. In her new role, Rice's commitment to enhancing the vibrancy of the Queens community will remain. She will work to build a framework that ensures Queens is a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds.
—Morgan Williams Winter 2023 5
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