Tonya Bates ’97, ’01 M.S. receives 2026 Amazing ACE Award

October 14, 2026
Categories: Awards, Biological Sciences, College News
Tonya Bates wears a green blazer and stands in front of a backdrop featuring the Charlotte Alumni Association logo, holding an award plaque that reads “The Amazing Ace Award” presented to Tonya Bates '97, '01 in 2026.

Tonya Bates ’97, ’01 M.S. has been honored with the 2026 Amazing ACE Award by the 49er Alumni Campus Employees (ACE) Network for her outstanding service to UNC Charlotte as an alumna and faculty member.

Bates, a three-time UNC Charlotte alumna and first-generation college graduate, is an associate teaching professor in biological sciences whose work centers on student success and evidence-based teaching. She has previously earned major University honors, including the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and the Award for Teaching Excellence in 2020. Bates currently co-directs the Klein College of Science Educational Innovation Center.

Her own first-generation journey informs her student-centered approach, shaped by mentors who sparked her passion for microbiology. Bates holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology and a master’s degree in biology from UNC Charlotte, as well as a Ph.D. in education sciences from the University of Kentucky.

“Our ACE honorees represent the very best of UNC Charlotte,” Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said. “They bring their talent, their dedication and their Niner spirit to work every day, and our campus is stronger because of them. Their commitment to serving students and supporting colleagues shows what it means to choose Charlotte.”

The Amazing ACE Award recognizes individuals who embody the heart of UNC Charlotte — those who live out the University’s vision, demonstrate steadfast loyalty to their teams and communities, and radiate Niner Nation pride in all they do, both on and off campus.

Bates received the award at an appreciation luncheon held Monday, Sept. 28, during Niner Nation Week. In addition to the Amazing ACE Award, Shannon Homesley ’15 M.A. and Suzanne Voigt ’24 received ACE Milestone Awards, and Levi Truong, a junior majoring in accounting and management information systems, received the 49er ACE Scholarship.

Tonya Bates in the Klein College of Science speaks at a podium during the ACE awards ceremony at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Bates accepts the Amazing ACE award
Three 2026 ACE winners, Shannon Homesley, Suzanne Voigt, Tonya Bates, smile while wearing green clothings and holding up pickaxe hand signs.
Homesley, Voigt and Bates
Sejal Foxx and Tonya Bates stand together in front of a University of North Carolina Charlotte backdrop, jointly holding an award plaque.
Sejal Foxx presents the award to Bates

About the 49er ACE Network  

The 49er ACE Network includes UNC Charlotte alumni who serve the University as faculty and staff members. Its purpose is to create a platform for alumni employees to engage, volunteer and grow professionally. Its mission is to encourage participation and the 49er spirit in alumni employees of all ages, divisions and professions.