News & Events

UNC Asheville's Adam Reagan wins statewide service award

October 29, 2010

Adam Reagan, already known in Asheville for his service work, has just gained statewide recognition. The UNC Staff Assembly, an elected body of representatives of the staff of the 17 UNC campuses and other sites, has given its first-ever Erskine Bowles Service Award to Adam Reagan of UNC Asheville's Information Technology Services department. Reagan was honored for "ability to overcome adversity, agility for life and his outstanding commitment to UNC Asheville, the Asheville community, the UNC system, and to mankind as a whole."

Reagan literally puts his body on the line, having travelled last summer to Washington, D.C. to donate bone marrow and help save the life of a stranger, while keeping up with his work via computer and video conferencing from the hospital. Reagan also is a regular blood platelet donor and is heavily involved in the Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's largest fundraising event.

Ironically, Reagan's running hobby almost cost him his life. Last spring, he fell unconscious during a 5K race and after a series of tests and consultations, was found to have a misrouted artery that can cause sudden death upon heavy exertion. Reagan considers himself extremely fortunate to be alive and able to resume full-time work and a more cautious exercise routine.

Reagan's professional contributions include key roles in the implementation of UNC Asheville's Web-based information systems and the upgrade of the UNC Staff Assembly Web site. He also serves as communications director of the UNC Staff Assembly.

Reagan also spearheaded a campus food drive that collected 750 pounds of food donations for MANNA FoodBank, and he has worked to collect food and shoes for earthquake victims in Haiti. In his "spare" time, Reagan teaches indoor cycling (spinning) classes and takes courses toward a master's degree – his second – in project management from Western Carolina University.

Reagan did pause from work long enough to accept this inaugural service award at a ceremony earlier this month. Presenting the award were UNC President Erskine Bowles, UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder and UNC Staff Assembly President Kelley Eaves-Boykin. "Adam is a humbling person," says Chris Miller, UNC Asheville health and safety officer who serves on the UNC Staff Assembly with Reagan. "Every time I'm around him, I find out something amazing that he's done."