Two 2026 Spring Commencement speakers and one bell ringer chosen from nursing and social work programs
School of Nursing student Kennedy Carpenter and School of Social Work student Christina Olmstead will deliver addresses at UNC Charlotte’s 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies. Social work student Chase Minor will serve as a bell ringer.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Carpenter, a Levine Scholar, will speak at the May 8 undergraduate commencement for students in the College of Arts + Architecture, College of Computing and Informatics and College of Health and Human Services. Carpenter is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Health and Human Services.
During her four years, Carpenter excelled in the classroom while also rising to president of UNC Charlotte’s Nursing Association and serving as vice president of the Kappa Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She interned at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte and was a co-author on the research project, “Designing a Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group.”
One of her pivotal moments was a study abroad experience to South Africa where she studied the impacts of apartheid and the HIV/AIDS epidemic under the lens of healthcare. After graduation, Carpenter will work for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Olmstead will speak at the Graduate School ceremony May 9. Olmstead is earning a Master of Social Work from the College of Health and Human Services. She is the executive director of HealthQuest, a nonprofit pharmacy assisting uninsured residents in Monroe, NC.
Olmstead earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Radford University and worked for 14 years at Carolina Neuroservices, Columbia Management and Ballantyne Business Center.
She began her educational second act at Central Piedmont Community College, where she earned certificates in human services technology, case management and at‑risk youth before entering the Master of Social Work program at Charlotte.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Minor will perform the longstanding tradition of ringing the Charlotte “victory bell” at the May 8 undergraduate ceremony. She was chosen for the role in recognition of her leadership and exemplary 49er spirit within organizations, volunteerism and/or service to others.
Minor is graduating from the College of Health and Human Services with a Bachelor of Social Work. During her time at the University, she spent four years as a member of the Pride of Niner Nation marching band.