Beginning the new year with student-centric leadership announcements

The William States Lee College of Engineering congratulates Courtney Smith-Orr on her appointment as assistant dean for student experiences and director of the Office of Student Development and Success, or OSDS. Smith-Orr replaces Cathy Blat, who will retire in February 2025.

Portrait of Cathy Blat
Cathy Blat, outgoing director of OSDS

Blat has served as assistant dean for student experiences and OSDS director since 2019. In total, she has over 25 years of experience in higher education academic support programs across the UNC Charlotte campus. In her time with the college, Blat initiated its Freshman Learning Community, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) UNC Charlotte Chapter, and co-led the implementation of the new student convocation for the university. Before beginning her current role, she was the Director of the University Center for Academic Excellence. Having earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees all at UNC Charlotte, Blat has studied and worked on campus for over three decades, becoming an experienced advocate of student success. 

“We appreciate Dr. Blat for her dedication to the students, both here in engineering and across campus,” said Rob Keynton, dean of the W. S. Lee College of Engineering. “In particular, I am grateful for how she has curated a strong set of programs for our students that will offer avenues for excellence for years to come. Congratulations to Dr. Blat on her retirement!”

Portrait of Courtney Smith-Orr
Courtney Smith-Orr, director of student development and success

Smith-Orr, a teaching associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at UNC Charlotte, began as assistant dean and OSDS director on January 1 and will overlap with Blat during the transition. In the new role, Smith-Orr will guide the vision of the engineering student support programs, including WE Engage! (Women Engineers Engage), MAPS (Maximizing Academic and Professional Success) and the college capstone, known as the senior design program. Earlier this academic year, in September 2024, the senior design program received significant financial support from industry partner, Eli Lilly and Company. Smith-Orr will continue to expand similar partnerships designed to support student success. 

Smith-Orr brings a deep dedication to engineering education and student success, most recently serving as director of recruiting for the college. In this administrative role, she designed and developed a recruitment strategy, hired a team and successfully increased engineering student enrollment in 2024. Smith-Orr also revitalized the student ambassador program during 2024, rebuilding this key group of engineering students who welcome visitors to campus during tour season and throughout the year. 

Smith-Orr holds a master’s in electrical engineering and a doctorate in engineering education.

Portrait of Regina Vrikkis
Regina Vrikkis, director of student recruitment

Regina Vrikkis, teaching associate professor of mechanical engineering, is welcomed to her new role leading the Office of Student Recruitment. As director of this group, she will continue to establish the college strategy for outreach to future Niner Engineers, including connecting with high schools and community colleges across North Carolina and select out of state areas. Vrikkis will serve a key role in opening the world of engineering to potential students considering higher education as their next step toward a professional career. 

With a UNC Charlotte master’s and doctorate in mechanical engineering, and years of research and teaching experience, Regina Vrikkis brings a strong background to the role and the team she will lead.

The William States Lee College of Engineering celebrates all three of these engineering and education professionals.