Star Heel Award, Pharmacology, Janeice Burnette
(reprinted from the Daily Tar Heel)
Twenty years ago Janeice Burnette returned to her native North Carolina from sunny California, and hasn’t looked back. Since her return, she has worked at UNC in many capacities and is now being recognized for the hard work and dedication it takes to become a Star Heel.
After starting in the School of Dentistry as a dental assistant, Burnette changed roles and moved into an administrative role within the school, where she found her niche. “I like to be challenged,” Burnette said, and she soon discovered that an administrative role is ever-changing.
From dentistry, Burnette moved to the School of Public Health. During this phase of her career, she also returned to school, taking evening and weekend courses in business management.
She continued to develop her skills while working in increasingly demanding administrative roles in dennatology and the Center for Alcohol Studies. Burnette was employed at the center for 10 years, and increasingly took on more duties and responsibilities. “I wanted to increase my focus in Human Resources and have a more expanded role in that field,” Burnette explained.
In March 2005, Burnette accepted a position in pharmacology. She clearly relishes the role, “I am now working with international school, graduate and undergraduate students, as well as faculty and staff, and, though the responsibility has increased, I enjoy what I do,” she said.
“Hiring Mrs. Burnette is one of the best hiring decisions of my career,” said Christopher Turner, administrative director for the department, in the award nomination.
Burnette’s goal is to one day move into a management role at Carolina. With her proven dedication and determination, this should be a goal that is within her reach.