Carolina alumnus Julia Sprunt Grumbles ’75 has received a 2013 Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service to the College of Arts and Sciences.
The award, established in 2010 by the Arts and Sciences Foundation, recognizes volunteers who have served the College with “exceptional vision and leadership.”
Grumbles was honored by Dean Karen Gil and Board Chair Vicki Craver at the Nov. 8 meeting of the Arts and Sciences Foundation Board of Directors for her “tireless dedication” and for “giving her time, talent and financial resources to advance the University.
Grumbles served as interim vice chancellor of university development from 2012 to 2013 while a search for a permanent director was under way. She provided leadership to one of the nation’s largest development operations while raising millions of dollars for students and faculty and future Tar Heels.
She was a trailblazer in the cable television industry, retiring in 2006 as a corporate vice president and the senior ranking woman at Turner Broadcasting Systems.
In addition to her time as interim vice chancellor for development, Grumbles has served as:
- A founder of the Carolina Women’s Leadership Council, which recognizes outstanding faculty, mentors promising students and brings together Tar Heel women with a common love for the University;
- A mentor to undergraduates in the College’ s minor in entrepreneurship by sharing her unique experience in business and development;
- A wise counsel to the Chancellor’s Innovation Circle, the Institute for the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board and the steering committee of the Carolina First fundraising campaign.
“Julia Sprunt Grumbles has strengthened the liberal arts at a time when private support has never been more critical,” Gil said.
