Kim Miles is the ‘genius of organization’

Years ago, at a faculty event, Kim Miles was introduced as the “genius of organization,” and the nickname stuck.

The description sums up Miles’ work as the student services manager in the classics department in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. Miles’ continuous desire to keep students and faculty in the department organized earned her the 2025 Massey Award. Nominators note that her positive effect and impact on students and faculty directly correlates with the success of the department and its work.

“The service of Kim’s that I find most incredible is her dedication to this department and this University. Her care for each student, each faculty member, the stories of Kim’s labor to this department could fill a novel,” said one nominator.

Three decades of dedication

Before she came to Carolina, Miles graduated from Alamance Community College and also worked there. In 1989, she became a clerical secretary at the UNC School of Social Work. She transferred to the classics department to work in their main office in 1992, then two years later she became the student services manager.

In her role, she assists undergraduate and graduate students in the department in tracking program requirements and addressing questions. Along with her administrative duties, Miles meets with students to see how they’re doing, checks that they are on track and asks how their senior honors thesis or exams are going.

“The undergraduate students I see on a more regular basis are the ones that hang out in the common room, which is directly across from my office,” said Miles. “I’ll see the students over there and get to know them better by seeing them so much.”

Although she doesn’t see them as much on campus, Miles works more closely with about 25 to 30 graduate students, from admission through graduation day. She knows every one of them and what is going on in their life.

“Running into her in the hallway or at the office copier is always an enjoyable part of the day, and she truly makes an effort to connect with each of us,” said one nominator. “Kim makes some of the absolute best baked goods. Nothing makes my day like a Kim email in the morning telling us that there are ‘goodies’ in the department common room. She also makes special deliveries of baked goods to graduate students’ offices before their exams (along with notes wishing us luck), which has made me feel incredibly cared for and supported at some of the most stressful times.”

Beyond her role as the heart of the classics department, Miles — the longest-serving member of the department — serves as the glue uniting Tar Heels past and present. A regular email she sends, “Kim’s Info Report,” demonstrates the enduring relationships she’s created for the last three decades. She invites department alumni to provide her with updates, shares kudos and other information.

“I hope students feel like it’s still home even when they aren’t here anymore,” said Miles. “Sometimes former students will email me about their new job or saying they had a baby, so I write all that down in an email to our faculty, so they can stay updated on students.”