Suphronia J Cheek

Professional Background:

Suphronia has been working in the Anthropology department since April of 1974.

She has seen many changes in the University, the department, and the field. She is the Student Services Manager. Her responsibilities include processing graduate program applications, providing assistance to the undergraduate and graduate program director and the graduate program admissions director, to the undergraduate and graduate students and other visitors to the office.

She is a life long Chapel Hill resident and keeps busy with her large family and church activities.

April 22, 2004 marked Suphronia’s 30 year anniversary with the Department of Anthropology. To acknowledge this day and show our overwhelming gratitude, we threw her a surprise party. Because of everyone’s participation in keeping it hush-hush, it was the first time in history that Suphronia had no idea what was going on in the department.

December 15, 2004 Suphronia was awarded the Robert R. Cornwell Unsung Hero Award.   The nomination read:  Suphronia joined the Department of Anthropology April 22, 1974 as a Typist II making $5,736/year.  Thirty years later, she remains a mainstay to everyone in the department, and to those who have moved on, but still keep in contact.  Suphronia always puts others before herself and is always there to offer assistance accompanied by a smile, a hug, and a prayer.  All of her actions in every situation come from the heart and from her concern for everyone.  Many people have experienced her helpfulness and warmth, but few realize these instances aren’t rare or idiosyncratic – they are a part of her general nature.  Suphronia is very proud of her 2 daughters, 1 son, and 6 grandkids.  She is also very devoted to her church, The First Church of God (Main St., Carrboro).  She always makes sure to give back for what she has been blessed with over the years.  She is definitely an angel from heaven to us all!