Luther H. Hodges, Jr. has been honored with the 2018 Charles Duncan McIver Award by UNC Greensboro. The award was presented to Hodges by Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. at the University Honors Ceremony on May 10 in the School of Music Recital Hall. An introduction to Hodges and his legacy of public service was given by Dr. Keith Gorman, Assistant Dean for the University Libraries’ Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives.
The McIver Award is one of two prestigious public service honors given by the University and demonstrates UNC Greensboro’s value to civic engagement. Launched in April 1983 by the University’s Board of Trustees, the award was established for recognition of North Carolinians who rendered unusually distinguished public service to the state or the nation. The bronze medal bears the likeness of McIver, the founding president of the institution that is now UNC Greensboro.
Hodges is a major supporter of the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, named for his mother. His generous contributions allow the department to pursue its mission of expanding its teaching scope and partnerships with scholars, institutions and the community. He also serves as a leader in the University Libraries’ efforts to broaden access to information and literacy.
A native of North Carolina, Hodges received a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1957 and a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. He also served as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Naval Reserves from 1957 until 1965.
From 1962 until 1977, Hodges served in various management positions at the North Carolina National Bank including Chairman of the Board from 1974 until 1977. In 1978, Hodges joined the Carter Administration as Undersecretary, Acting Secretary and the First Deputy Secretary of Commerce.
In 2011, Hodges received the William Richardson Davie Award in recognition of his dedication and service to UNC-Chapel Hill. Currently, Hodges chairs the Governor Morehead Forum Board, which serves to support the work of Preservation Greensboro.
In North Carolina, Hodges has served on multiple advisory boards at UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC Greensboro, including the University’s Excellence Foundation Board of Directors.