For Elizabeth Mullis, working at UNC Charlotte is akin to like mother, like daughter. As a child, Mullis grew up across the street from the University. Her mom, Martha Sanburg, works here, so the campus was her back yard.

“Some of the best times were when it snowed. The campus would be closed, but the students living in residence halls were here. We’d go over to campus and ice skate on the sidewalks or sled down the hills,” said Mullis. “It (the campus) has been a part of my life forever.”

Sanburg’s impending retirement from the University Center for Academic Excellence in April closes one chapter in Mullis’ UNC Charlotte association, but for now, she is focused on serving the campus as the Banner systems manager in the Office of the Registrar.

“As my job title states, I maintain the Banner system and the student module, which encompasses all undergraduate and graduate information,” said Mullis. “Banner’s functionality and the responsibilities of our office personnel touch everyone on campus.”

In managing Banner, Mullis is constantly reviewing the system and conducting needs assessments to determine if new procedures can be implemented. As a veteran employee of the Registrar’s Office for nearly 13 years, Mullis remembers the intensive training and preparations for the Banner implementation in 2006.

“In addition to getting Banner up and running, I was part of the data team to train other campus users,” said Mullis. “We really learned the system inside and out – about the validation tables and the logic behind the software, so we could teach others how to use it.”

Currently, Banner holds more than 25,000 active records of UNC Charlotte students with an even higher number of inactive records dating back to 1988; all other student files are on microfiche. Technology has enabled the Registrar’s Office to put more of its services online, but Mullis finds the most excitement in the occasional glitch inherent in all software applications. “I’m kind of a nerd, so I love the troubleshooting aspect of my job. Someone will say, ‘This didn’t work,’ so I get to deconstruct it and backward engineer it to resolve the issue. One of the challenges is helping others adjust to change and the anxiety involved in something new. Everyone I work with is great; they realize that Banner is a tool that can only accomplish so much.”

When not watching a computer screen, Mullis is a nature worshiper. She and husband Jason, who works for Sanborn Map Co., like to hike and observe wildlife. Mullis also is an avid reader who enjoys knitting, gardening and cooking simple recipes. The couple resides in Matthews with their children, Brandon, 13, and Helena, 16 months old.