Do you know someone at The Dubois Center you think others should know too? Tell us! Email your People of Dubois suggestion to elisabeththornton@charlotte.edu.
Lily Gibson
Meet Lily Gibson from The Dubois Center.
How long have you worked at The Dubois Center?
2 years as of August!
Describe your role at The Dubois Center.
I serve as the Operations and Client Services Specialist at The Dubois Center, where no two days are ever the same! From supporting events and managing building operations to assisting visitors, coordinating parking and building access, and supervising our lobby receptionists, I help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. I also manage communications to our students, faculty, and staff, sharing important updates about building closures, delays, operational changes, and upcoming events. I enjoy connecting with people, solving problems, and helping create a welcoming experience for everyone who visits The Dubois Center. My goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors is greeted with a warm smile and leaves with a positive experience that makes them want to come back.
What’s your career background?
I graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Film. After graduation, I made the abrupt, but exciting, move to Tampa, Florida, where I served as the Information and Technology Management Assistant for the College of Business in the Information and Technology Management and Cybersecurity Department.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It may sound cliché, but honestly, it’s the people! I really love getting to know the staff, students, faculty, and even the visitors who come through our building. I like being someone people know they can come to when they have a question, need help figuring something out, or sometimes just want to stop by and chat. Even something as simple as helping someone find a room or fixing a problem they’ve been dealing with can make my day.
I also have to give a special shoutout to our Building Services and Facilities teams because they truly are some of my favorite people. They do SO much for our building and are always willing to help, no matter what we throw their way. If you see them around, say hello! They are some of the kindest, hardest-working people, and they genuinely make my days better.
Tell us your favorite memory from working at The Dubois Center?
I refuse to answer on the grounds that all of my favorite memories deserve equal recognition.
What couldn’t you do without on the job?
Sticky notes! I firmly believe they are one of the greatest office inventions of all time. My desk is covered in them, and somehow I always know exactly which one I’m looking for. It may look chaotic to everyone else, but there’s definitely a system to it! Organized chaos is still organized!
Tell us something surprising that people might not know about you.
I am obsessed with Star Wars and a huge comic book nerd.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I love to cook and host get-togethers at my house. Whether it’s decorating for every season and holiday or baking new desserts, I enjoy creating a warm and welcoming space where friends and family can hang out. Bringing people together and making them feel at home is one of my favorite things to do.
But when I’m not hosting, you can usually find me longboarding, attending music festivals, or exploring new brunch places with my husband.
What/who inspires you?
My mom, Susan. She has always been my biggest inspiration. She taught me the importance of kindness, determination, and believing in myself, and she’s always encouraged my brothers and me to follow our passions. No matter what life has thrown our way, she’s been our biggest supporter. I truly wouldn’t be the person I am today without her, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything she’s done for us.