S.L. Ivey, Graduate student and History Department Graduate Teaching Assistant is selected the 2024 Golden Niner.

Graduate student and History Department Graduate Teaching Assistant S.L. Ivey is Charlotte’s 2024 Golden Niner. He was selected from the prestigious Niner 9 and is the fourth student to be named in this young annual tradition. 

S.L. Ivey credits the second Charlotte Golden Niner, Raquan Leary ‘22 for sparking his interests to apply to Niner 9 and to overcome personal challenges of long-term substance abuse. Ivey says that he was a two-time college dropout trying to find the courage to return for a third attempt at earning a bachelor’s degree after rehab when he read Leary’s Golden Niner encouraging statement; “Manifest your goals and understand that the sky is not the limit.” “Nothing is impossible.” “If you work at your goals, you’re going to get it, but nothing you want in life is going to be easy. Obstacles are not stop signs; they are speed bumps. They may slow you down, but they won’t stop you unless you allow them to.”

Ivey claims Leary’s words inspired him to return to UNC Charlotte in his mid-40s to finish his degree. Ivey, a first-generation college graduate, earned a BA in political science in December 2023. He has been sober for 2.5 years and is pursuing a Master of Arts in history and an MPA with a nonprofit management specialization. 

As a graduate teaching assistant for Dr. Andre’s Post 1865 undergraduate American History course, Ivey feels very connected to the university and responsible to incoming niners. Ivey, the vice president of the Graduate History Association and a proud Aux Guide, has starred in several Auxiliary Services student-center campus videos promoting student activities and services.