Distinguished Alumnus Award
Retired Colonel Carlos E. Berdecia is a distinguished United States Air Force veteran, having served honorably for 23.5 years as a C-17 pilot. Most recently serving as the Operations Group Commander at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. His commitment to excellence and leadership in aviation has left a lasting impact on the Air Force and the communities he served.
Col. Berdecia is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he earned his degree in Management and Marketing, graduating in 2001. Throughout his military career, he demonstrated exemplary skills in strategic airlift operations, flight safety, and mission planning, culminating in a reputation as a highly-skilled aviator and an adaptive leader.
During his tenure in the USAF, Col. Berdecia was deployed on numerous worldwide missions, providing critical airlift support during combat operations, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief. He held various leadership positions, mentoring the next generation of airmen and fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism.
His commitment to service extended beyond his time as an Air Force Officer; Col. Berdecia was actively involved in community outreach initiatives, helping to bridge the gap between the military and civilian communities, and advocating for veterans' issues.
After retiring, he continues to inspire others through his involvement with numerous Veteran non-profit organizations, leveraging his experience to make meaningful contributions wherever he goes. His legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to others remains a guiding light for those who follow in his footsteps.
Carlos is a pilot for United Airlines and resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his wife, Eva.
Outstanding Alumna Award
Christine Sides Fisher retired in 2019 from the S.C. Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) after serving as Executive Director for 20 years. Under her leadership, the program grew to serve 84 schools or districts and 171,000 students in her last year before her retirement in the 2018-19 academic year. In 1998, she was named the South Carolina Teacher of the year representing a total of 47,000 teachers in the Palmetto State and is the only music teacher to ever hold that honor. She is the recipient of the 2006 Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Governor's Award and in 2012 Winthrop University inducted her into their prestigious Medal of Honor in Arts Society.
Outstanding Alumna Award
Taley Hunt graduated from UNCP in 2018 with a degree in Communications and in 2020 with her MBA. She also served as Miss UNCP 2018 and is a member of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc. Taley worked in the UNCP office of Admissions as the Assistant and Senior Director of Undergraduate Admissions. She and her husband Jordon and daughter Reese live in Columbia South Carolina where she has launched an impressive career in the real estate industry. Currently, Taley serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Taley Hunt Home Group, where her innovative approach and dynamic leadership have led to remarkable advancements. Taley is a CEO, Founder, Real Estate Agent, Coach, Speaker and Toddler Mom. Taley Hunt embodies the spirit of the Young Alumna of the Year Award through her exemplary career, unwavering community service, and steadfast support of UNCP.
