Kelly Dockham has worked for UNC-Chapel Hill in multiple roles, most recently as director of the Office of Federal Affairs.

What brought you to Carolina?

I had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles on Capitol Hill — working for two members of Congress — and later as a policy advisor to two former U.S. Senators, advocating on behalf of a wide range of clients. Along the way, I met my husband, a native of Davidson County, North Carolina, while we were both working in the U.S. House of Representatives — a classic D.C. story. But after spending a decade there, I was ready for a new chapter.

We realized we’d scratched that political itch in the fast-paced world of Washington and were both ready for a change in scenery and quality of life. In 2015, a position in state government brought my husband back home to North Carolina. Around the same time, I took a leap of faith and applied for a senior coordinator role in the UNC Office of Federal Affairs. I’ve been here ever since, and it’s truly been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.

How has your role here changed over the years?

In 2015, I joined Carolina as the senior coordinator in the federal affairs office and became director in 2018. Over the last decade, I’ve seen significant change, both within the university and across the federal government. This work is anything but routine. Each week brings new challenges and shifting priorities, and success depends on your ability to stay nimble, informed, and proactive.

Over the years, I’ve navigated many annual appropriations cycles, four presidential administrations, multiple rounds of redistricting, and major legislative efforts ranging from tax reform to student aid and research funding. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the central role of relationships. At its core, government relations is about trust, communication, and connection — both with policymakers and within the Carolina community.

Strong advocacy requires being both a skilled communicator and a thoughtful translator, understanding the needs of the institution to convey them in ways that resonate with congressional stakeholders. You can’t advocate effectively if you don’t know your campus, and you can’t translate policy if you don’t understand your audience.

What’s kept you at Carolina?

The deep sense of purpose I feel in the work I do and the people I get to do it with each day. UNC-Chapel Hill really is a special place that values public service, scholarship, and impact — and I see that reflected every day in the students, faculty, and staff I represent in Washington, D.C. It’s incredibly rewarding to help advance a mission that matters far beyond Carolina’s campus walls.

I’m also lucky to work alongside some truly special colleagues who are deeply committed to excellence and to making a difference. Over the years, I’ve built lifelong friendships and professional connections that have enriched both my career and my life in ways I never expected.

I’ve had the chance to grow here, too. I’m trusted to engage in national conversations about the future of higher education and research. Being part of a place that’s both rooted in tradition and constantly evolving keeps the work exciting. And of course, the Carolina blue skies, lively campus energy, and strong sense of community make it an easy place to stay!

What contribution are you most proud of?

There have been so many rewarding experiences over the years, but what stands out most right now is the work of the past several months. The pace and complexity of changes in federal policy and the regulatory landscape have required constant adaptation, creative problem-solving, and a steady hand. It pushed me in ways I hadn’t experienced before and proved to be one of the most meaningful stretches of my professional life.

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional group of university leaders and staff to respond swiftly and strategically to these challenges. Together, we’ve navigated uncertainty while remaining focused on advancing UNC-Chapel Hill’s federal priorities. That work has deepened my relationships across campus and reaffirmed just how critical it is to be both nimble and grounded in mission.

Looking back, I’m proud not only of what we accomplished, but also of how I’ve grown — adapting quickly, thinking strategically, and staying focused on what matters most during a period of real uncertainty and change.

What is a uniquely Carolina experience you’ve had?

That’s a tough one. There have been so many moments where I’ve truly felt lucky to be part of this campus community. I honestly pinch myself all the time. But one experience that stands out is escorting Carolina alumna and NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman onto the court at the Smith Center during a men’s basketball game in November 2019.

It was part of “NASA Day” at Carolina, and I had the privilege of joining my research colleagues in celebrating Zena’s incredible achievements. The energy in the arena was electric, and you could feel the collective pride and excitement radiating from the crowd. It was one of those goosebump moments — and a uniquely Carolina memory I’ll never forget.