Arianne Murray ‘20, a second-year advisor for UNCW at Jones Senior High School (NC) has been honored with the
College Advising Corps Equity Award for her commitment to providing a safe space for all students. She was honored at CAC’s Adviser Summit in San Diego in front of more than 800 advisors from across the country.
With 33 partners in 16 states, CAC helps create a college-going culture and supports workforce development in underserved communities nationwide. The UNCW College Advising Corps was launched in 2021 and provides six college advisors in surrounding communities.
More about the program“As a fierce advocate for all students, Arianne is the type of advisor who will lose sleep at night until she figures out how to problem solve a student's barrier,” stated UNCW program director Veronica Tapia in her nomination of Murray. “She insists on going the extra mile.”
Murray is credited for standing up for students feeling isolated and advocating for their preferred pronouns. She organized an LGBTQ+ training for staff and teachers to better understand how to work with students who identify as LGBTQ+.
“I was in complete shock,” said Murray of the honor. “Veronica kept it a very good secret. I am surprised (but thrilled) at being recognized on such a wide scale for doing my job which is being there for students.”
After growing up in Hawaii, Murray moved to Jacksonville, NC, graduating from Northside High School before attending and earning her bachelor’s in fine arts (concentration studio arts) from UNCW.
“We are proud to have Arianne representing UNCW in the Jones County and CAC communities,” said Dr. Lauren Franklin, UNCW director of admissions. “We thank her and all our advisors for the impact they make in our community—they are doing outstanding work.
