Leadership

Cynthia Demetriou, Ph.D., serves as the Associate Provost for Student Engagement, Enrollment, and Retention (SEER) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She oversees multifaceted programs, supports, and policies to support students from enrollment to degree completion. With numerous publications and presentations, she is a leader for student success research and practice. A recipient of a $3.3M ‘First in The World’ grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. Demetriou oversaw The Finish Line Project advancing degree completion for first-generation college students. Dr. Demetriou holds multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in Education, with a focus on Educational Psychology, Measurement and Evaluation, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and a B.A. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She teaches in the Higher Education program in the Watson College of Education and has an active research portfolio currently exploring student success, microaffirmations, and compassion. She started her career as a classroom teacher and believes in the power of education to transform lives. Please access her Google Scholar page here.

Email Dr. Demetriou

Amanda C. Fleming, M.B.A.  |  University Registrar
flemingac@uncw.edu

I have been a Seahawk since 2019 and have worked in a Registrar’s Office in higher education since 2002. It is rewarding to contribute to Seahawk student success through our primarily “behind-the-scenes" work.

Lauren Franklin, Ed.D.  |  Director of Admissions 
franklinl@uncw.edu 

Earning three degrees from UNCW, I feel fortunate to work for my alma mater, where I get to help hopeful future Seahawks and their families as they navigate college enrollment.

Fred Holding, M.S.  |  Director of the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid
holdingf@uncw.edu

I graduated from both the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central University. My 20+ years in higher education experience includes Residence Life, Student Accounts, Registration, Athletics, and Financial Aid. I’ve been a Seahawk since 2013, and my personal experiences as a first-generation student from a rural county and low socio-economic family fuel my passion around college access and affordability.

Bill Kawczynski  |  Director of the Office of Military Affairs
kawczynskib@uncw.edu

Interacting at all levels and meeting with our military-affiliated students to find out what their needs are and how we can best meet them is of utmost importance to me. By working with campus partners, I work to expand the level of support services our university provides military-affiliated students and work to increase academic program offerings for military members throughout North Carolina and the country.

Stefanie Norris, Ed.D.  |  Director of Transfer Partnerships
norriss@uncw.edu

In my 15+ years working in higher education, my experience has ranged between programming, leadership, supervision, student involvement, student employment, facilities, and orientation. Before joining SEER, I served as the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership in Campus Life, interim Executive Director of Campus Life, and interim Director of Transition Programs. Throughout my time at UNCW, I have made mentorship a part of my identity by serving as a to several staff and alumni. Now, as Director of Transfer Partnerships, I get to directly align my work with my passion for access and completion of higher education.

Shannon Pease, Ed.D.  |  Director of Student-Athlete Support Services, and Assistant Athletics Director
peases@uncw.edu

As a former collegiate student-athlete, I know firsthand the challenges student-athletes face daily. I am privileged to get the opportunity to work with student-athletes every day and assist them with navigating both their academic and athletic responsibilities. It is so rewarding to see their personal growth throughout their time as Seahawks.

Christine Pesetski, Ph.D.  |  Assistant Provost for Academic Advising, and Director of Center for Academic Advising
pesetskic@uncw.edu

Supporting students and ensuring their progression and degree attainment is my passion. I became a Seahawk in 2018, and continue to support students in their college transition, career discernment, and graduation.

Kyle Verbosh, Ph.D.  |  Director of Student Success Data and Research
verboshk@uncw.edu

I joined UNCW and the SEER Team in 2022. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues campus wide to advance student success.

DiAnna Washington, Ph.D.  |  Director of Undergraduate Retention and Student Success
washingtond@uncw.edu

I am a lifelong educator who has worked in higher education for over 20 years. Working with students to explore who they are, where they are going, and how they plan to achieve their goals is a wondrous journey.