Welcome to the Watson Chronicle! Here, you'll find the latest updates, stories, and articles for the Watson College of Education. Stay connected. Explore our news below!
WCE's Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory Celebrates 40 Years
For four decades, UNCW’s Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory has helped thousands of future teachers gain hands-on classroom experience while inspiring young learners from the community.
WCE faculty and staff visited three community colleges this fall to promote new transfer pathways for future teachers and programs for aspiring community college leaders.
The Watson College is pleased to share a new collection of “It Begins with Teachers” videos featuring eight outstanding alumni and partnership teachers.
Watson Graduate Students Complete Internships in Ireland
Eleven Watson College graduate students gained international experience this fall through internships at Maynooth University in Ireland, a signature program that offers a global perspective on higher education leadership.
Each semester the Watson College hosts events for prospective students interested in a teaching career. Conferences, professional development events and educational programs are also held throughout the academic year. And, save the date for Homecoming 2026!
Kevin McClure Receives National Public Scholarship Award
UNCW’s Kevin McClure and research partners Jorge Burmicky and Wonsun Ryu have been recognized by ASHE for their national study on effective college presidential leadership.
UNCW teams placed first and third at the Florence SC Esports Festival in November, and Ray Pastore’s new research explores the growing field of collegiate esports.
Watson College senior Stephanie Patterson was awarded a Fall 2025 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship to support her during her student teaching internship semester.
MarineQuest Summer Enrichment Programs get kids outside so they can get their hands dirty and feet wet as they learn about the wonderful coastal environment where we live!
WCE’s Special Education program, UNCW’s Inclusive Futures Program, and NHCS’s Transition Program for Young Adults came together for an early Friendsgiving celebration at Wagoner Dining Hall — sharing food, laughter and gratitude for their successful semester of teaching and learning! Special education is not just a major at UNCW- we are a vibrant community with powerful and committed partners!
JOY on the Superintendent’s Tour
Denise Ousley and Robert Smith brought the JOY to NC Superintendent Mo Green’s regional tour stop in Jacksonville on Sept. 26—a community forum spotlighting North Carolina’s public school strategic plan.
Future Teacher Conference
More than 135 students from 16 schools visited the Watson College on Nov. 7 for our Future Teacher Conference! Each semester, this high-energy event gives high school and community college students a hands-on look at life at Watson and the exciting pathways into education.
UNCW/3C Hosts Aspiring Leaders Summit
Thirty-four educators attended an Aspiring Leaders’ Summit at Isothermal Community College in November. Aspiring Leaders is a signature event of UNCW/3C, held each semester on the campus of a partnering community college
Aquaponics in the Classroom
MarineQuest received $6,000 from the New Hanover County Farm Bureau to build an Aquaponics in the Classroom cart! In partnership with CESTEM, the team is also developing companion curriculum using Technology Loan Program tools to bring hands-on agricultural learning to local classrooms.
Research & Innovation Celebration
WCE faculty Nirmal Ghimire and Julia Lynch were honored at UNCW’s 2025 Research and Innovation Celebration for their standout scholarly contributions.
Students Present at NCCTM Conference
Future middle-grades math teachers Eben Guenthner and Ellie Howerton joined Shelby Morge at the NCCTM conference in Winston-Salem, where they showcased their poster, “E’s Modeling Linear Functions.”
Ed Lab 40th Anniversary
The Ed Lab turned 40—and celebrated in style! A birthday-themed Author Showcase spotlighted student readers and their Watson tutors. Students logged 5,000+ minutes of reading last month… and capped it off by silly-stringing the Ed Lab staff!
Isaac Bear’s 9th graders once again wowed with their Funky Junk Art Show—the creative finale to Mr. Bishop’s Honors Earth & Environmental Science project. Students transform recycled materials into artwork and craft short stories to showcase at this fun annual event.
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Virgo Legacy Day Celebration
On October 24, students at D.C. Virgo celebrated 60 years honoring their namesake, David Clarke Virgo, during the school’s first Legacy Day!
Virgo Legacy Day: Special Guests
Women from UNCW’s basketball team joined the celebration. They shared their stories and encouraged students to give their all, try new things, listen to their supporters, have fun and keep going, and always be kind.
Virgo Legacy Day: Student Celebration
During the morning meeting, members of UNCW Women’s Basketball team joined students to celebrate the traits of perseverance and forgiveness.
Virgo Legacy Day: Tree Planting Ceremony
A highlight of the day was a ceremony featuring the planting of a southern live oak in the field behind the school with the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees — a living tribute to David Clarke Virgo’s enduring influence.
Virgo Legacy Day: Alumni Speaker
Jackye Robbins, a member of the school’s inaugural 1965 class, spoke about David Clarke Virgo’s legacy — “a legacy that continues to shape lives, inspire futures and uplift our community.”
Virgo Legacy Day: Student Speaker
Trinity Bordeaux, an eighth-grade student representative, also spoke at the ceremony, where she read her report on David Clark Virgo’s life, legacy and service.
Virgo Legacy Day: Inspiring Words from Principal Glover
Virgo Principal Chris Glover brought D.C. Virgo’s legacy home to students, encouraging them to think about what they can do to make a difference in the lives of others.
Virgo Legacy Day: Community Service
In the afternoon, Virgo students completed community service projects at Dorothy B. Johnson Pre-K Center, DREAMS Center for Arts Education, and Warner Temple AME Zion Church.
Virgo Legacy Day: Community Service
For their community service project, Virgo fourth graders painted a “Hungry Caterpillar” walkway at Dorothy B. Johnson Pre-K Center.
