Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer
ed building
img_30

Watson Chronicle

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!

${newsImageAlt}

New Video Celebrates the Teaching with Joy Network

A new video from the Watson College highlights the Teaching with Joy Network — a growing community of educators reimagining teaching, learning and leadership through the intentional practice of joy.

New Video Celebrates the Teaching with Joy Network
${newsImageAlt}

WCE introduces Onsite Literacy Classes at Virgo

Students from the UNCW Watson College of Education are gaining early experience in a real school setting through new on-site literacy classes at D.C. Virgo.

WCE introduces Onsite Literacy Classes at Virgo
${newsImageAlt}

Rethinking Early Childhood Leadership

UNCW’s Sara Movahedazarhouligh is studying how early childhood programs can work together to better support children and families. Her research explores “ecological leadership,” an approach to building a stronger network of support.

Rethinking Early Childhood Leadership
${newsImageAlt}

Educators Advance Seamless Transfer Pathways

UNCW’s Watson College hosted more than 90 higher education leaders for the 2026 UNCW/3C Challenging the Paradigm conference, focused on building seamless transfer pathways.

Educators Advance Seamless Transfer Pathways
${newsImageAlt}

UNCW, Cameron Art Museum Partner on Arts Integrated Water Curriculum

A new collaboration between UNCW, the Cameron Art Museum and music teachers is helping students explore aquatic ecosystems through creative, arts-integrated learning.

UNCW, Cameron Art Museum Partner on Arts Integrated Water Curriculum

Global Connections

Eleni Pappamihiel presenting workshops in Thailand Workshops in Thailand WCE Professor Eleni Pappamihiel, an English language specialist, was invited by the U.S. State Department to lead professional development workshops for English teachers in Thailand. Her sessions — covering topics from AI in language instruction to classroom assessment —drew more than 700 educators in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Hat Yai and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Fulbright Scholar Visit Thomas M’Tonga, Fulbright Scholar Visitor Thomas M’Tonga, a special education professor, disability rights advocate and UNICEF disability officer from Zambia, visited WCE in February through the Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund. Currently a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Minnesota, he presented on inclusive education leadership, met with faculty and staff about Fulbright opportunities, and connected with students in leadership studies, special education, TPYA and Inclusive Futures programs. Professor Amy Garrett Dikkers, who has co-hosted two cohorts of Fulbright TEA Fellows at UNCW, coordinated the visit.
Group of Visiting Scholars from Brazil Visiting Scholars from Brazil In March, the Watson College welcomed visiting scholars José Aires de Castro Filho and Juscileide Braga de Castro (Federal University of Ceará), and Dennys Leite Maia (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte) to campus. Longtime collaborators of associate professor Daisy Barreto, they shared educational technology research focused on AI, STEAM education, and teacher training developed through the “eSTEAMulAR” project, funded by Brazil’s National Council for Scientific and Technological Development.

Upcoming Events

The Watson College will host several engaging events this spring & summer, including a Future Teacher Conference, MarineQuest’s Coastal & Marine STEM Expo, and CESTEM’s annual PK–12 STEM Education Conference.

Upcoming Events

WCE Awards

${newsImageAlt} Dar Mayweather receives ACPA Emerging Professional Award Dar Mayweather, a lecturer in WCE’s Department of Educational Leadership, has received a 2026 Annuit Coeptis – Emerging Professional Award from ACPA. The national honor recognizes rising professionals making an impact in student affairs. Dar Mayweather receives ACPA Emerging Professional Award
${newsImageAlt} Erin Green receives National Award for Doctoral Dissertation Erin Green ’08M, ’24Ed.D. has received the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award from the National Association for School-University Partnerships. Her research highlights the critical role partnership teachers play in preparing future educators. Erin Green receives National Award for Doctoral Dissertation
${newsImageAlt} Nirmal Ghimire Receives Inaugural Tyndall Award Nirmal Ghimire has received the inaugural Robert E. Tyndall Professional Promise Award, honoring early-career faculty with strong potential in research and teaching. Nirmal Ghimire Receives Inaugural Tyndall Award
${newsImageAlt}

Keith, Barreto Join Inaugural AI Leadership Network

Professor Julian Keith and Associate Professor Daisyane Barreto will represent UNCW in the newly created CAA Academic Alliance AI Technologies Champion Network.

Keith, Barreto Join Inaugural AI Leadership Network

CESTEM STEM Competitions

${newsImageAlt} Regional Science and Engineering Fair UNCW’s Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair brought together 79 students to showcase innovative STEM projects, with winners advancing to state and national competition. Regional Science and Engineering Fair
${newsImageAlt} Wilmington Regional NC Science Olympiad Nearly 1,000 students competed in the 2026 Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad at UNCW, showcasing teamwork and STEM skills in hands-on events across campus. Wilmington Regional NC Science Olympiad
${newsImageAlt} Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition Middle and high school teams competed in UNCW’s Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition, navigating underwater robotics challenges inspired by real-world storm response scenarios. Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition
${newsImageAlt}

Megan Ennes ’06, ’11M receives NARST Early Career Research Award

UNCW alumna Megan Ennes ’06, ’11M has received the Early Career Research Award from the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, recognizing her contributions to science education research.

Megan Ennes ’06, ’11M receives NARST Early Career Research Award
${newsImageAlt}

Shelly Maloney Receives National Art Education Award

Shelly Maloney, an art teacher and student in WCE’s Art Education MAT program, has received the 2025 CSTAE Curriculum Award for her innovative lesson using digital media to explore social issues through art.

Shelly Maloney Receives National Art Education Award
${newsImageAlt}

UNCW Announces 2026 Alumni Association Distinguished Award Honorees

UNC Wilmington has announced the newest recipients of the Alumni Association Distinguished Awards, which honor graduates whose exceptional accomplishments, integrity and service have made a lasting impact on the university and broader community.

UNCW Announces 2026 Alumni Association Distinguished Award Honorees
${newsImageAlt}

CHHS Pre-Health Team Supports DC Virgo Students

The UNCW Pre-Health Programs and the CHHS iHEAL program are expanding opportunities for D.C. Virgo students through sports equipment donations, fundraising and invitations for eighth-grade students to attend the iHEAL summer camp in June.

CHHS Pre-Health Team Supports DC Virgo Students
WCE Highlights

Sharing a Love of Reading

Sammy C. Hawk and Lamont the Lion are teaming up to celebrate reading! A new mural at D.C. Virgo, designed by Watson College seniors Maddi Hilton and Kendra Sheets, will inspire young readers every day.

Maddi Hilton and Kendra Sheets paint the mural at D.C. Virgo

Inspirational Visit to SEA-Tech’s Sparklab

Dean Linderholm, WCE faculty and staff visited the SparkLab at SEA-Tech on Feb 6. The event – planned by SEA-Tech students – included a project showcase, tour, student panel discussion and discussions with SEA-Tech and SparkNC on possible future collaborations.

Dean Linderholm watches a student in the SEA-Tech SparkLab

Community College Roadshow

In March, Denise Henning, Sarah Bonner, Donyell Roseboro, Dean Heath, Dennis Kubasko and Denise Ousley visited Brunswick Community College to share pathways and programs for aspiring teachers and community college leaders. Sessions highlighted new transfer options, the STEP-IN pathway for future high school teachers, the “Meet Us in the Middle” route for middle grades and leadership certificate and degree programs.

Denise Henning, Sarah Bonner, Donyell Roseboro, Dean Heath, Dennis Kubasko and Denise Ousley

Program at Camp Johnson

Over spring break, Ray Pastore taught a course at Camp Johnson for Marine instructors as part of the Marine Instructor Certification Program, sponsored by the Department of Defense and UNCW’s Continuing and Professional Education.

Ray Pastore with the group from Camp Johnson

Aspiring Leaders Summit

Twenty-five educators attended an Aspiring Leaders’ Summit at Wayne Community College in March. Aspiring Leaders is a signature event of UNCW/3C, held each semester on the campus of a partnering community college.

Aspiring Leaders group

Read Across America

WCE Dean Tracy Linderholm, Associate Dean Heidi Higgins, Assistant Dean Somer Lewis and Vice Chancellor Miles Lackey represented UNCW at Alderson Elementary School’s Read Across America Day celebration, joining community guest readers to share the joy of reading with students.

Read Across America group shot

WCE Students Present at State Conference

Elementary Education majors Jess Arnn, Kessa Davey, Rachel McCarren-Fossum and Emma Burton joined Cara Ward at the NC Council for the Social Studies Conference in February, sharing poster presentations on using historical fiction to bring social studies to life in the classroom.

Students present at NCCSSC

Gamecon 2026

More than 500 students and community members took part in Gamecon 2026, a full day of gaming hosted by UNCW Esports. The event featured a C3 Rocket League tournament with teams from eight universities, plus open gaming, tabletop events and a cosplay contest.

Ray Pastore talks with GameCon attendees

WSL Welcome

Watson Student Leaders are passionate about the teaching profession. They serve as ambassadors at recruitment events, volunteer on campus and in the community, and host educational and social events for aspiring educators. On March 9, they welcomed students back from spring break with free energy drinks in the atrium.

Watson Student Leaders hand out energy drinks

Aloha Spirit in the Ed Lab

In March, the Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory held their semi-annual Author Showcase event, celebrating the stories and artwork published by K-6 tutees and Watson students!

Students do projects in the Education Lab during Author Showcase
Hattie Strong Scholarship Recipients

Tammy Brown '26

After more than two decades supporting students in public schools, Tammy Brown ’26 is preparing to lead her own classroom with the help of a spring 2026 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship.

Tammy Brown '26

Kristina Coons '26

Kristina Coons ’26 is pursuing a career in special education, supported by a spring 2026 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship.

Kristina Coons '26

Leah Davis '26

Leah Davis ’26 is preparing to enter the teaching profession with a strong foundation in classroom practice, supported by a spring 2026 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship.

Leah Davis '26

Maddi Hilton '26

Maddi Hilton ’26 is preparing to support students with learning differences through a career in special education, aided by a spring 2026 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship.

Maddi Hilton '26
Alumni Recognitions

Sophie Foster ’23, ’26M

Sophie Foster ’23, ’26M has been named the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Runner-Up. Sophie teaches sixth grade English Language Arts at Burgaw Middle School. She will graduate with a Master of Arts in Teaching in middle grades education in May.

Sophie Foster

Maggie West ’24, ’25M

Maggie West ’24, ’25M has been named Rookie of the Year at North Brunswick High School. She earned a BA in biology from UNCW and an MAT in secondary education from the Watson College of Education and now teaches biology at North Brunswick High.

Maggie West

Emma Hensley ’24

Emma Hensley ’24 was named Beginning Teacher of the Year at Penderlea School in Pender County. She earned a degree in elementary education from UNCW’s Watson College and now teaches 6th grade.

Emma Hensley

Olivia Flowers ’23, ’25M

Olivia Flowers ’23, ’25M has been named Beginning Teacher of the Year at Topsail High School. She earned a BA in English with a double minor in psychology and theatre from UNCW, and an MAT in secondary education from the Watson College of Education and now teaches high school English.

Olivia Flowers

Brooke Domanus ’25

Brooke Domanus ’25 has been named Beginning Teacher of the Year at Lincoln Heights Montessori School in Charlotte where she is an elementary school teacher.

Brooke Domanus
UNCW Watson College of Education

 

View this profile on Instagram

Watson College of Education (@uncwwatson) • Instagram photos and videos

 

Academic News

UNCW Business, Education Advance in 2026 Rankings READ MORE
Tommy Steele ’27M READ MORE
Rachel Smith ’26M READ MORE
Explore More Watson News

Looking for past editions of the Watson Chronicle? Look no further! Check out the Watson Chronicle from September 2013- March 2023 in our library archives.