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!

Congratulations to December 2025 Graduates

In December, the Watson College of Education celebrated the achievements of our most recent graduates!

Congratulations to December 2025 Graduates

Learning Beyond the Classroom

First-year students took their learning on the road in December, participating in Disney leadership workshops and exploring the Kennedy Space Center as part of a new interdisciplinary storytelling project.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Human Library Project Fosters Inquiry and Connection

WCE’s middle grades pre-service teachers are partnering with CFCI students on an inquiry mentorship experience that includes a Human Library project designed to spark curiosity, build understanding and inspire students.

Human Library Project Fosters Inquiry and Connection

WCE Introduces Interdisciplinary Child Life Course

WCE has introduced a new interdisciplinary Child Life course, open to students across campus, that prepares future professionals to support children and families through challenging health care and life experiences.

WCE Introduces Interdisciplinary Child Life Course

Leading with Joy

The Teaching with Joy Network is expanding from classrooms to school leaders, exploring how joy shapes school culture, strengthens connection and supports educators and students alike.

Leading with Joy

STEM Education and Engagement

STEM Education and Engagement brings together Watson College partnerships and programs to expand high-quality STEM learning opportunities for students and educators across the region and state.

STEM Education and Engagement

Kim Jamison Bridging Preparation and Practice Kimberly Jamison’s research at UNCW’s Watson College of Education explores how educational leaders are prepared, selected and supported — and how those connections shape long-term success in schools and districts. Kim Jamison Bridging Preparation and Practice

Denise Henning Selected to Serve on ACPA Leadership Council Denise Henning, director of UNCW’s Community College Collaborative, has been selected to serve on the ACPA Leadership Council, recognizing her decades-long commitment to advancing access to higher education. Denise Henning Selected to Serve on ACPA Leadership Council

New Report Guides Ethical AI Use in Esports Ray Pastore and Seth Jenny helped set new ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence in esports with the release of an international research report focused on fair play, player welfare and competitive integrity. New Report Guides Ethical AI Use in Esports

New DC Virgo Video Celebrates a Love of Learning

A new video showcases the legacy, partnerships and love of learning at D.C. Virgo.

New DC Virgo Video Celebrates a Love of Learning

MarineQuest A Legacy of Coastal Learning

For over 45 years, MarineQuest has immersed K-12 students in the rich marine ecosystems of coastal North Carolina to build leaders, inspire futures and fuel UNCW’s mission and solidify its place as the state’s coastal university.

MarineQuest A Legacy of Coastal Learning

Digital Safety Starts Early with Cyber-PARK Program

Guided by a singular mission to close the critical K-5th grade cybersecurity gap, a UNCW research team led by Ellie Ebrahimi developed Cyber-PARK, a browser-based cybersecurity platform that helps elementary-age students learn safe digital practices through interactive, age-appropriate simulations.

Digital Safety Starts Early with Cyber-PARK Program

Mini Grants Fuel STEM Learning Across the Region

STEM SENC has awarded mini-grants to 11 regional teachers to support innovative, student-centered STEM learning in K–12 classrooms.

Mini Grants Fuel STEM Learning Across the Region

Alumni Recognitions

Sophia Foster Recognized as NCCAT BTOY Finalist Sophia Foster, a UNCW alum and sixth grade teacher in Pender County, has been named a finalist for the 2026 NCCAT Burroughs Wellcome Fund Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. Sophia Foster Recognized as NCCAT BTOY Finalist

Erin L. Williamson ’25 As the current director of student involvement and leadership in the Department of Campus Life, Erin Williamson ’25 and her team are responsible for UNCWelcome, the Involvement Carnival and the annual Cornerstone Awards. Erin L. Williamson ’25

JJ Elliott ’25 As a first-generation college student majoring in English with a concentration in secondary education, JJ Elliott ’25 has embraced opportunities at UNCW to prepare for a career that blends teaching, advocacy and interdisciplinary communication. JJ Elliott ’25

Seahawks Win Esports Conference Championship

UNCW’s Esports Valorant team clinched their fourth conference title in two years and advance to national competition in spring 2026.

Seahawks Win Esports Conference Championship

Teaching Excellence Recognized

Stephanie Patterson ’25 was recognized for excellence in teaching at WCE’s Fall Partnership Celebration. Her partnership teacher praised her strong classroom presence and genuine love for teaching and children. Stephanie graduated in December with a degree in elementary education.

Teaching Excellence Recognized

Tanya Spurley ’25M received WCE’s Exemplary Intern Award for a Master of Arts in Teaching graduate intern. She was recognized for setting high expectations while providing caring support to help every student succeed. Tanya came to Watson after a successful career as a K9 officer in narcotics and patrol. She earned her MAT in Elementary Education in December.

Promise of Excellence in Teaching

Eric Vazquez-Garcia ’25 received the Grace M. Burton Promise of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching Award. He was recognized for creating a positive classroom environment and for a teaching philosophy grounded in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard and valued. He graduated in December with a degree in elementary education.

WCE Alumni Social

Watson College alumni joined Dean Linderholm and college leaders for an evening of connection and Seahawk pride on January 23. The group gathered for a pre-game social and cheered on the UNCW Women’s Basketball team together.

Dean Linderholm talks with college leaders

Disney Inspiration & Leadership

Students participated in a Disney Leadership Workshop on December 13 as part of a Learning Outside the Classroom experience. The workshop emphasized visionary leadership and encouraged students to reflect on imagination, purpose and impact.

Pizza & Partnerships

WCE’s Office of Partnerships and Engagement launched the Pizza & Partnerships series to highlight the work of Watson’s partnerships and centers. A January 14 session led by Denise Henning and Dean Heath featured an overview of the Community College Collaborative (UNCW/3C).

Spreading Joy

Denise Ousley-Exum, Robert Smith and Amber Colon visited James Sprunt Community College in January to talk with early career CTE Instructors about the Teaching with Joy initiative and ways to approach classroom management through the lens of joy.