Thursday, April 02, 2020

Mike Walker, associate vice chancellor and dean of students, and Jess Boersma, associate dean for student success, policy and undergraduate scholarship and director of applied learning, were honored for following Rotary's motto of “Service Above Self.” 

The Service Above Self Awards recognize law enforcement and community members for their service to the region. They are presented annually on behalf of the Wilmington Rotary Club by District Attorney Ben David. Walker and Boersma were given the awards at a ceremony in March at the Cape Fear County Club.   

Walker has been with UNCW since 2006 and is responsible for the management and leadership of the Office of the Dean of Students; Campus Recreation; the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement; and Campus Life. His office has helped facilitate work on the UNCW-Wilmington Alliance, community standards education for incoming freshmen and regional volunteer opportunities.

“Although I was honored to be named, the work is representative of the collective whole that is UNCW and the great staff I have the pleasure of working with in Student Affairs,” he said.

Boersma arrived at UNCW in 2007 after serving as a lecturer of Spanish at the University of Rochester. He holds a Ph.D. in Spanish from Emory University. Under his leadership, the Office of Applied Learning has directly supported nearly 3,000 UNCW students engaged in community research. Examples of applied learning projects supported by the office include “Crime and Community in the Cape Fear,” a course on the process of criminal prosecution and alternative measures for addressing crime; and a portable nutrition lab, which allows physical education and health majors to deliver nutrition and fitness lessons throughout the community.

-- Caroline Cropp

#SA
#CAS
#ENGAGEMENT

Photo Note: Pictured left to right are Jess Boersma, associate dean for student success, policy and undergraduate scholarship and director of applied learning; UNCW Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli; District Attorney Ben David; and Mike Walker, associate vice chancellor and dean of students. Photo courtesy of Samantha Dooies, assistant to the district attorney.