Five Alumni Inducted Into CHHS Hall of Fame

On Thursday, March 26, the College of Health and Human Services inducted five distinguished alumni into its newly created Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements, leadership, and service of distinguished alumni who have graduated from CHHS or programs that are now included within CHHS.

This honor serves to highlight the enduring impact our graduates have made in their communities and chosen professions. By showcasing their accomplishments, the CHHS Hall of Fame aims to inspire current and future students, strengthen alumni engagement, and reinforce the college’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and community service.

The inaugural Hall of Fame cohort is as follows and represent each of the three schools within CHHS: the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work.

• Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN-BC, FNP-BC, FGSA, FAAN ‘96, ‘00M
• Mary Ellen Bonczek, DNP, RN, NEA-BC ‘23DNP
• Haley Kinne-Norris, MS, ADC ‘18, ‘21M
• Renee McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW ‘18, ‘19M
• Mark Scalf ‘80

“The CHHS Hall of Fame honors individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication to the public good reflect the very best of our college’s mission to enhance health and wellbeing for individuals and communities,” said College of Health and Human Services Dean Jack Watson. “We are recognizing CHHS alumni whose contributions have advanced the health and human service professions while strengthening the communities they serve. Their achievements reflect our dedication to preparing students who will lead with passion and make a difference in the world.”

Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN-BC, FNP-BC, FGSA, FAAN ‘96, ‘00M

Dr. Melissa Batchelor is an internationally recognized nurse scientist, educator, and policy leader whose career has transformed dementia care and advanced gerontological nursing practice. Her pioneering research developed three evidence-based handfeeding techniques - Over Hand, Under Hand, and Direct Hand - that were embedded in national clinical practice guidelines within five years, reframing feeding behaviors as meaningful communication rather than resistance. Through the Nurses Optimizing Supportive Handfeeding (NOSH) intervention, she created scalable tools transforming practice in nursing homes nationwide.

Her exceptional science communication includes AARP Caregiver videos (a 2020 Sharecare Awards finalists) and her podcast This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, ranking in the top 6% of YouTube channels with over 4.5 million views.

Mary Ellen Bonczek, DNP, RN, NEA-BC ‘23DNP 

Dr. Mary Ellen Bonczek is a retired chief nurse executive with 50 years of progressive nursing leadership experience. She most recently served for 20 years as system chief nurse executive for Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Throughout her distinguished career, she led adult critical care services, advanced evidence-based nursing practice to improve patient outcomes, and guided healthcare systems as an executive leader, consistently championing shared governance and elevating the voice of nurses.

A dedicated mentor and advocate for advancing nursing leadership, Bonczek contributes locally and nationally through speaking, publications, and professional development initiatives. She serves on UNCW’s Nurse Advocacy Board and Cape Fear Community College’s Foundation Board, supporting workforce development, educational advancement, and philanthropy.

Haley Kinne-Norris, MS, ADC ‘18, ‘21M

Haley Kinne-Norris is the Corporate Director of Life Enrichment & Wellness at Liberty Senior Living, supporting communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, and Louisiana. With more than 15 years of experience spanning youth development and older adult wellness, they bring a broad, innovative perspective to engagement programming.

In 2018, Kinne-Norris created the Liberty Games, an Olympic-style competition launched at Carolina Bay that has grown into an annual signature event. Now in its fifth year, the Liberty Games bring independent living residents across four states together to compete in activities such as table tennis, bocce, and swimming, strengthening community connection and celebrating vibrant living.

Renee McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW ‘18, ‘19M

Renee McLaughlin earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from UNC Wilmington. Her education at UNCW laid the foundation for her commitment to evidence‑based, trauma‑informed mental health care and her dedication to serving families across North Carolina.

McLaughlin began her career with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, where her passion for working with military populations first developed. She currently oversees treatment services for active-duty service members, veteran families, and the civilian population, continuing her commitment to those who serve. As the spouse of a retired United States Marine, McLaughlin brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.

Mark Scalf ‘80

Mark Scalf, the all-time baseball coach with the most wins at UNC Wilmington and in the CAA, retired after the 2019 season. After earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education from UNCW in 1980, Scalf began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UNC (1980–81) before serving as a full‑time assistant at UNC and later UNCW. After a year teaching and coaching multiple sports at Laney High School, he joined UNCW in 1984 as an assistant coach and lecturer under Head Coach Bobby Guthrie. Scalf was named head baseball coach in 1991. In addition to leading the baseball program, he taught physical education courses at UNCW for 20 years.

Scalf emphasized strong relationships with players, colleagues, and the community, and instilled a commitment to service within his program. Many facilities and budget advancements during his tenure were the direct result of his strategic planning and fundraising.

Visit uncw.edu/chhs-hof to read more about the Hall of Fame and its inductees.