Stephanie Patterson '25
Watson College senior Stephanie Patterson was awarded a Fall 2025 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship to support her during her student teaching...
Watson College of Education News
Welcome to our News Page! Here, you'll find the latest updates, stories, and articles for the Watson College of Education. Stay connected, explore our news below.
Recent Posts
UNCW Advances in Esports Competition and Research
UNCW teams placed first and third at the Florence SC Esports Festival in November, and Ray Pastore’s new research explores the growing field...
Regan DeSutter '25M
MAT student Regan DeSutter was awarded a Fall 2025 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence and commitment to teaching.
MarineQuest Summer 2026 Registration is Open
MarineQuest Summer Enrichment Programs get kids outside so they can get their hands dirty and feet wet as they learn about the wonderful...
Watson Hosts Research Speaks Conference
On October 30, the Research Speaks Conference successfully celebrated innovative and diverse research across the Watson College of Education.
Upcoming Events
Each semester the Watson College hosts events for prospective students interested in a teaching career. Conferences, professional development...
WCE Introduces Community College Roadshow
WCE faculty and staff visited three community colleges this fall to promote new transfer pathways for future teachers and programs for aspiring...
Julia Lynch Conducts Research to Advance Rural Literacy
Dr. Julia Lynch is conducting innovative research on culturally sustaining, community-rooted literacy practices that empower teachers and students...
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...
Nirmal Ghimire Advances Teacher Education with AI
WCE’s Dr. Nirmal Ghimire is using artificial intelligence and machine learning to uncover new insights that can be used to improve teacher...
Michele Parker Receives Inaugural Research Award
Michele Parker, professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, has received the Watson College of Education’s Inaugural Research...
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...
New IBWT Videos Celebrate Inspiring Teachers
The Watson College is pleased to share a new collection of “It Begins with Teachers” videos featuring eight outstanding alumni and...
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...
Gift Expands MarineQuest Programs for Local Students
UNCW MarineQuest has received a generous gift from Michael and Barbara Barton to expand hands-on marine science programs for K–12 students.
Program Piloted by UNCW, ECU Receives UNC System Award
An innovative, interdisciplinary, intercollegiate research training program spearheaded by UNCW has received an Undergraduate Research Program Award.
D.C. Virgo Celebrates 60 Years of Legacy
Students at D.C. Virgo celebrated 60 years honoring their namesake, David Clarke Virgo, during the school’s first Legacy Day!
Research Speaks Conference - October 30
Join UNCW’s Watson College of Education for the 2025 Research Speaks Conference, a celebration of the innovative research taking place across...
Research and Innovation Celebrates Excellence at Annual Reception
Research and Innovation Celebrates Excellence at Annual Reception
WCE Offers New Residency Programs
UNCW’s Watson College has introduced new certificate programs for Middle Grades and Special Education residency teachers seeking NC licensure.
New Certificate in AI and Emerging Tech
UNCW’s Watson College has launched a 12-credit online graduate certificate to help professionals harness AI and other disruptive technologies...
Lessons Learned New Music Education Publication
A new book, “Lessons Learned” features lesson plans written by the first cohort of students in UNCW’s Graduate Certificate in...
Ray Pastore Awarded Grant for Esports AI Ethics Project
UNCW’s Ray Pastore and SRU’s Seth Jenny have received a grant to develop global AI ethics guidelines for esports.
Welcome to New Faculty
The Watson College is pleased to introduce nine new faculty members. Please join us in welcoming Julie Bacak, Patti Brooks, Travis Howard, Megan...
UNCW Introduces Inclusive Futures Program
This fall, UNCW welcomed five students to the first cohort of the Inclusive Futures Program, a two-year, non-degree undergraduate program for...
Upcoming Events
Each semester the Watson College hosts Preview Day and Future Teacher events for prospective students interested in a teaching career. Conferences,...
TWJN Spreads the Joy
Through the Teaching with Joy Network, local educators are discovering how bringing joy into classrooms strengthens connections, inspires students,...
New WCE Leadership Team
The Watson College has a new leadership team! We’re pleased to introduce Associate Deans Heidi Higgins and Symphony Oxendine, Assistant Dean...
Message from the Dean
We are pleased to share a personal message from Watson College Dean Tracy Linderholm about the work of the college and her outlook for the 2025-26...
UNCW Continues Strong Performance in U.S. News Rankings
Once again, UNCW has earned accolades in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings.
UNCW Student Enrollment Surges Near 19,900
UNCW shattered enrollment records, welcoming 19,895 students this fall — a 5.6% jump from last year, according to preliminary data from the...
UNCW Dedicates Sayed Hall Following Historic Gift
UNCW’s Education Building has a new name — Sayed Hall. University officials named the building in honor of Dr. Yousry Sayed and his...
UNCW Monitoring Tropical Storm Chantal July 5
UNCW is closely monitoring tropical weather conditions affecting southeastern North Carolina through Sunday, July 6, 2025.
UNCW Names Robert T. Burrus Jr. Interim Provost and VC for Academic Affairs
Robert T. Burrus Jr., dean of the UNCW Cameron School of Business, has been named interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, the...
Christine Liao Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
Christine Liao, professor of Art Education at UNCW’s Watson College of Education, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award...
D.C. Virgo Welcomes New Principal
Chris Glover has been appointed Principal at D.C. Virgo. Dr. Glover most recently served as Principal of Fort Hill Community School in Virginia. He...
Planting Seeds for Success
Watson College of Education’s Ability Garden is helping students grow their confidence and independence, creating a community of empowerment...
The Sayeds’ Legacy of Generosity
The Sayeds committed $25 million to UNCW to support healthcare initiatives and teacher recruitment, the largest philanthropic commitment in...
Winebrake Appointed President of Coastal Carolina University
Dr. James J. Winebrake, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, has accepted the position of President at Coastal Carolina University. He...
STEP-IN Partnership Creates Pathway for Teachers
UNCW is pleased to announce a partnership with six North Carolina Community Colleges that provides a pathway for students in rural areas to pursue...
Sophia Foster
Sophia Foster is Pender County Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year. Ms. Foster is enrolled in WCE’s MAT program. She teaches at...
D.C. Virgo's Positivity Project
The Positivity Project is making an impact at D.C. Virgo! We are pleased to share a story written by fifth grade teacher Colette Fraley that shows...
Ashton Allgood-Batten ’11M
Ashton Allgood-Batten ’11M has received the North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (SMT) Center’s 2025...
Dr. Jeffrey Ertzberger
Jeff Ertzberger, WCE’s Director of Technology, retired from UNCW in April following a 32-year career in education, including 23 years at...
Bethany Meighen ’15 Ed.D.
Bethany Meighen ’15 Ed.D. has been selected to serve as the 13th President at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. She will begin her...
WCE Alums Named NHCS Educators of the Year
Desiree Traylor ’14 is New Hanover County Schools’ Elementary Educator of the Year, Benjamin Lord ’22M is Middle School and...
Dr. Hengameh Kermani
Hengameh Kermani joined the faculty at UNCW in 1995, and has served as coordinator of WCE’s Education of Young Children program for nearly...
Shelby Morge Receives BOT Teaching Excellence Award
Shelby Morge has received the 2025 Board of Trustees Teaching Excellence Award, the most prestigious award conferred at UNCW.
Congratulations to May Graduates
In May, the Watson College of Education celebrated the achievements of our most recent graduates!
Dr. Robert Smith
Robert Smith will retire in June after a 34-year career at UNCW. At a celebration event in April, faculty announced the Dr. Robert Smith...
UNCW's Ed.D. in Higher Education Ranked 23rd Nationally
UNCW’s Doctorate in Educational Leadership has been ranked 23rd in the nation on a 2025 list of the best Ed.D. programs in Higher Education...
Maggie West '24
Maggie West graduated from UNCW in May 2024 with a BA in Biology and is currently pursuing her MAT in Secondary Education from the Watson College....
Upcoming Events
Join us for the Teach and Lead Conference on June 11 and CESTEM’s PK-12 STEM Education Conference on June 24. And, Save the Date for our next...
Kevin McClure Authors Book on Higher Education
A new book by Kevin McClure titled “The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation” will...
WCE Celebrates Master Teachers
Members of the 2022-2025 cohort of PDS Master Teachers were recognized at the PDS Partnership Teacher Celebration on May 1.
Dennis Kubasko Receives Outstanding Science Leadership Award
Dennis Kubasko has received the 2025 NCSLA Herman and Emma Gatling Award for Outstanding Science Education Leadership in North Carolina.
Denise Ousley-Exum Named WCE's Murphy Distinguished Scholar
Denise Ousley-Exum has been appointed as the Murphy Distinguished Scholar in the Watson College of Education.
Sheri Conklin Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
Sheri Conklin is the WCE recipient of the 2025 Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Conklin is an associate professor of...
STEM SENC Receives Corning Grant
Tiffany Lindstrom, Corning senior product engineer, has received a $1,000 Corning Employee Vibrant Community Grant for STEM SENC. The check was...
Michelle Hafey Receives Distinguished Service Award
Michelle Hafey has received the NC Science Olympiad’s Dr. Jason Painter Distinguished Service Award. The award honors individuals who have...
Daisy Barreto Receives Online Teaching Award
Daisy Barreto has received UNCW’s Excellence in Online Education Award. Dr. Barreto is an associate professor and coordinator of WCE’s...
UNCW Celebrates Faculty Awards Ceremony
UNCW Celebrates Faculty Awards Ceremony
Morgan Esposito ’25
Morgan Esposito’s dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong passion, and her journey at Watson College of Education has brought that...
UNCW Wins Esports Championship
The UNCW Esports Valorant Team won the NECC Division IV Championship on April 7, their second championship this academic year!
Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition
Twenty-one middle and high school teams participated in the 2025 Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition hosted by CESTEM on March 15.
Kylei Ward '25
Kylei Ward ’25, recipient of a spring 2025 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship, is completing her internship at Belville Elementary School. Kylei...
Bridgette Gruber '25
Bridgette Gruber will graduate in May with a degree in Elementary Education. This spring, she received a Hattie M. Strong Scholarship award. We are...
Regional Science and Engineering Fair
CESTEM hosted the Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair on February 15. The event provides an opportunity for third through 12th grade...
Ruth Markezich '25
Ruth Markezich ’25 has received a spring 2025 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship award. Ruth is completing an internship at Newport Elementary...
Laura Bailey Named Sandhills Region POY
Laura Bailey ’24Ed.D. has been named the Sandhills Region Principal of the Year. Dr. Bailey is principal at Scotland High School in Scotland...
Wilmington Regional NC Science Olympiad
More than 900 middle school and high school students participated in the 2025 Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad hosted by WCE’s CESTEM on...
Mattie Johnson is NHCS Rookie of the Year
Mattie Johnson ’22M is New Hanover County Schools’ Rookie of the Year. Ms. Johnson teaches English at Ashley High School.
Upcoming Events
WCE's PDS will host a Regional Eggs & Issues Breakfast in partnership with The Public School Forum of North Carolina on April 17. A Teach...
Anthony Martin Named Sandhills Region TOY
Anthony Martin ’17 Ed.D. has been named the Sandhills Region Teacher of the Year. Dr. Martin is a CTE educator at East Columbus Junior/Senior...
Teach with Joy!
A new Watson College initiative seeks to inspire teachers to teach with joy! The project is gaining momentum as Denise Ousley, Robert Smith and...
Blooming in the Noise of the Whirlwind
Past, present and future educators convened at the Watson College of Education on March 13 for “Blooming in the Noise of the...
Yan Liu Appointed Faculty Fellow for Research
Yan Liu has been selected to serve as WCE’s inaugural Faculty Fellow for Research, a position created to support faculty, promote research...
Michele Parker Collaborates with Researchers in Ghana
Michele Parker is collaborating with a team of four Computer Science faculty members at the University of Ghana on the effective use of AI in...
UNCW 3C Hosts CTP Conference
“Programming that leads to sustainable jobs and career readiness and understanding neurodiversity” was the theme of the annual UNCW/3C...
Madison Mobley '25
Madison Mobley ’25 has received a spring 2025 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship award. Madison is completing an internship at Murrayville...
Regional Eggs and Issues Breakfast April 17
WCE’s Professional Development System School-University Partnership in partnership with The Public School Forum of NC, will host a 2025...
UNCW Awards Honorary Doctorate to Philanthropist Linda Sayed
Linda Sayed ’78, ’85M will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during UNCW’s Spring 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony,...
Join Us for High School Teaching Information Sessions
On Feb 26 and March 13, UNCW’s Watson College will host information sessions for students interested in exploring a career as a high school...
UNCW to Delay Classes, Operations on Feb. 20
The university is continuing to closely monitor the current weather conditions. Because of the potential for inclement weather, UNCW will delay...
Hannah Moon Named SE Region Teacher of the Year
Hannah Moon ’08M has been named the Southeast Region Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Moon teaches English at Laney High School.
Kevin Ojaniit Named NCCAT BTOY Finalist
Kevin Ojaniit ’23 has been named a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) 2025 Burroughs Wellcome...
Upcoming Events
Each semester the Watson College hosts Preview Days and Future Teacher events for prospective students interested in a teaching career....
Carlton Smith Selected for NASPA Emerging Leader Academy
Carlton Smith, a visiting assistant professor of higher education in UNCW’s Watson College of Education, has been selected to participate in...
Congratulations to December 2024 Graduates
In December, the Watson College of Education celebrated the achievements of our most recent graduates including students who earned undergraduate...
Jenny Root Receives PECASE Award
Jenny Root ’10 of Florida State University has been selected as one of about 400 scientists and engineers to receive the Presidential Early...
STEM SENC Mini Grants Support STEM Education
STEM SENC has awarded Education Mini-Grants to 12 teachers in the region to support the implementation of innovative STEM programs for students.
WCE Honors Cindy Wiseman
On January 27, faculty, staff, students and colleagues across campus gathered at the Watson College of Education to celebrate Cindy Wiseman’s...
UNCW Receives $25 Million Gift to Boost Teacher Education and Healthcare Programs
The University of North Carolina Wilmington has received a $25 million gift commitment from Dr. Yousry Sayed and his wife Linda ’78,...
Join Us for CCL Virtual Lunch & Learn
On February 4, UNCW’s Watson College will host a virtual Lunch & Learn for aspiring Community College leaders.
UNCW Will Resume Normal Operations Saturday
UNCW will resume normal operations on Saturday, Jan. 25. Until then, the university will extend Condition 2 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24....
UNCW to Cancel Classes and Remain in Condition 2 Through Friday, Jan. 24
Classes and campus events are cancelled through Friday, Jan. 24. UNCW plans to remain in Condition 2 for employees through 5 p.m., Friday.
UNCW Classes Cancelled, Condition 2 in Effect for Thursday
UNCW plans to remain in Condition 2 for employees through 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23. Classes and campus events are cancelled through Thursday.
UNCW Will Close on Wednesday Due to Winter Weather Conditions
Based on National Weather Service winter weather advisories for Wilmington and the surrounding region, UNCW will be closed through Wednesday, Jan....
UNCW Climbs in 2025 U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings
UNCW has climbed in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Online Programs” rankings, demonstrating its commitment to academic...
Join us to Celebrate Cindy Wiseman's Retirement
Faculty, staff, students and colleagues across campus are invited to join the Watson College of Education as we celebrate Cindy Wiseman’s...
Brian Brinkley '93, '99 M.Ed.
Brian Brinkley '93, '99 M.Ed. has dedicated 31 years to teaching, including 18 years as the director of the B Betty Holden Stike...
UNCW Graduates Embark on New Journeys
Approximately 2,500 graduates embarked on a journey in their lives on Dec. 14, equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences to help shape...
UNCW Wins Esports Conference Championship
The UNCW Valorant Team clinched the National Esports Collegiate Conference Division V championship on Dec 4 with a finals win over the University...
Natalie Tidler '24M
We are pleased to announce that Natalie Tidler ’24M is a fall 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship recipient. Natalie will graduate in December...
Ashley Swisher-Arnold '24
The Watson College is pleased to announce that Ashley Swisher-Arnold ’24 has received a fall 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship. Ashley will...
New Language and Literacy Masters Aligned with National Boards
Teachers who complete a master’s degree in Language and Literacy at the Watson College can now work on national boards in Literacy:...
KDP Welcomes 39 New Members
In October, 39 Watson College of Education students were initiated into Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society that recognizes and supports...
Chad Lewis and Madeline Lewis '24
Chad Lewis is a Sergeant with UNCW Police Department. His daughter Madeline (Maddie) will graduate in December with a degree in elementary...
Tamara Walser Trains Evaluators at UN World Food Programme
WCE Professor Tamara Walser and Mike Trevisan have developed an evaluability assessment course for the United Nations World Food Programme. During...
Chris Garner '96, '05M and Jenelle Garner '28
Chris Garner ’96, ’05M is a WCE partnership teacher at Hoggard High School, where he has taught social studies for the past 24 years....
WCE Students and Alum Present at NCSTA
In November, five students and one alumna from Watson’s secondary and middle grades education programs co-presented with Amy Taylor and...
Jay Flowers '90 and Olivia Flowers '25
Jay Flowers ’90 is an English teacher at Topsail High School and a longstanding WCE partnership teacher. His daughter Olivia is now an...
Rachel Greer Appointed Executive Director at DC Virgo
Rachel Greer assumed the role of Executive Director at D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy in September. A former principal and instructional coach, she...
Larissa Malone Edits Book on Classroom Management
Larissa Malone is co-editor of “Decolonizing Classroom Management: A Critical Examination of the Cultural Assumptions and Norms in...
WCE Honors Tracy Hargrove, Kathy Fox and Brian Brinkley
On November 13, faculty, staff, students and colleagues across campus gathered at the Watson College of Education to celebrate the careers of Drs....
$300,000 Kenan Trust Award will support TAs to Teachers
The Watson College of Education has been awarded $300,000 from the Kenan Trust to support Teaching Assistants transitioning to fully licensed...
Teachers Create Joy in Teaching Network
Jeremy Buie, Jessica Harvey ’12M, Sydney Hoover ’24, Kylee Maarschalk, Matt Taylor ’24M and Nicole Turner ’24M - with...
Upcoming Events
Each semester the Watson College hosts Preview Days and Future Teacher events for prospective students interested in a teaching career....
AT&T Continues Support for Virtual Ed Lab Program
AT&T has gifted $19,300 to provide continued support for a Watson College Stike Ed Lab program that provides afterschool virtual tutoring to...
UNCW Celebrates Fall Commencement Dec. 14
UNCW will host its fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 14, 2024, in Trask Coliseum. The event celebrates the achievements of hundreds of graduates...
Kevin Ojaniit ’23
Kevin Ojaniit ’23 never thought that teaching would be in his future until his sophomore year at UNCW. After switching majors twice, Ojaniit...
Honoring Our Veterans
Honoring Our Veterans
Lia Hudgins ’26
Lia Hudgins ’26, a driven first-generation student, identified a need for a community among students like herself. Taking the initiative, she...
Join Us for a Retirement Celebration!
Faculty, staff, students and colleagues across campus are invited to join the Watson College of Education as we celebrate the retirement of...
Message from Dean Tracy Linderholm
Tracy Linderholm assumed the role of Dean of UNCW’s Watson College of Education in June. Here, Dr. Linderholm shares a personal message about...
WCE Introduces MAT in Special Education
UNCW’s Watson College of Education has introduced a new Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education. Applications are open for the first...
UNCW Introduces Art & Art Education Program
UNCW has introduced a bachelor’s to master’s combined program in Art and Art Education. The program enables students to earn a...
Teachers Participate in New Music Ed Grad Program
Thirty teachers – including ten enrolled in UNCW’s new graduate program in Music Education – participated in a summer course in...
Upcoming Events
Each semester the Watson College hosts Preview Day and Future Teacher events for prospective students interested in a teaching career. Conferences,...
Watson Hosts Research Speaks Showcase
On October 3, more than 30 Watson College faculty members participated in the Research Speaks Showcase, where they shared research posters and...
WCE IT Faculty Conduct AI Research
Attention Instructional Designers! WCE’s Instructional Technology faculty invite you to participate in a research study on the transformative...
Denise Henning Selected for ElevateNC Program
Denise Henning has been selected to participate in the fifth cohort of the Hunt Institute’s ElevateNC: Higher Education program designed to...
Kevin McClure Co-Authors Research Report
Kevin McClure is co-author of a national report on competencies for the college presidency. The report, sponsored by Academic Search, was published...
More than 100 Students Attend Future Teacher Conference
More than 100 students from eight area schools participated in the first Fall 2024 Future Teacher Conference, held September 20 at UNCW’s...
SpEd and TPYA Students Create Ability Garden at Watson
In September, students in Watson’s Special Education program partnered with students in the NHCS Transition Wo(rks! program and staff of the...
Taura Simmons It Begins with Teachers
Taura Simmons ’23M began her career in financial services, but found her passion as a teacher and student mentor. The Watson College is...
Lucas McLawhorn Featured in Documentary Film
Lucas McLawhorn ’01 is passionate about helping people – especially kids – empower themselves to live healthier lives. A new...
Welcome to New Faculty and Staff!
The Watson College is pleased to introduce new faculty and staff. Please join us in welcoming them all to UNCW!
UNCW Launches NSF-Funded Initiative to Promote Women in STEM
UNC Wilmington has been awarded a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation to launch the “UNC-by-the-S.E.A. (STEM Equity...
Elizabeth Crawford Appointed to CE International Board
Elizabeth Crawford Appointed to CE International Board
UNCW Honors Excellence in Research and Innovation
The achievements, scholarly productivity and creative works of UNCW’s research leaders were formally applauded at the annual research...
UNCW Drives $3.2 Billion Economic Growth in NC
The University of North Carolina Wilmington has released an economic development impact study that reveals a $3.2 billion impact on the state of...
UNCW to Maintain Normal Operating Schedule
UNCW is continuing to closely monitor the current weather conditions. At this time, the university plans to maintain a normal operating schedule
UNCW Sees Record Enrollment Increase
For the first time in UNCW’s history, student enrollment has surpassed 18,800, marking a significant milestone for the 77-year-old...
WCE Research Speaks Showcase - Oct 3
We invite faculty and staff across the campus to join us and spark collaborations and conversations around cutting-edge research and its impact!
Join Us for M.J.'s Retirement Celebration
Faculty, staff, students and colleagues across campus are invited to join the Watson College as we celebrate M.J. Giammaria’s 19-year career...
School Supplies Giveaway - August 16-17
A school supplies giveaway for Wilmington-area public school students and teachers will be held at D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy on August 16-17,...
UNCW Hosts NEH Summer Institute on 1898 Wilmington Coup
Twenty-five middle and high school teachers from 12 states will gather at UNCW July 8-19 for a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer...
Bilingual Seahawks Break Barriers for Local Youth
Students in Spanish for Bilingual Speakers classes use their linguistic and cultural knowledge to mentor New Hanover County elementary students.
UNC Board of Governors Elects All-Female Leadership
Wendy Murphy ’93 was unanimously elected as the new board chair of the UNC System Board of Governors.
Volunteers Needed! Back to School Event at DC Virgo
Help equip students and teachers for a great school year! UNCW through DCVPA is proud to host the 11th annual Back to School event, organized by...
Elizabeth Crawford Appointed to CE International Board
Elizabeth Crawford has been appointed to Childhood Educational International’s Board of Directors. Dr. Crawford is a professor of elementary...
Amy Blessing Receives Roy E. Harkin Award
Amy Blessing, PDS partnership teacher and kindergarten teacher at Rachel Freeman School of Engineering, is the recipient of the spring 2024 Roy E....
WCE IT Faculty Conduct Quality Matters Research
Sheri Conklin and Daisy Barreto, faculty members in WCE’s Instructional Technology program, are conducting research on student perceptions of...
Nicole Adam Recognized at UNCW Commencement
UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety recognized the accomplishments of Nicole Adam ’24 at the WCE/CSB commencement ceremony on May 11. Nicole...
WCE Alums Named NHCS Educators of the Year
Latasha Howard-Mott ’11 is New Hanover County Schools’ Middle School Educator of the Year, Hannah Moon ’08M is High School and...
EOC Network Supports Local Affinity Groups
EOC Network Supports Local Affinity Groups
Earth Day Celebration at Head Start
CESTEM, the Center for Assistive Technology and Jr Seahawk Academy joined forces to celebrate Earth Day and North Carolina Science Festival at...
Madi Sutton Receives Grace Burton Award
Madi Sutton ’24 is the recipient of the Grace M. Burton Promise of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching Award. Madi...
Carteret County Schools
Carteret County Public Schools, working in partnership with Citizens for Diversity in Education, has successfully engaged high school students and...
Upcoming Events
WCE will host a Regional Eggs & Issues Breakfast in Partnership with The Public School Forum of North Carolina on June 14, CESTEM will host a...
Anika Mazurkiewicz Shares Her Experiences at WCE
Anika Mazurkiewicz recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Münster in Germany. She spent a...
Residency Licensure and TA to Teacher Programs
There are many pathways to becoming a teacher. UNCW’s Watson College of Education offers Residency Licensure and TA to Teacher programs for...
Zoey Willis Honored with Hoggard Medal for Achievement
Zoey Willis ’24 has received UNCW’s Hoggard Medal for Achievement. Zoey graduated in May with a degree in the Education of Young...
Virgo Hosts Monthly Events; Opens 2024-25 Enrollment
Throughout the 2023-24 school year, D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy hosted monthly family and community events for all stakeholders to learn...
Katie Riley Recognized as Exemplary Intern
Katie Riley ’24 is the recipient of the Exemplary Intern Award for an intern in an undergraduate degree program. Katie earned her...
Jones County Schools
Jones County created a Future EOC Group, held events to promote the teaching profession to young students, and engaged parents and the broader...
Savannah Everhart Receives Exemplary Intern Award for MAT
Savannah Everhart ’24M is the recipient of the Exemplary Intern Award for an intern in a Master of Arts in Teaching graduate...
PDS Partnership Celebration
On April 30, WCE hosted an event to celebrate the re-signing of PDS school-university agreements, the national recognition recently received for...
Christine Liao Receives Online Education Award
Christine Liao has received UNCW’s Excellence in Online Education Award. Dr. Liao is an associate professor and coordinator of WCE’s...
Wayne County Schools
“Recruiting Starts at Home!” is the theme of the Future Educators Group created in Wayne County. To date, the initiative has...
Jeremy Hilburn Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
Jeremy Hilburn is the WCE recipient of the 2024 Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Hilburn is a professor and coordinator of...
Congratulations to May 2024 Graduates
In May, the Watson College of Education celebrated the achievements of our most recent graduates who earned bachelor’s, master’s and...
Hawks Walk: Thousands Graduate UNCW
Nearly 19,000 trekked through Trask Coliseum over the weekend to watch 2,918 Seahawks officially graduate.
UNCW Commencement Ceremonies Set for May 10-11
UNCW will hold five ceremonies during its spring 2024 commencement exercises May 10-11 in Trask Coliseum.
Regional Eggs and Issues Breakfast
The Watson College of Education, in partnership with The Public School Forum of North Carolina and the Educators of Color Network will host a...
Watson College of Education Announces Ed.D. with Community College Specialization
UNCW’s Watson College of Education has introduced a new specialization in the doctoral program in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on...
Mandala Art Project Inspires Creativity and Connection
Over the past month, UNCW’s Randall Library has offered students, faculty and staff a unique opportunity to unwind and find solace through...
Madison Reid, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Madison Reid, Elementary Education, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Megan Brown, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Megan Brown, Elementary Education, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
IBEC Wins NHCS Battle of the Books
Congratulations to the Battle of the Books team at Isaac Bear Early College High School! The IBEC team won the high school division of the New...
Rilee Seering, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Rilee Seering, MAT in Elementary Education, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Savannah Everhart, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Savannah Everhart , MAT in Elementary Education, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Wilmington Regional SeaPerch Competition
Middle and high school students from New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties participated in the 2024 Regional SeaPerch Competition hosted by...
Waccamaw Siouan Elders Participate in CTP Conference
In a historic first, UNCW’s Watson College of Education welcomed 11 Elders from the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe to campus in February, where they...
Taylor Stanley, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
Taylor Stanley, MAT in Secondary Education, Spring 2024 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Recipient
STEM SENC Supports STEM Youth Congress
With support from STEM SENC, eight students from Southeastern North Carolina participated in the 2024 Changemakers in STEM Youth Congress, held...
Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad
More than 800 middle school and high school students participated in the 2024 Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad hosted by WCE’s CESTEM on...
WCE Hosts Workforce Development Breakfast
WCE was pleased to welcome regional leaders to campus for a Workforce Learning & Development Breakfast on March 5. Bill Kawczynski, Brigadier...
Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair
CESTEM hosted the Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair on February 10. The event provides an opportunity for third-to 12th-grade...
UNCW Introduces EdD with Community College Specialization
UNCW’s Watson College of Education has introduced a new specialization in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Community...
Kimberly Walrod Receives STEM Educator Award
Kimberly Walrod ’23 has received the STEM/STEAM Educator of the Year Award from Bell Fork Elementary School in Jacksonville, NC.
Jenn Hatch Knight Receives NASUP Boundary Spanner Award
Jenn Hatch Knight has received NASUP’s PK20 Boundary Spanner Award for her outstanding work with UNCW’s partnership schools and school...
WCE Partnership with SEA-Tech
The NASUP PDS Award also recognized WCE’s close collaboration with SEA-Tech High School which includes a unique tutoring-mentoring experience...
Spring 2024 Future Teacher Conference
More than 125 students from 15 area schools participated in the Spring 2024 Future Teacher Conference, held March 15 at UNCW’s Watson College...
Upcoming Events
Information sessions for Workforce Learning & Development program will be held in May and June, and WCE will host a Regional Eggs & Issues...
WCE Partnership with Isaac Bear
The NASUP PDS Award recognized WCE’s unique partnership with Isaac Bear Early College High School which includes on-campus opportunities for...
UNCW PDS Receives National Award for School Partnerships
UNCW’s Watson College of Education and two partnership high schools in New Hanover County have received the 2024 Exemplary PDS Award from the...
UNCW Names New Watson College Dean
Dr. Tracy Linderholm will assume her new role as the college’s chief academic and administrative officer on June 24, 2024.