Greetings from the Watson College of Education! Thank you for letting me take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new interim dean of the Watson College of Education. Though the title may be new, I am no stranger to the WCE. I joined the faculty in 2006 and assumed the role of Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs for seven years. I am honored to be “home” after having served the previous five years in university administrative positions that include the Interim Dean of the Graduate School, Interim Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Special Assistant to the Provost, and most recently, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Faculty Affairs. This is an important year of transition for the Watson College as we seek the next permanent dean. A national search will soon be underway, and I look forward to keeping you informed of the progress. In the meantime, we thank you for your continued support of our programs, community engagement, and research initiatives.
Just a few short weeks ago, we began the fall semester with hope, energy, and excitement for a new academic year. We welcomed seven new faculty and staff to the Watson community, and almost 5,000 new Seahawk students to UNCW, now comprising a study body of nearly 18,000! Not only is our university thriving, but there is much to celebrate within our own college. D.C. Virgo began the sixth year as the UNCW Lab School and Isaac Bear opened their doors to the largest ninth grade class in the school’s 17-year history. We continue to celebrate the many accomplishments of our faculty and staff and introduced a new “Sawubona” recognition to our monthly meetings. Sawubona is a Zulu word that means literally, “I see you and acknowledge you for all that you are.” The first recognition was given to Heddy Clark for her unwavering work in STEM Education.
In academic news, we plan to introduce a new degree in fall 2024 pending SACSCOC approval. The Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Learning & Development will build on UNCW’s long-standing commitment to the military and lifelong learning. WCE was pleased to welcome regional leaders to campus Aug. 10 to celebrate the launch of this exciting new program and I hope you will enjoy learning more about it in this issue of the Watson Chronicle.
The university also continues to launch exciting new initiatives. We begin implementation of a new strategic plan that will direct our priorities and resources for the next ten years. Soar High, Soar Far, Soar Together includes four pillars as the foundation of the plan that reinforce our institutional commitments. They are
You can read more about the strategic plan and the specific objectives on UNCW’s new website that launched in May! Watson College will use this opportunity to revisit and affirm our own strategic directions that have been collectively developed over the last several years. We will explore new possibilities to enhance student learning, community engagement, and research, as we continue to respond to and anticipate the needs of southeastern North Carolina.
Indeed, it is an exciting time at our university and college, but one that is also filled with external pressures. Our state and nation continue to face a critical teacher shortage that adds new urgency to our mission to recruit and prepare outstanding educators to advocate for public education. The value of higher education continues to be questioned, and we are challenged by a political divide that seems to define our nation. Despite the uncertainties, I bring a strong sense of optimism and hope because experience tells me that the Watson College community embraces opportunities within challenges. I am confident in our dedicated faculty and staff who deliver outstanding academic programs that prepare professionals for early childhood settings, K-12, community colleges and universities, and business, military and government settings. Our strong collaborative partnerships with schools, school districts, community colleges and businesses will ensure our ability to meet the challenges that threaten public education. I am so proud of WCE’s contributions to the community and field of education and am particularly so when I encounter our students living out their passions and convictions.
I ask for your continued support of the Watson College as we navigate the transitions and pressures of the coming year. I am committed to listening and learning all that I can from you, our faculty, staff, students, and partners and alumni. We will keep building on our strong foundation and accomplish even more, as we come together with renewed energy and purpose. My hope is that wherever we are, we will focus on the joy we find in our work and in working with each other.
Best,
Carol
This article has the following tags: Watson College of Education Engagement