Message from Dean Tracy Linderholm

Arriving in North Carolina this summer, I received the warmest welcome from everyone at the Watson College of Education. Already, I am impressed with the faculty and staff’s dedication, the depth and range of educational programs here, the College’s many centers and engagement initiatives, and the strength of partnerships maintained with school districts, community colleges and organizations throughout the region. At our first college-wide meeting, during table discussions, many folks highlighted Watson’s student-centered, welcoming community and collaborative partnerships as points of pride. As a newcomer, I wholeheartedly agree.

Summer was certainly eventful! In July, Watson hosted a National Endowment for the Humanities Institute directed by Dr. Cara Ward. That program led twenty-five middle and high school teachers from twelve states through a focused interdisciplinary, place-based study of the 1898 Wilmington coup and massacre. The learning projects teachers designed will engage students across the nation in linking historic events to current issues in our democracy.

In addition to history, Watson offered summer enrichment for youthful scientific inquiry. For 45 years, MarineQuest camps have involved children and teens in age-specific, hands-on exploration of our local marine ecosystems. MarineQuest’s experiential lessons with our kids today instills stewardship of our precious coastal environment tomorrow.

Watson also hosted Junior Seahawk Academy for middle school students from economically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. Participants designed and presented creative projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Local middle schoolers departed with a greater awareness of future career opportunities in STEM, health services, and teacher education.

WCE’s Center for Education in STEM (CESTEM) and STEM SENC provided several professional development opportunities for teachers. The events included a PK-12 STEM Education Conference featuring presentations, hands-on workshops and ignite sessions on a wide range of STEM topics, and a Singapore Math Summit which introduced K-5 educators to a proven approach that helps students master math concepts through a focus on problem solving and critical thinking.

Watson’s summer study had global reach, as well, with faculty leading several international field experiences. In May, Dr. Laura Szech and Courtney Townsend guided Watson students across Bologna, Perugia, and Rome to explore the history of Italian education systems and institutions. That same month, several Watson students in pre-school through Middle Grades Education programs studied in Sweden with Dr. Hengameh Kermani. In June, ten students joined Drs. Denise Ousley and Amy Garrett Dikkers in the Netherlands to examine refugee and immigrant youth and families’ experiences.

Now that the academic year is underway, there is much to celebrate. I attended the joyful and lively DC Virgo Preparatory Academy Open House to welcome back students and their caregivers as school started in early August. UNCW welcomed students back to campus and we are launching innovative initiatives this fall including the Community College Leadership track in the Educational Leadership doctoral program and the new, accelerated online Bachelor of Science in Workforce Learning and Development. We also look forward to offering a new Master of Arts in Teaching program in Special Education in fall 2025.

As we look to the year ahead, I am eager to support the collaborative work of the Watson College Professional Development System, the UNCW Community College Collaborative (UNCW/3C) and the Educators of Color Network, as we seek to recruit and retain educators, strengthen pathways to teaching, provide quality programs and applied learning opportunities for future teachers and future education leaders, and ensure inclusiveness in North Carolina’s schools.

While there is so much to be proud of, there’s clearly more work to do. I am committed to our mission of attracting talented people to the profession and to building on the many partnerships and collaborations that are so critical to our success. And I aim to spread the word about Watson far and wide; this is a hub of expertise in preparing educators and leaders for roles from pre-school through higher education, and in specialty fields of instructional technology and evaluation. I am proud to be part of the Watson College Community, comprised of faculty, staff, partners and alumni so committed to academic excellence and student success.

Best,
Tracy