Dr. Jeffrey Ertzberger

Jeff Ertzberger, WCE’s longstanding Director of Technology has retired. Associate Dean Angela Housand announced the news in an email to faculty and staff in April.

“During his 23 years with us, Jeff has been a dedicated and visionary leader, known for building strong, collaborative teams and leading numerous initiatives that have strengthened Watson’s technology infrastructure and instructional support,” Dr. Housand said. “He was also an excellent representative for our college across campus, forming strong partnerships and championing innovation at every turn. We look forward to celebrating his many achievements and contributions in the coming weeks.”

Dr. Ertzberger holds a degree in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and master’s and doctoral degrees in educational technology, both from Pepperdine University. He began his career as a public school teacher and joined the faculty at UNCW in 2002. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in instructional design and instructional technology at the Watson College for more than two decades. Since 2008, he has also served as  director of technology for the Watson College, overseeing WCE’s Educational Technology Unit. The ETU team works to ensure that faculty, staff, students and guests have access to innovative technology anywhere in UNCW’s education building. They also provide the training and support needed to effectively use technology to enhance teaching and learning.

For more than two decades, Jeff has been a highly valued member of the faculty and Watson’s leadership team, and a strong partner to WCE’s partnership schools and teachers, and he will be missed. Inside the close-knit Ed Tech Unit, news of his departure was met with something that closely resembles bereavement. On his last day, Jeff was greeted with tears and hugs from the team – and an office decorated entirely in black.

"Jeff has been the best boss for over 20 years," Krysti Adams, senior web developer for Watson, said. "He is such a supportive and encouraging leader. His goal was to always help us achieve. He and his family are also the most wonderful, caring, thoughtful, helpful people. Jeff is irreplaceable."

“Dr. Ertzberger became a mentor to me, always encouraging me to try new things in whatever I was doing," said Amber Colon, educational technology specialist. "He was more than just my boss; he became a mentor, friend, and supporter, and I am grateful to have worked with him in the past three years.  His legacy will remain at Watson for years to come!” 

"Jeff was the best supervisor I have ever had. Not only did he always encourage me to pursue my passions, but he also asked if there was anything he could do to support me, "said Tracy Pena, Instructional Designer at Watson. "We definitely feel his absence, but I am so happy for him as he embarks on this new journey!"

Although Jeff has retired from UNCW, he has not retired completely. He began a new position as an Instructional Designer with ClassLink in May, where he will continue to make a meaningful impact in the world of education technology.

A reception to honor Jeff’s career and contributions to the college will be held later this month.