Regan DeSutter '25M

The Watson College is pleased to announce that Regan DeSutter ’25M has been named a Fall 2025 Hattie M. Strong Scholarship recipient. Regan earned a degree in Art with an emphasis in Art Education from California State University, Los Angeles before enrolling in UNCW’s Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education.

“I have always loved children,” she said. “When I moved to Wilmington, I was a substitute teacher in New Hanover County, and shortly after starting at UNCW, I was hired as a Kindergarten TA at Alderman Elementary. That’s when I really discovered my love of teaching and knew I had entered the right profession.”

Seeing her students thrive has been the most rewarding part of her journey. “There is nothing better than seeing the aha moment when an idea finally clicks,” she said. “I also love connecting with my students and colleagues.”

Regan said her time at UNCW has been deeply meaningful.

“The campus is gorgeous! All the amazing teachers in Wilmington are a testament to the wonderful educators who make Watson College what it is,” she said. “I have gained so much from my internship, and I’m only halfway through. My partnership teacher has given me advice I will carry with me throughout my career.”

Graduating in December, Regan said she is grateful for the support the Hattie M. Strong Scholarship provided during her final internship semester.

“I am honored to have received this award,” she said. “Teaching is my passion, and having part of the financial burden lifted has allowed me to focus entirely on the classroom. I can give more to my students and, in turn, get more out of the internship.”

About the Hattie M. Strong Scholarship Awards

The Hattie M. Strong Foundation has helped aspiring students achieve a college degree since 1928. Today, HMSF’s primary activity is to provide scholarships for students enrolled in teacher training programs at partnering institutions to help ease financial pressures during the full-time student teaching semester.

The Watson College of Education became a HMSF partner in 2013, joining a select group of institutions across the country. Through the partnership, WCE awarded two $5,000 scholarships to teacher interns for the Fall 2025 semester.