Educators Advance Seamless Transfer Pathways
Photo: Krysti Adams/UNCW
UNCW’s Watson College of Education welcomed more than 90 higher education leaders from across North Carolina to campus in February for the 2026 UNCW/3C Challenging the Paradigm conference. The annual event focused on “Partnerships That Lead to Seamless Transfer.”
“I feel privileged to gather with colleagues from across our K-12, community college and university systems who share a commitment to collaboration, fairness and student-centered pathways,” said Denise Henning, director of UNCW/3C, in opening remarks. “Seamless transfer doesn’t happen by chance. It happens through intentional relationships, shared responsibility and a willingness to work across systems in service of students.”
Keynote speakers included Lisa Eads, associate vice president of academic programs for the North Carolina Community College System, and Jamie Dawkins, transfer programs coordinator for the University of North Carolina System. Their presentations focused on strengthening transfer pathways and moving institutions beyond being “transfer friendly” to truly transfer-focused.
The two-day conference featured presentations and panel discussions on easing transfer pathways, expanding access for rural students, improving advising, and increasing retention and graduation rates.
“From powerful keynote insights to transfer student voices, collaborative plenaries and innovative partnership models, the collective wisdom in the room affirmed that seamless transfer is a shared responsibility,” Henning said. “Together, we challenged assumptions, celebrated progress and deepened our commitment to building equitable, transparent and student-centered pathways across North Carolina. Having an opportunity to lean into meaningful dialogue with valued partners across the state made these two days both energizing and impactful.”
Henning planned and coordinated the conference in partnership with members of the UNCW/3C Council.
The UNCW/3C Collaborative, launched in 2019, is a university–community college partnership initiative designed to share innovative practices and strengthen connections with North Carolina’s community colleges. For more information, visit the UNCW/3C website.
About Watson’s Community College Leadership Programs
UNCW’s Watson College of Education offers a graduate certificate and Ed.D. specialization designed for professionals preparing for leadership roles in North Carolina’s community colleges. Both programs are cohort-based and structured for working professionals.
For more information, visit the program websites:
This article has the following tags: Watson College of Education Engagement