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Watson College of Education News

Welcome to our News Page! Here, you'll find the latest updates, stories, and articles for the Watson College of Education. Stay connected, explore our news below.

Recent Posts

Research and Innovation Celebrates Excellence at Annual Reception

Research and Innovation Celebrates Excellence at Annual Reception

WCE Offers New Residency Programs

UNCW’s Watson College has introduced new certificate programs for Middle Grades and Special Education residency teachers seeking NC licensure.

New Certificate in AI and Emerging Tech

UNCW’s Watson College has launched a 12-credit online graduate certificate to help professionals harness AI and other disruptive technologies...

Lessons Learned New Music Education Publication

A new book, “Lessons Learned” features lesson plans written by the first cohort of students in UNCW’s Graduate Certificate in...

Ray Pastore Awarded Grant for Esports AI Ethics Project

UNCW’s Ray Pastore and SRU’s Seth Jenny have received a grant to develop global AI ethics guidelines for esports.

Welcome to New Faculty

The Watson College is pleased to introduce nine new faculty members. Please join us in welcoming Julie Bacak, Patti Brooks, Travis Howard, Megan...

UNCW Introduces Inclusive Futures Program

This fall, UNCW welcomed five students to the first cohort of the Inclusive Futures Program, a two-year, non-degree undergraduate program for...

Upcoming Events

Each semester the Watson College hosts Preview Day and Future Teacher events for prospective students interested in a teaching career. Conferences,...

TWJN Spreads the Joy

Through the Teaching with Joy Network, local educators are discovering how bringing joy into classrooms strengthens connections, inspires students,...

New WCE Leadership Team

The Watson College has a new leadership team! We’re pleased to introduce Associate Deans Heidi Higgins and Symphony Oxendine, Assistant Dean...

Message from the Dean

We are pleased to share a personal message from Watson College Dean Tracy Linderholm about the work of the college and her outlook for the 2025-26...

UNCW Continues Strong Performance in U.S. News Rankings

Once again, UNCW has earned accolades in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

UNCW Student Enrollment Surges Near 19,900

UNCW shattered enrollment records, welcoming 19,895 students this fall — a 5.6% jump from last year, according to preliminary data from the...

UNCW Dedicates Sayed Hall Following Historic Gift

UNCW’s Education Building has a new name — Sayed Hall. University officials named the building in honor of Dr. Yousry Sayed and his...

UNCW Monitoring Tropical Storm Chantal July 5

UNCW is closely monitoring tropical weather conditions affecting southeastern North Carolina through Sunday, July 6, 2025.

UNCW Names Robert T. Burrus Jr. Interim Provost and VC for Academic Affairs

Robert T. Burrus Jr., dean of the UNCW Cameron School of Business, has been named interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, the...

Christine Liao Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award

Christine Liao, professor of Art Education at UNCW’s Watson College of Education, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award...

D.C. Virgo Welcomes New Principal

Chris Glover has been appointed Principal at D.C. Virgo. Dr. Glover most recently served as Principal of Fort Hill Community School in Virginia. He...

Planting Seeds for Success

Watson College of Education’s Ability Garden is helping students grow their confidence and independence, creating a community of empowerment...

The Sayeds’ Legacy of Generosity

The Sayeds committed $25 million to UNCW to support healthcare initiatives and teacher recruitment, the largest philanthropic commitment in...

Winebrake Appointed President of Coastal Carolina University 

Dr. James J. Winebrake, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, has accepted the position of President at Coastal Carolina University. He...

STEP-IN Partnership Creates Pathway for Teachers

UNCW is pleased to announce a partnership with six North Carolina Community Colleges that provides a pathway for students in rural areas to pursue...

Sophia Foster

Sophia Foster is Pender County Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year. Ms. Foster is enrolled in WCE’s MAT program. She teaches at...

D.C. Virgo's Positivity Project

The Positivity Project is making an impact at D.C. Virgo! We are pleased to share a story written by fifth grade teacher Colette Fraley that shows...

Ashton Allgood-Batten ’11M

Ashton Allgood-Batten ’11M has received the North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (SMT) Center’s 2025...