Mavin James ’25M
Fueled by a love for problem-solving and a passion for basketball, UNCW graduate student Mavin James ’25M has transformed his dual strengths...
Seahawk Stories
Seahawk Stories is an online collection of profiles about the people who make UNCW soar. By sharing their stories, we are also sharing the university's story.
Recent Posts
Colleen Brown ’14, ’25 Ph.D.
Colleen Brown ’14, ’25 Ph.D. turned a lifelong curiosity for the ocean into a career in environmental science, returning to UNCW to...
Kai Williams ’25
Kai Williams ’25 exemplifies balance and dedication, thriving as both a music major and a standout track and field athlete while...
Stacy Kosciak
From her early days as a multi-sport high school athlete and coach to her current role as a senior leader for UNCW Athletics, each step of Stacy...
Erin L. Williamson ’25
As the current director of student involvement and leadership in the Department of Campus Life, Erin Williamson ’25 and her team are...
Kimberley G. Roughton
Though she may be officially retired after 40 years at UNCW, Kimberley G. Roughton will always have ties to the university in more ways than one.
Arden Ganse ’26
Arden Ganse ’26 didn't think she'd follow her brother to become a Seahawk, but her growing interest in coastal sciences made UNCW a...
Gabi Tubens '27M
Earning a master’s degree in social work, Gabi Tubens knew that UNCW was the school for her when she was 12 years old. As a former...
JJ Elliott ’25
As a first-generation college student majoring in English with a concentration in secondary education, JJ Elliott ’25 has embraced...
Kaylee Luchansky
Kaylee Luchansky spent her summer examining the use of native zooplankton to repair the ecosystem of one of North Carolina’s most popular...
Ken Riley '96
Over the years, Kenneth Riley ’96 has worked all around the world and has helped further the field of Marine Aquaculture Technology. He...
Joe Bowling '20, '24 and Joe Karle '25
From combat to classrooms, veterans Joe Bowling and Joe Karle continue to serve while guiding others to think critically, write purposefully and...
Jarrod Covington ’10
Shortly after graduation, Jarrod Covington ’10 took over Wrightsville SUP, a business that offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and...
Zoe McCumber '27
Sophomore Zoe McCumber '27 says UNCW has given her space to explore who she is and what she wants to do.
Zandra Harris Pinnix ’95
As an assistant professor at Guilford College, Zandra Harris Pinnix ’95 uses her passion and experience to build pathways for...
Caroline Jenkins '19, '26DNP
Caroline Jenkins ’19, ’26DNP began her healthcare career working as a certified nursing assistant at her local hospital in her hometown...
Eden Newbold '26
When Eden Newbold ’26 participated in UNCW’s Hackathon in October 2022, she had no idea it would ignite a passion for community...
Daniela Henderson ’23
Daniela Henderson’s determination to stay connected at UNCW has transformed into a mission to connect online alumni and on-campus students,...
Arabella Ong ’26
Arabella Ong ’26 is a driven nursing student at UNCW, combining academic excellence with a passion for patient care as she works toward...
Tania Smith ’15, ’25M
Tania Smith ’15, ’25M has always been driven by a passion for helping others and creating positive change. Her time at UNCW offered her...
Caleb Herron ’25
UNCW has helped Caleb Herron ’25 grow, connect, and explore, leading him to travel abroad, discover new perspectives and become a passionate...
Benjamin Ondeck '24
Benjamin Ondeck ’24 maximized his three years at UNCW through rigorous academics, impactful internships and research, all driven by his...
Carleigh Sion ’12
From her days studying in Randall Library to painting a mural in the new Discovery Hall, alumna Carleigh Sion ’12 has contributed to the...
Justin Hickman '24
Justin Hickman ’24 earned his recreation therapy degree from UNCW to help others—especially veterans—heal and thrive through...
Dylan Bradshaw ’19
UNCW alumnus Dylan Bradshaw ’19 reached a turning point in his film career after winning a million-dollar prize for a TV ad he co-created...
Kaela Coles ’24
Kaela Cole ’24 serves as an outreach and marketing representative for 4 Day Movement, a nonprofit with a mission of helping those who fall...
David Gessner
UNCW’s Distinguished Professor in Creative Writing talks how Thoreau “ruined his life,” plans for a new environmental writing...
Pamela Toll
Pamela Toll, professor of art and art history at UNCW, has always felt a deep calling to teach. Every role she’s taken throughout her career...
Erin Gallagher '25 Ph.D.
Erin Gallagher '25 Ph.D. conducted impactful research at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, collaborating closely with the National Park Service...
Erin Gallagher ’15
Erin Gallagher ’15 is currently pursuing a master’s in food studies from the American University of Rome in Italy. She hopes to be part...
Aidan Duffy ’25
Aidan Duffy ’25 has been secretly spreading joy and excitement at events as UNCW’s beloved mascot, Sammy C. Hawk.
Ella Vitaglione ’25
Ella Vitaglione ’25 journey at UNCW has been transformative, starting with her success in sales competitions, which solidified her passion...
Jordan McLeod '25
Jordan McLeod '25, a public health major at UNCW, has made a significant impact through his leadership roles and the Helping Hand Project,...
Morgan Esposito ’25
Morgan Esposito’s dream of becoming a teacher has been a lifelong passion, and her journey at Watson College of Education has brought that...
Amaria Rankins ’25
Amaria Rankins’ compassion and drive to help others inspired her to pursue a major in social work at UNCW.
Melanie Garces ’25
Driven by an unwavering passion to make a difference, Melanie Garces ’25 chose to major in criminology. As a first-generation college...
William Wylie ’25
For William Wylie ’25, medicine is much more than a job, it’s a calling. The soon to be UNCW graduate plans on returning to the...
Jared Wood '20, Ph.D.'25
Jared Wood’s path to pursue a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical chemistry at UNCW has been driven by a lifelong passion for science,...
Ayanni Hyman ’25
Driven by personal experiences with chronic illnesses, Ayanni Hyman ’25 chose public health to advocate for underserved communities and has...
Rainey Fish '25
Rainey Fish's experiences at UNCW, including mentorship and leadership roles, have shaped her aspirations to become a pediatric respiratory...
Hinton Cox '24
Hinton Cox '24 discovered a passion for physical fitness and healthy living, leading him to pursue a degree in Healthful Living and Fitness...
Taylor Herr '24
Drawing inspiration from the ocean, Taylor Herr’s senior capstone project reflects her passion for art and the sea. She began the intricate...
Courtenay Mencini ’14
Staying connected to one’s alma mater can be a deeply rewarding experience, and for Courtenay Mencini ’14, joining the UNCW Alumni...
Fabio Hurtado ’24Ed.D.
Fabio Hurtado's experiences, including his pursuit of a doctorate in educational leadership at UNCW, have shaped his approach to fostering...
Brian Brinkley '93, '99 M.Ed.
Brian Brinkley '93, '99 M.Ed. has dedicated 31 years to teaching, including 18 years as the director of the B Betty Holden Stike...
Research Team Headed to Antarctica to Study Sea Urchins
Jake Warner, an assistant professor in UNC Wilmington's Department of Biology and Marine Biology, is leading a research expedition to McMurdo...
Sana '24M
After earning her bachelor's degree in India, Sana ’24M was eager to explore new opportunities. Driven by her aspiration to study in the...
Natalie Tidler '24M
Natalie Tidler's time at UNCW, enriched by supportive faculty and hands-on field experiences, strengthened her love for teaching.
Takeem Dennis '24
Takeem Dennis '24, a music education major and former Marine, discovered his passion for music in the fifth grade and believes that attending...
Jordan McLeod
Recreational prosthetic fingers that are both less expensive and easier to build now exist, thanks to a group of UNCW students.
Culinary Champion: Q&A with Ryan Andress
With a career spanning 30 years, Chef Ryan Andress serves as executive chef at UNCW, where he focuses on creating diverse, nutritious meals and...
Jayson Arendt ’24
From two-time CAA baseball champion to country music rising star, Jayson Arendt ’24 took a leap of faith to form a band while still enrolled...
Tyler Jones ’11
Tyler Jones' transition to college life at UNCW came with challenges. Through community involvement and support, he found balance and success,...
Anna Vreeling ’25
Anna Vreeling ’25 is dedicated to studying clinical research at UNCW. Inspired by her personal experiences, she aims to make significant...
Kevin Ojaniit ’23
Kevin Ojaniit ’23 never thought that teaching would be in his future until his sophomore year at UNCW. After switching majors twice, Ojaniit...
Bryan Holman '25
Bryan Holman '25 shares his experience in Afghanistan, shedding light on the days leading up to the tragic bombing that claimed the lives of...
Lia Hudgins ’26
Lia Hudgins ’26, a driven first-generation student, identified a need for a community among students like herself. Taking the initiative, she...
Maggie Bannon ’23Ed.D.
Maggie Bannon ’23Ed.D. worked hard to climb the academic and professional ladder as a first-generation student, and now as the director of...
Jan Donahue, First Women's Basketball and Volleyball Coach
Legacies begin when a person is bold enough to make them. Jan Donahue was that person 50 years ago when she started the university’s first...
Family Ties: Barri Piner '94 and Her Daughters’ Shared Journey at UNCW
Barri Piner '94, an English instructor, returned to her alma mater to teach and now has three daughters studying English at UNCW. Each...
Mia Gallagher ’26
Mia Gallagher ’26 discovered the perfect collegiate environment at UNCW. Here, she could immerse herself in her academic pursuits while...
Mitchell Bloomer ’24M
After an initial career as a probation officer, and later roles within the Illinois judicial and correctional systems, Mitchell Bloomer '24M...
Steve McCrossan ’06, ’10M, ’14MPA
Steve McCrossan's transition from a career in hospitality to nonprofit leadership is a testament to his desire to serve others.
Bilingual Seahawks Break Barriers for Local Youth
UNCW students in Spanish for Bilingual Speakers classes use their linguistic and cultural knowledge to mentor New Hanover County elementary...
New Nesting Spot for the Soaring Seahawk
The iconic Soaring Seahawk sculpture, a cherished emblem of our university’s spirit and pride, embarked on a new chapter on August 28. The...
Christine Reed Davis, Skyler Stein '26 Want Students to Share Their Voices
UNCW’s new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Christine Reed Davis and recently elected Student Body President Skyler Stein '26 have...
Xingyi Ren '24
As a young child, Xingyi “Ren” Ren ’24 spent a lot of time in hospitals due to a congenital heart defect and credits her...
Bobby Guntoro ’11
“All in” is the motto of UNCW Swimming and Diving Head Coach Bobby Guntoro ’11, who also encourages his student-athletes to share...
Nicolette Fulton ’02
A first-generation college student Nicolette Fulton was recently appointed authority attorney by the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority.
Michelle Kerr '24
Having moved from Ontario, Canada, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle Kerr '24 was determined to find her place at UNCW.
Anay Soto-Gomez '24
Anay Soto-Gomez's journey to becoming a teacher was driven by the desire to ease the burden of children who struggle to find a sense of...
Diandre' Richie '24
During his undergraduate journey at UNCW, Diandre’ Richie ’24 experienced unexpected opportunities, from conducting research to...
Kris Mosher-Gomez ’24
Kris Mosher-Gomez’s childhood experience with hospitals during his cancer treatments fostered a sense of comfort in medical environments,...
Kim Carr '24M
With over two decades of teaching experience in public schools, Kim Carr ’24M felt ready to explore a career in film.
Mercedes Wooten '24
As a first-generation college student, obtaining a degree held immense importance for Mercedes Wooten’24, a business administration major in...
Angel Hernandez ’21, ’27 Ph.D.
Angel Hernandez ’21, ’27 Ph.D. began his Seahawk journey after attending Isaac Bear Early College, a partnership between New Hanover...
Bentley Settin '24
Bentley Settin's undergraduate research experience at UNCW has prepared her in many ways for the future.
Bo Huff '24
Bo Huff '24, an environmental science major, is a dedicated researcher and conservationist whose love for wildlife inspired his own education.
Jay Sumakeris ’23
Jay Sumakeris ’23 spent their time at UNCW researching, crunching numbers and building bridges as a dual major in statistics and psychology...
Susan Smith
Susan Smith manages all membership services for the Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center.
Dusty Sanders ’23
After eight years of service in the U.S. Army and serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Dusty Sanders ’23 began...
Gia Long '91
Gia Long '91 has deep and long-standing ties to the university. Soon after graduating, she joined the UNCW Alumni Association Board of...
Denise Henning
Denise Henning, director of UNCW/3C, is an Equity Champion Consultant for the Racial Equity for Adult Credentials in Education Collaborative, a...
Allie Best '23M
UNCW graduate student Allie Best received the North Carolina Sea and Space Grant, a fellowship awarded to students whose research explores...
Mayra Robles ’18, ’23M
Mayra Robles’ connection with UNCW has come full circle. Her first interaction with the university began as a high school student. In...
Lauren Brooks '23
Wilmington native and elementary education major Lauren Brooks wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father and brother and graduate from UNCW,...
Mason Crawford ’19, ’21M, ’23M
If Mason Crawford ’19, ’21M, ’23M had to describe their UNCW experience in three words, the soon-to-be three-time alum would...
Nathan Hedrick '23
Nathan Hedrick '23 used his marketing skills to organize an Esports tournament, bringing together nine other colleges to compete in the Rocket...
Katie Barton '23
Katie Barton has always wanted a career centered around animals, so a biology major was her first choice. Participation in UNCW's First Year...
Deepak Rauniyar
A native of Nepal, Deepak Rauniyar has found his home at UNCW as a teacher and a filmmaker.
Heather Wilson ’05M
Art museums have always been a sanctuary for Heather Wilson ’05M. She hopes to create that same atmosphere for visitors to the Cameron Art...
Daelon Petty '26
For Daelon Petty '26, being a first-generation student means changing the trajectory of his life and possibly those he will aid in his future...
Rochelle David '26
Rochelle David takes immense pride in being a first-generation student and American. It is important to her that she use every opportunity while at...
Louis Bon-Ami, NextGen Postdoctoral Fellow
Louis Bon-Ami hopes to repay the investment educators made in him by investing in other students. Bon-Ami serves as a NextGen Postdoctoral Fellow.
Mike Oblinger, Director of Athletics
A graduate school mentor set Mike Oblinger on the path that led to him taking over UNCW Athletics this past April.
Stephanie Caulder, CHSSA Founding Dean
When Stephanie Caulder considered the opportunity to return to her hometown to lead a brand-new college at UNCW, she knew it was a calling and her...
Ron Vetter, CSE Founding Dean
Ron Vetter believes change offers opportunities for improvement – in technology and in life. For nearly three decades, Vetter has taken...
Jack Watson, CHHS Dean
Jack Watson always thought he would become a practicing sports psychologist, but in graduate school he discovered a passion for teaching that led...
Joe Browning
Joe Browning has racked up impressive stats during his 37 years as a collegiate athletic administrator at UNCW.
Kelli Griggs '09
One of communication studies graduate Kelli Griggs’ '09 core memories of her time at UNCW are late nights in the editing bays working on...
Nolan Byrd ’23
When former Senior Class President Nolan Byrd ’23 was considering his future after UNCW, he knew he wanted something that would not only pay...
Emily Andrews '23
Emily Andrews ' 23 got her foot in the door at local television station WWAY through a summer internship she started at the urging of Jeff...
Nakyah McNeal ’23
Nakyah McNeal ’23 hopes to put her social work degree to use helping college students and plans to pursue a master’s degree in...
Sarah Olson '23
After completing her degree in finance with a minor in international studies, Sarah Olson '23 is considering heading back to Africa or Asia to...
Terry Artis Jr. ’23
Since becoming a student at UNCW, Terry Artis Jr. '23 has performed in numerous campus and community events, from commencement to the...
Andrea Niebel ’23
UNCW has provided Andrea Niebel' 23 with an abundance of opportunities to pursue her dreams, including working with the Wrightsville Beach...
Skyler McLaughlin ’21, ’23M
Witnessing the Seahawk community come together to help one of their own was one of the reasons Skyler McLaughlin ’21, ’23M decided to...
Leanne Churchill '23
Leanne Churchill had planned her life around a career in the U.S. Air Force, but an injury abruptly ended her 11-year career. She pivoted to...
Maddie Picken '23
When she was three, Maddie Picken’s mother asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She answered, “a nurse.” Picken...
Tre Woods '23
When he began considering different schools of education, UNCW’s Watson College of Education stood out to Tre Woods “because of the...
Shay Webb ’20, ’23M
Shay Webb ’20, ’23M is one of 1.45 million Americans currently living with type 1 diabetes, which fueled her decision to pursue a...
Brienna Rafferty '23
Brienna Rafferty '23 and other members of the Asian Student Association's executive board led the charge to establish an Asian Heritage...
Jenny Norris ’23
A brain tumor did not deter Jenny Norris from achieving her goal of obtaining a psychology degree.
Darron Jenkins
In some ways, Darron Jenkins is a community architect. He works with campus partners to design smaller communities where students can learn, grow...
Thomas Nietman
After a severe bout with pneumonia that required hospitalization and a long recovery, Thomas Nietman needed extensive respiratory therapy, a...
Kristy Witte '22
When Kristy Witte '22 was in high school, she suffered two season-ending injuries, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in both knees....
Michaela Howells
Michaela Howells’ fascination with evolution and medicine led her to a career as a biocultural anthropologist, which bridged her passions and...