Sharon Richter

For more than two decades, Sharon Richter has focused on opening doors for people with disabilities. Whether helping a non-speaking student find their voice, preparing future special education teachers, expanding college opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities or building partnerships that strengthen schools and communities, her career has been defined by creating pathways to more independent lives. 

Richter’s commitment has guided each step of her professional journey, from her years in special education classrooms in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to her leadership role at UNCW’s Watson College of Education, where she has helped develop programs that support learners with disabilities and prepare the next generation of educators. 

Richter’s passion for inclusion began early. She was influenced by stories of her mother’s younger brother with Down syndrome and her volunteer work in her sister’s special education classroom. She also worked part-time in service roles that brought her into contact with people with disabilities, deepening her understanding of the importance of inclusion. 

“In my current role, I feel grateful that local families of children with disabilities share my name with each other when seeking to connect with UNCW students who are knowledgeable about disabilities,” said Richter, an associate professor of special education.   

After earning a master's degree and doctorate in special education from UNC Charlotte, she joined the faculty at Appalachian State University before arriving at UNCW in 2018. She was drawn to the university by the strength of its special education program and by the work of faculty members she admired, including retired professor Linda Mechling. 

Since joining UNCW, she has helped build upon an already strong foundation. Working alongside colleagues across the college and community, she has contributed to the development of new pathways into the profession, including the Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education, the Residency Licensure Program in Special Education and the Inclusive Futures Program. 

Through partnerships with New Hanover County Schools’ Transition Program for Young Adults, local school districts and faculty across disciplines, students gain hands-on experience while individuals with disabilities benefit from innovative programming and support. 

“Working alongside so many people who share a commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities has been the most rewarding part of my time at UNCW,” she said. 

That collaborative spirit is evident in initiatives ranging from the RISE Scholarship Program, which supports residency licensure teachers working toward certification, to the Inclusive Futures Program, which creates college experiences for students with intellectual disabilities. She has also worked with nursing faculty to prepare future educators for healthcare responsibilities they may encounter in classrooms and helped establish the Teaching and Learning Lab, a shared space that supports instruction, research and skill development. 

At the center of every effort is creating opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive. 

“All of our efforts are designed to invite individuals to engage in disability-related careers and to address challenges and celebrate opportunities,” she said. “Disability is a natural part of the human experience. UNCW has been a leader in supporting inclusive and broad programming.”