Leslie L. Owens

Leslie is a Student Success Advisor in the UNCW College of Health & Human Services (CHHS) who advises students within the Recreation Therapy, Exercise Science, Public Health and Clinical Research Programs. In addition, Leslie coordinates CHHS's Student Ambassador Program which offers a unique opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, network with professionals in the field, and contribute to the growth and success of the College. Prior to becoming a Student Success Advisor, Leslie served as the Events Coordinator for the CHHS from January 2016-December 2023. Leslie is a proud UNCW Alumni, having attained her Master of Public Administration from the University in December 2024. Her Master's capstone research project, "Growing Resilience: A Stakeholder Approach to Non-Profit Accountability in Wilmington's Northside Neighborhood," allowed her to combine her academic goals with her passion for achieving food security among underserved residents in the Wilmington community. Prior to beginning her career in higher education, Leslie worked in Non-Profit Development within the areas of grant writing, volunteer recruitment and management and special events for organizations in North and South Carolina and Virginia.

Education

B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina; MPA , Public Administration, University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Professional Service

• UNCW Provost’s Advisory Council – Staff (PACS)
• UNCW College of Health & Human Services (CHHS) Student Ambassador Program Coordinator
• UNCW Student Programming Committee
• UNCW Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Voice of Inclusion Certificate (Level Three)
• UNCW Counseling Center, Certified QPR Gatekeeper (Suicide Prevention)
• Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Wilmington
• CHHS Student Success Coordinator-search committee member (Spring 2021 and Spring 2023)
• CHHS Director of Operations-search committee member
• UNCW Office of University Relations (OUR) Campus Communicators Forum member
• CHHS staff liaison to Southeastern North Carolina Regional Health Collaborative (SENCRHC)
• CHHS staff liaison to Consortium of Academic Programs in Clinical Research
• CHHS staff liasion to Building Health Academic Communities (BHAC) National Conference
• CHHS staff lead for annual Health & Human Services Week, Scholarship Receptions, Cape Fear Heart Walk, Willie Stargell 5k and I Am CHHS! 5k

Community Engagement

• Committee Member and Sponsorship Chair, “Cape Fear’s Got Talent!”
• Former Board Member, Kelly House for Women and Children, Wilmington, NC