Meet the team behind the Upperman African American Cultural Center!
Director
910-962-7087
palmers@uncw.edu
Sean Palmer has served as Upperman Center Director since March 2016. Palmer earned his Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, a master’s degree in African and African American Studies from Clark Atlanta University and a bachelor’s degree in English with double minors in African American studies and religious studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN.
He previously served as the assistant director of the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture at Duke University. While at Duke, Palmer advised several student organizations, managed and advised the National PanHellenic Council, planned academic lectures and events, and was a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students. He has also served as director of student activities and residence life at Paine College in Augusta, GA.
Assistant Director
910-962-3303
goremd@uncw.edu
Milton Gore joined the staff in January 2023 and brings with him a passion for student development, a desire to build a Black men’s initiatives, and a depth of experiences in Residence Life. He joins us from Coastal Carolina University where he served as a Residence Director supervising a bevy of student staff. He also serves in roles nationally with the Student African American Brotherhood. He has already made a tremendous impact as a staff member and we look forward to all that he will create and facilitate this spring.
Program Coordinator for Cultural Enrichment Programming
910-962-2480
clausonriverar@uncw.edu
Renee Clauson-Rivera is the Program Coordinator for Cultural Enrichment. In this role, Clauson-Rivera designs programming to help individuals to better understand Africana and African American culture through art exhibits, lectures, cultural programming, foster a thriving social enviorment, and works closely with the greater Wilmington community.
Program Coordinator for Mentorship and Pre-Professional Programming
910-962-3303
fleminga@uncw.edu
Ashlee Fleming is the Program Coordinator for Mentorship and Pre-Professional programming. In this role, Fleming coordinates the Excellence Project mentoring program as well as the Black Table Talk mental health series, Senior Sankofa graduation ceremony and the Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration programs.