WSE Academic Advising Staff
Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Dr. Hank Weddington
Office of the Dean, Education
EB 309
(910) 962-4142 Phone
(910) 962-4081 Fax
weddingtonh@uncw.edu
Dr. Weddington's homepage
Mark Phelps
James Hall 107
910-962-3974 phone
910-962-3038 fax
phelpsm@uncw.edu
Teacher Recruiter
I am the teacher recruiter for the Watson School of Education. I work closely with various groups, clubs, and organizations within UNCW, and in the public schools of Southeastern North Carolina to recruit quality future teachers. Teaching has been a gift in my life and I truly enjoy working with prospective students to help them navigate their way to a fulfilling career in education.
My background is in teaching middle school Spanish which I taught for six years in Delaware. I have a B.A. in Foreign Language & Literature from the University of Delaware and an M.Ed. from Wilmington University. I am also working on my Ed. D. in Educational Leadership and Administration.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife, and our dog, Sammy. I also enjoy being on the water (beach and boat), , playing music, traveling, and working out. We could not have picked a better place to live and work than in Wilmington and UNCW.
Tanya Croom
Office hours this week
EB 312
(910) 962-7357 Phone
(910) 962-4081 Fax
croomt@uncw.edu
Lead Advisor
I advise all main campus undergraduate pre-education majors and prospects who are seeking admittance to the Watson School of Education. In addition to advising, I partner with Cape Fear Community College to advise prospective education students, coordinate transfer orientations, and share information about Watson School at University and community events.
I hold a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Counseling from Indiana University (Bloomington). Prior to advising future educators, I advised business students in UNCW’s Cameron School of Business. Additionally, I have spent over ten years in leadership positions, including counseling in public school systems, and management and sales in retail banking and investment services.
One of my favorite quotes is "What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul." by Joseph Addison. I sincerely enjoy working with future educators.
Sam Black
EB 310
(910) 962-3912 Phone
(910) 962-4081 Fax
blacks@uncw.edu
View Sam Black's Vita
Alternative Licensure Coordinator
I am the advisor for students who have already earned an undergraduate degree and are now seeking teacher licensure. The advising process includes evaluating transcripts, developing plans of study, and selecting alternative pathways into teaching, which is dependant on a student’s academic background. In addition, I assist our community college liaisons in any way I can, and coordinate the Watson School of Education scholarship program.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a graduate degree in education from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. My experience includes work in admissions, academic and career advising, planning and development, and youth leadership. I enjoy sports and music, and believe it or not, working in the yard. But most of all, I enjoy time spent with my beautiful wife and three children.
Lisa Keenan
Advisor for Military Affiliated UNCW Students at Coastal Carolina Community College & Cartaret Community College Extension Sites
I hold a B.S. from West Chester University, Pennsylvania, and a M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University, Pennsylvania. My professional background is in high school social studies. I have taught in public schools and at the university level. I am married to a retired U. S. Marine. We have two children—Rick and Kelly. I enjoy gardening, living by the beach, teaching and helping people.
Jorge Trujillo
(910) 455-8034 Phone at Coastal
(910) 296-1520 Phone at James Sprunt
trujilloj@uncw.edu
Advisor for Non-Military Affiliated UNCW Students at Coastal Community College & James Sprunt Community College Extension Sites
After teaching more than 11 years in elementary schools in North Carolina and in Mexico, I joined Watson School of Education as an advisor/recruiter for James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville. I previously worked for James Sprunt teaching ESL to adults.
I help community college students who feel passionate about teaching and want to transfer to the Donald R. Watson School of Education at UNCW.
When I’m not working I like to spend time with my wife. I also enjoy working in my yard, “serving my cat”, listening to music, and cooking. My favorite dish is Honey Chicken. I also enjoy cooking easy Mexican dishes that I remember from my childhood. I’m proud to live in eastern North Carolina and it’s an honor to work for UNCW and have this opportunity to help our children have the best teachers.
Terri Merritt
(910) 755-7398 Phone at Brunswick Community College
910-642-7142 Phone at Southeastern Community College
Advisor for UNCW students at Brunswick Community and Southeastern Community College Extension Sites
As an advisor for the Watson School of Education I work with students who plan to become teachers in both Brunswick and Columbus counties. I have offices at Brunswick Community College and Southeastern Community College. I can provide community college students and county residents with information about the teaching field of their choice. Currently, students in Brunswick and Columbus counties can participate in an online Elementary Education Program. This new exciting program allows transfer students, who would be unable to earn a degree in a traditional manner, the opportunity to earn an Elementary Education Degree in an innovative manner.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University and my Master’s Degree in Administration from East Carolina University. Over the years I have taught special needs students in elementary, middle, and high school. I’ve been an Early Childhood Director and taught classes on the community college level in this field as well.
Being an advisor for the Watson School of Education is a rewarding job that I truly enjoy. The most gradufying part of my job is working with, and getting to know, my advisees. I feel privileged to be a part of their journey to become teachers.
Nanci Boldizar
Office Hours
New Center 202C
(910) 962-3881 Phone
boldizarn@uncw.edu
Fast Track Advisor
I am delighted to be the advisor for the Watson School of Education’s Fast Track program, an exciting grant-funded program for Elementary Education students seeking to complete their degrees in a shorter length of time. In my position, I offer support and guidance to Fast Track students in an effort to enable them to meet the challenging demands of the program. In addition to working with Fast Track, I am also part of the general advising team, working on special projects and attending recruitment events.
I earned my B.A. in American Studies and my MEd. in Educational Administration and Supervision with a concentration in Higher Education from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Prior to joining the Watson School of Education, I advised undeclared students and served as the UNCW Coordinator of Transfer Admissions. I also have experience as a high school teacher of Special Education and worked for Rutgers University as part of the Admissions recruitment team.
I am truly passionate about helping students during this important time in their lives, filled with promise and possibilities! Some of my other interests include travelling, theater, reading and spending time with my family and friends, especially my husband, John and our two wonderful children, Helena and Will.
Amy Rottmann
EB 237
(910) 962-3087 Phone
rottmanna@uncw.edu
Interim Director of Teaching Fellows
I have the honor of being the Interim Director for the Teaching Fellows Program at UNCW. In addition to being the director, I am the academic advisor for the freshmen Teaching Fellows and the course instructor for EDN 105.
I earned my B.A. in English with a concentration in Secondary Education and my ME.d in the Secondary Education Program from UNC-Wilmington. Prior to becoming the Interim Director, I was a high school English Teacher in New Hanover County, an Intern Supervisor at UNCW, the Assistant Director for the Teaching Fellows Program, and an English Adjunct instructor at Mount Olive College.
I truly love working at UNCW!!! The students that I have the privilege to work with are exceptional individuals who make my job enjoyable!!