Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Dr. Hank Weddington

Office of the Dean, Education
EB 309
(910) 962-3361 Phone
(910) 962-4081 Fax
weddingtonh@uncw.edu
Dr. Weddington's homepage

Mark Phelps

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.  I taught Spanish for six years in Delaware, and helped pioneer the Middle Grades World Language Program in Appoquinimink School District.

Tanya Croom

EB 312
(910) 962-7357 Phone
(910) 962-4081 Fax
croomt@uncw.edu

Academic Support Programs Advisor

I advise all 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 in retail banking.

My family and I truly enjoy the Southern Coast.  The ocean, the seafood, the warm people and climate make this a great place to live.  Coming from a family of educators, it is a privilege to advise students who have the power to positively impact the future.

One of my favorite quotes:

"What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul."

-- Joseph Addison

Nanci Boldizar

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. 

Sam Black

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.

Kathleen Benzequin

Director of Teaching Fellows Program

I am the Director of the UNCW Teaching Fellows Program. I’m also a lecturer in the Department of Educational Leadership and hold a BFA in Art/Art Education and a M.S. Ed in Guidance and Counseling from Alfred University. I serve as an academic advisor for the University College, advising freshmen Fellows and other education pre-majors. As part of my work in the WSE, I also am an advisor for students majoring in elementary ed.

While these are my official advising duties, I work with any student who wants to "put together the puzzle" of planning a major. I have worked in a variety of educational settings (SUNY at Alfred, St. Andrew's Presbyterian College, the NC School of Science and Mathematics and UNC-Chapel Hill) and truly enjoy helping students become successful teachers and community members.

Terri Merritt

UNCW Education Advisor located at
Brunswick Community and Southeastern Community Colleges

I am the academic advisor for both Brunswick Community College and Southeastern Community College. I advise students and recruit residents that would like to pursuer a career in education. My office is at Brunswick Community College, where I recruit and advise county residents who want to earn a teaching degree. Future plans for this new program include more web-based courses and WSE in-person courses taught at BCC. The goals are to improve access to teacher education programs and help address the shortage of qualified teachers.

I earned my undergraduate degree in special education from Appalachian State University. I've taught students with special needs in elementary, middle, and high school . Most recently ,I have taught Early Childhood and Developmental English classes on the community college level. I have a Master's Degree in educational administration from East Carolina University.

I truly enjoy working with, and getting to know, my advisees. I feel privileged to be a part of their journey to become teachers.

Jorge Trujillo

UNCW Education Advisor located at
James Sprunt Community College and Sampson Community College

I'm very glad you're interested in becoming a Seahawk. I help students at Duplin and Sampson counties register for the courses that they need in order to complete their BA in Elementary Education and BA in Early Childhood Education. I've been a teacher for more than 16 years. I worked for elementary schools in Mexico and in North Carolina for at least 11 years and also have been teaching ESL at James Sprunt Community College to adults for almost 6 years. In addition to that, I've been teaching a course for UNCW called Spanish for Educators face to face and online. I like teaching a lot and as an Advisor/Recruiter for Watson I've been helping all those community college students who feel passionate about education and want to transfer to UNCW. I always try to do my best helping our future teachers.

When I’m not working I like to spend time with my wife. I also enjoy working in my yard, “serving my 4 cats (!)”, and listening to music. I also do volunteer work for Pet Friends of Duplin County and schools in Kenansville, Chinquapin, Beulaville, Wallace, Faison, and Mount Olive. My favorite dish is the honey chicken that’s served in Chinese restaurants. When I cook, I like to fix 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.