Dr. Carol Chase Thomas

Associate Dean for Academic Programs

I coordinate the advising program for the Watson School of Education, and advise all non-degree graduate students. My professional background is in special education, and I have taught in public schools and at the university level. I received bachelor's and doctoral degrees from the University of Kentucky, and my master's degree from The Citadel.

I enjoy hiking, visiting lighthouses, and biking. I have a black schnauzer named Bailey who enjoys walking and going with me everywhere she can.

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.

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 have not yet been admitted 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 financial services.

My husband, my toddler son, and my two Shih-Tzus and I reside in the Wilmington area. We truly enjoy the Southern Coast.   Many of my family members are educators and 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

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 Specialty Studies 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 General 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 my interests (besides my students, of course!) include reading, boating and the new Airedale puppy my husband, Del, and I just adopted!

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

After teaching more than 11 years in elementary schools in North Carolina and in Mexico, I’ve become the new Watson School of Education advisor/recruiter for James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville. I’ve worked for this community college since 2003 when I started teaching ESL to adults.

In this new position, I’ll be helping all those community college students who feel passionate about teaching and want to transfer to the Donald R. Watson School of Education at UNCW. I’m planning to work very hard for 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 cat”, and listening to music. My favorite dish is the honey chicken that’s served in Chinese restaurants. When I cook, I like to do 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.