Student Highlights
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© Watson College of Education at UNCW | 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 962-7745 Phone | education@uncw.edu
Thomas I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Florida International University in 1997. After spending more than a decade in the industry it was time for a change, and I enrolled in the Recreation, Sports Leadership and Tourism Management program offered at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. During this time, I was employed as a Program Assistant with Seahawk Adventures which is the outdoor program for the Department of Campus Recreation. It was here that I began to understand the importance of learning outside the classroom and my interests in higher education and student development began. Upon graduating in August of 2012 I assumed the role of Adventure Recreation Coordinator with the Department of Campus Recreation and began my studies with the Watson College of Education.
Michelle My name is Michelle Becker and I am a recent graduate of the University North Carolina Wilmington where I studied Elementary Education with a concentration in behavioral studies. I enjoyed working with younger students and completed my student teaching in second grade. I had the opportunity to complete part of my experience in Wilmington and the remainder in San Pedro, Belize. I had an amazing study abroad experience. After returning from teaching abroad, I thought I wanted to attend graduate school for elementary education. A year into the program, I realized that my real passion was in higher education. I realized this passion through my work experience in Housing and Residence Life for the past six years. I knew that the new Higher Education Master's program was the change I was looking for. After my first semester in the program, I have realized that it was the best decision I could have made. I look forward to continuing the program and graduating in May.
Jeremy As an undergraduate I was heavily involved with residence life, multicultural affairs, and leadership/service learning. I also held leadership positions as a Resident Advisor, Student Success Mentor and Leadership Development Advisor. My first professional higher education experience was as an Admissions Counselor for a year. With that position, I was responsible for counseling prospective applicants and recruiting students for the university. Like many others, it was my involvement with these experiences that sparked my interest in the field of Higher Education. I have a passion for student development, specifically Black male student success. I believe students should always be challenged to discover their true identity and values both in a curricular and co-curricular environment. I was attracted to UNC Wilmington because of the great top-ranked graduate programs and wonderful campus culture that embodies the university. Attending another UNC system institution for graduate school was an easy choice because I knew UNC Wilmington would provide the right amount of research and opportunity for my professional development. I am very excited to be part of such a great Higher Education program, and I am looking forward to all the new opportunities for growth and development that await me here at UNCW.
Andrea I want to study Higher Education so I can get a job in student affairs working with cultural diversity. With my master's degree I want to focus on Women and Islam and their significance within Higher Education. I eventually want to obtain both my masters and doctorate in History, and using my degree in Higher Education, become a department chair.
Josh I grew up in a suburb of New Orleans, Louisiana. After high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where I was an Intelligence Specialist. Later, I moved to Wilmington, NC and enrolled at Cape Fear Community College. I took on several leadership roles, garnering much praise and encouragement. After obtaining an Associate's Degree in Pre-Sociology, I transferred to the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I declared a Communication Studies major and Leadership Studies minor. During this time, I became even more involved in high-level student leadership roles gaining contact with many executive administrators. It was during these interactions where I had the epiphany about higher education as a career. Most notably, my work with the LGBTQIA Resource Office, Transfer Admissions office, Non-Traditional resource center and Men's Studies-centered organizations was where I found the inspiration to focus in these areas. Enrolling in the M.Ed. in Higher Education at UNCW was a logical choice because I knew first-hand how the university administration dealt with students and I wanted to learn to be a university professional, in that same environment.
Summer I originally became interested in Higher Education through my leadership roles that I pursued while an undergraduate student. I also worked with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Clarkson University helping with Greek Life, Student Organizations, and planning conferences. After graduation and before I began graduate school, I stayed at Clarkson to help plan their new-student orientation. Because of my experience working with both student organizations and new-student orientation, I hope to continue working in Higher Education in this capacity. I am so glad that I chose UNCW's Higher Education program. I have already learned so much and look forward to continuing with the program
Daniella My name is Daniella Polich and I currently work at the Office of the Registrar at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I have worked for universities or university affiliated companies since I was a freshman at ECU. My passion and interest in a career in higher education stems from working my way through college and truly seeing the impact of the 'college years' have a person. Especially with students that do not have the support system like most assume most students have. I did most of my high school in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, but having a parent in the military, I had a chance to live in various areas of the world. I am lucky to have that experience, for its molded me in to a pretty adaptable person. I like to stay pretty active on campus through Staff Senate, the Diversity Council and the Women's Studies Resource Center Advisory Board here at UNCW. Outside of work and school, I enjoy trying new restaurants, thrift store shopping, and keeping up with correspondence with my stationary and stamp collection.
Andrew My name is Andrew Murray I am from a small town in the foothills of North Carolina; I grew up active in sports and I would like to pursue a career in athletic administration or campus recreation. Coming out of my undergraduate experience I never planned to attend graduate school, after looking into the program I found that this would be a great fit for my interest. I love the environment that higher education offers and look forward to furthering my education.
Lavon DavisI was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina; I lived there, with my family, all my life. However, this did not deter me from travelling. Graduating from Francis Marion University with University Honors allowed me to travel many different places. Being selected as Honors Ambassador abroad to Ireland helped me to realize my love for travelling and meeting new people. I then studied abroad in Germany at Schmalkalden University and in England at DeMonfort University. Through the extended interaction with faculty, staff, and students, I realized my passion for student services, which guided me in pursuing a career in Higher Education. At Francis Marion University I held many leadership roles such as Head Orientation Leader, Tour Chair for the FMU Diplomats, Resident Assistant for three years, and a Writing Center Consultant for two years. These leadership roles fueled my desire, devotion, and dedication to mentor and be a positive, professional role model for students in college and beyond.