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Challenging the Paradigm Conference

UNCW/3C Collaborative

The Challenging the Paradigm Conference 2027, at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Watson College of Education, will be hosted on February 11-12, 2027. Our theme and presentations this year are focused on Navigating Change Through Partnership and Collaboration in Uncertain Times.

The conference brings together community college faculty and staff, university faculty and staff, and others interested in learning, growing, and challenging the paradigm with innovative and transformative practices. Each year, the focus is on the partnerships among community colleges, universities, and the community.

The Challenging the Paradigm Conference will feature plenary presentations for all attendees. We look forward to broadening our networks and getting to know you.

The 2027 conference includes:

  1. Keynote Speakers
  2. Edu-sessions
  3. Sharing Best Practices
  4. Collaboration

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at hennningd@uncw.edu or by phone at (910) 859-4889.

Conference Registration

The conference registration fee is $150.00, and food will be provided during the conference times. We will review proposals for the final agenda and make them available on the website. We look forward to connecting with colleagues and expanding our networks to support the vital work that drives the success of our students.
Register Online

Call For Proposals

Interested in sharing your work, ideas, or experiences through a high-impact presentation? We invite proposals that engage with our conference theme, Navigating Change through Partnership and Collaboration in Uncertain Times.

We welcome contributions across a wide range of topics, perspectives, and areas of expertise. While connection to the conference theme is not a criterion for proposal evaluation or selection, we encourage you to consider how your submission explores the ways partnership and collaboration can help us navigate change and uncertainty.

Are you interested in submitting a proposal for a high-impact presentation surrounding the theme of "Navigating Change through Partnership and Collaboration in Uncertain Times"?

Proposal deadline: December 15, 2026

Submit Your Proposal

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Donyell L. Roseboro

Dr. Donyell L. Roseboro is a Professor in the Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The daughter of a teacher and machine operator, her experiences growing up in a family that grappled with what it means to be Black in the United States have informed a career centered on education, culture, and equity.

She has authored more than 35 publications and collaborated on or led grant-funded initiatives totaling over $1 million, including Fulbright-Hays and Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement programs. Dr. Roseboro also led the opening of UNCW’s K-8 University Laboratory School, D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, and recently served as a seasonal educator at Kennedy Space Center. She holds degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and UNC Greensboro.

Dr. Janet N. Spriggs

JanetSpriggs.jpegDr. Janet N. Spriggs is the seventh President of Forsyth Technical Community College, leading since 2019. With 30 years of leadership across the North Carolina Community College System, she is a nationally recognized, three-time Aspen Presidential Fellow and 2026 North Carolina Community College System President of the Year.

A first-generation, low-income community college graduate, she holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University. As a student-centered visionary, Dr. Spriggs champions student success and institutional transformation through Vision 2030: Forsyth Tech 3.0, guided by a leadership philosophy she lives by every day: Love Deeply. Laugh Often. Lead Well.