“I want to be the person to help bridge the gap.”
David Sandy arrived at UNC Greensboro with a vision of service, to give a voice to people for whom words do not come easily. He’s eager to get started after he graduates with a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
“It’s a growing field,” says Sandy. “I think a lot of people still tend to overlook the importance of communication.”
David’s path to UNCG started as a transfer student, and thanks to some college credits he completed in high school, he graduates early on May 8. Though he’s spent only a few years at the G, Sandy made himself a familiar, friendly face by getting involved in the social and academic activities at his disposal.
“It was good to be part of the change I wanted to see,” he says.
Welcoming Everyone to the G
He describes going through a bit of “culture shock” when he first decided to become a Spartan. He transferred from North Carolina Central University for a major in speech pathology and audiology.
“Coming from an HBCU to here, it was different,” he acknowledges. “But as time went on, I made new friends, went to more events, put my name out there, and became committed to the campus.”
Most of the activities he participated in are dedicated to making other students feel welcome. He lists: “I’m president of the Black Student Union. I’m secretary of our National Speech, Language, and Hearing Association chapter. I’m a street team member for Activities & Campus Events. I’m a desk assistant — and used to be an RA — for Housing and Residential Life.”
Sandy, who also earned a minor in sociology, has enjoyed creating programs and opportunities that enhance student engagement. Along with a few other UNCG students, he attended one of the National Association for Campus Activities conferences in Georgia to learn more about what makes a great college event.
One of his favorites was the Mardi Gras celebration hosted by the Black Student Union in 2025. It fell primarily upon Sandy to organize it, working with Spartan Dining to create a New Orleans-style extravaganza inside Fountain View Dining Hall. “A lot of people came out. They were having fun and dancing. It was a really good event,” he says.
Personal experiences unlock a purpose
Classes at UNCG delivered the science and methodology of speech disorders, but it was Sandy’s own personal experiences that drove him to become a standout in his department. While growing up in Charlotte, he saw firsthand how his mother dealt with her stutter and how it affected everyday interactions like ordering a meal in a drive thru.
One of his father’s coworkers introduced him to her daughter, a speech-language pathologist, and invited him to visit her workplace. He also shadowed an SLP at the Nest Academy.
Once he came to UNCG, he found CSD faculty committed to taking his knowledge to the next level. He praises how Assistant Professor and Clinical Educator Sarah Hopkins made herself available whenever he needed to talk about anything. “She was very influential,” he says. “Whenever I didn’t understand something, she was always there to work with me.”
Hopkins commends Sandy’s leadership skills and his readiness to immerse himself in service, all while maintaining his high GPA. “One of the qualities that distinguish David from his peers is the clarity with which he understands his ‘why,'” she says. “He has shared the personal experiences that sparked his interest in this field, experiences that demonstrate insight, empathy, and a profound appreciation for the power of communication.”
Sandy also speaks highly of Dr. Brook Holt, the director of the online master’s program, for her dedication to his success. And he was greatly inspired to study under Dr. Robert Mayo, a professor he considers a great role model for men like him.
“He, like me, is a Black male, whom you don’t see that often in this field,” he says. “It was good to see that he was able to become a professor, in this space.”
Through it all, he knew his family back home in Charlotte was cheering him on. As a first-generation student, he felt a lot of pressure to succeed. “I appreciate all the late-night calls I had with my mom, when I felt like I couldn’t do something. I appreciate everybody being there and holding me up, believing in me.”
Giving the next generation a voice
After graduation, Sandy will go to Hampton University to pursue his master’s. He dreams of one day owning his own business and providing therapeutic services, but he also expresses interest in working in schools or getting involved in advocacy organizations.
He says many children with stutters or challenges with articulation, particularly in the K-5 age bracket, need someone who understands them. “Sometimes, parents overlook these disorders,” he says. “They think their kids will grow out of it. Early testing and early intervention are important.”
Hopkins says, “In my experience, students with this level of motivation, background experience, and compassion are well-positioned to become impactful clinicians. David is an inspiration to all who know him.”
Just like he did with students at UNCG, he’s excited to see how his degree will help him bridge gaps, make people feel like they belong, and keep being a role model.
“I’m a very outgoing person, and overall, I’m glad I made some sort of impact,” says Sandy. “I’ve done a lot to get to where I am today.”
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
CELEBRATE OUR GRADS!
Graduates and their families are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging the University accounts and using the hashtag #UNCGGrad. Visit UNCG’s digital swag page for Commencement-themed graphics and templates.
Mention @UNCG in celebratory posts on Instagram and X and @uncgreensboro on TikTok.
