‘You Belong’ at Newly Named Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House
Posted on October 20, 2025
On Oct. 18, UNCG named its Alumni House, a hub for leadership and connection, in honor of a gift from Marcus T. Johnson ’99. His remarks and those of other speakers at the ceremony reflected the University’s commitment to building community.
OLCE Helps Students Unlock Their Leadership Potential at UNCG
Posted on October 17, 2025
Many students are driven by a desire to advocate for causes bigger than themselves. Not only does it look good on a resume, but this type of mindset shows initiative and offers real-world experiences in navigating and overcoming challenges. Through the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement (OLCE), UNC Greensboro students have the opportunity to learn what it means to combine passion and service into meaningful action for their communities.
Jordan Farmer, associate director of leadership, says, “In OLCE, we create programs that allow students to be changemakers within their communities, their professions, and here at UNCG.”
Getting involved with OLCE doesn’t look the same for everyone. Each student sets their own pace. By taking on the Spartan Leadership Challenge (SLC) or requesting a workshop for their student organization, they become catalysts for change, as every event entails learning something new.
OLCE gives students opportunities to branch out and meet new people, build connections, and serve alongside community partners while also having the option to organize their own projects.
Partner with the community
Ever heard of MLK Day of Service? That’s just one of the many opportunities for students to engage in service with peers. Coordinated by OLCE, this annual University-wide event remains successful with more than 200 participants each January.
Paired with a site leader, volunteers gain hands-on experience working within various areas in Greensboro, with transportation to and from their service sites. Service projects include sorting donations, decorating classrooms, working in community gardens, and more.
“Service days are opportunities for students to learn about Greensboro,” says Farmer. “As a leadership educator, I’m a strong believer that you cannot fully lead a community unless you first consider the barriers, both the good and bad, that come with it.”
Students, staff, and faculty are invited to take advantage of the Volunteer & Service-Learning Fair that takes place annually in early September. At the fair, they can engage directly with local organizations to ask in-depth questions about the communities they’re interested in serving. Organizations will discuss openings for volunteering, internships, and skill development.
Shape your next chapter
“Leadership and civic engagement are universal, transferable skills that apply to every aspect of life,” says Farmer.
The Spartan Leadership Challenge is a journey of career-readiness and professional growth that equips students for life after college. Each level of the challenge—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—encourages deeper engagement in areas of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
At the Bronze level, discover who you are as a leader. Take it a step further at the Silver level, sharpening your skills and expanding your influence; at the Gold level, apply what you’ve learned by contributing to complex projects and activating your strengths.
Those who complete the challenge gain a strong portfolio and are awarded medallions and certificates. At UNCG commencement ceremonies, you will see participants wearing one, two, or even three medals with their caps and gowns.
Ashanti Goins
Ashanti Goins, a Silver-level participant, shares advice for students considering the program. “I would tell students to be intentional throughout the process; you will be surprised at what you discover about yourself and things you didn’t know you had to unlearn.”
Briana Easterly
Alumna Brianna Easterly, a Bronze-level participant, reflects on how it prepared her for career readiness. “The Challenge was a time commitment. It taught me how to balance my time between work, school, and service. I learned how important it was to listen more than to be heard and that my actions speak louder about who I am as a person than anything else.”
Although each level of the SLC has its own set of requirements, what matters most is choosing the path that fits you best. Whether a first-year student or approaching graduation, there’s no single way to complete the Challenge.
“It’s never too late to do the SLC, even if a student has one semester left,” says Farmer. “Come spend it with us, and invest in yourself while gaining something valuable to show employers.”
Start Your Leadership Journey Today
Students can access the OLCE office in Elliot University Center, Room 217. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. So, what does leadership look like for you? Click here to pinpoint your “why” and explore how to make the most of your Spartan experience.
Story by Lauren Segers, University Communications Photography by Sean Norona and David Lee Row, University Communications
In 2024, North Carolina’s tourism industry broke records – as it welcomed nearly 40 million domestic visitors, who added $37 billion to our state’s economy, continuing the state’s streak as the fifth most visited state in the nation.
For UNC Greensboro’s Bryan School of Business & Economics (BSBE) alumni Salem Clarke ’11 and Melody Varner ’21, a love of all that North Carolina offers drives their ongoing mission to shape the state’s tourism landscape.
Clarke and Varner leverage their education and experiences to promote N.C.’s hidden gems, foster economic growth, and share the stories that make their communities unique.
Building Partnerships, Growing Communities
For Clarke, tourism is about more than travel – it’s about sharing what makes her community special. As Onslow County tourism manager, she oversees a wide range of initiatives highlighting the area’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. From the scenic shores of North Topsail Beach to the bustling restaurants of Jacksonville, she works with local partners to highlight what makes the county unique.
“My job involves everything from marketing and budgeting to coordinating with hoteliers, attractions, and restaurants,” Clarke says. “Tourism is a big circle. Our marketing drives the county’s economic growth, creates jobs, and builds stronger communities.”
Clarke’s work includes promoting unique experiences like oyster farm tours, clamming excursions, and the Onslow County International Food Trail, which celebrates the region’s global flavors. She also collaborates with the NC Coast Host network, state parks, and conservation groups to strengthen regional partnerships.
Originally from Lufkin, Texas, Clarke came to UNCG as an out-of-state student and found her footing at the Bryan School. She credits program experiences, as well as mentorship from Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Erick Byrd, with helping her land her first tourism position following graduation.
“The connections I made at UNCG have been invaluable,” Clarke says. “Tourism is such a collaborative field, and UNCG prepared me for that.”
Connecting People, Places
While Clarke’s career took her to the coast, Melody Varner found her calling closer to home. A sustainable tourism and hospitality graduate, she now serves as tourism marketing coordinator for the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority, promoting the county where she grew up.
“I love the variety that comes with this role,” she says. “Every day is different. One moment I’m updating our travel guide or assisting with travel media hosting and the next I’m helping a group plan a tour of our attractions.”
A transfer student from Randolph Community College, Varner says she always knew UNCG was where she wanted to continue her education. “The classes I took in the Bryan School helped me figure out what I wanted to do,” she says. “Dr. Byrd’s guidance and experience in the field were huge for me. He helped me make the connections that led to my current job.”
Now, Varner gives back to UNCG by speaking to tourism and hospitality students as well as participating in alumni events. “I tell students to be open-minded and trust their journey,” she says. “Use the resources around you – professors, classmates, and alumni. Those relationships will take you far.”
Education Driving Economic Impact
From Onslow County’s coastal experiences to Randolph County’s cultural landmarks, Clarke and Varner’s wide-reaching work demonstrates how UNCG alumni strengthen North Carolina’s economy through tourism.
Byrd, who is also the Director of the BSBE Center for Industry Research and Engagement, is committed to delivering programs that offer students the skills and confidence necessary to lead collaborative, community-focused initiatives.
“Tourism, at its heart, is about creating meaningful experiences in the places and communities where people visit and live.”
-Erick Byrd, Associate Professor, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality & Tourism
“Tourism, at its heart, is about creating meaningful experiences in the places and communities where people visit and live.” Byrd says. “The success of any destination depends on the dedication of tourism professionals like Salem and Melody. They help make North Carolina a top tourism destination, I am incredibly proud of the role UNCG played in their educational and professional journeys.”
As N.C. continues to grow as a popular travel destination, BSBE graduates like Clarke and Varner play an essential role in shaping how visitors and residents alike experience the state.
Story by Jenna Hall, AMBCopy Photography provided by Salem Clarke and Melody Varner, BSBE Alumni
As the holiday season approaches, the UNCG Staff Senate is continuing its cherished tradition of hosting the Spartan Season of Giving. This annual initiative is dedicated to supporting members of the UNCG community who may be in need, ensuring they and their families can enjoy a joyful holiday.
The Staff Senate invites all UNCG employees and students to either nominate themselves or someone they know in need of assistance. Nominations can be made through the completion of an application, which should be returned to the Staff Senate Spartan Season of Giving Committee Chair Bridget Boyles, by Nov. 4 no later than 5 p.m.
Applications and inquiries, as well as requests for additional information, can be emailed to Boyles at bcboyles@uncg.edu.
During last year’s Spartan Season of Giving, with your incredible generosity, we were able to bring holiday cheer to six UNCG community families. Together, we collected 110 heartfelt gifts from 47 caring individuals.
The Staff Senate is eager to extend similar help this year and encourages the UNCG community to come forward to ensure that no one is left out of the holiday cheer.
Coalition for Global Languages and Cultures Puts Out Call for Grant Applications
Posted on October 20, 2025
The Coalition for Global Languages and Cultures (CGLC) provides competitive grants to support those engaged in research, grant writing, and project implementation activities that fulfill the CGLC mission. Right now, they are accepting applications for the Benjamin “Benji” Chang Grant.
Individuals and groups including at least one UNCG tenured, tenure track, or professional track faculty may apply. Research groups are also encouraged to include graduate students.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 15. At least two proposals will be funded for up to $3,000 per proposal.
This grant is named in honor of Benjamin “Benji” Chang, Ph.D., assistant professor of teacher education and higher education, who passed away in 2022. His interdisciplinary approach drew from cultural studies, critical education, and sociocultural learning theory, to investigate issues of pedagogy, teacher education, community engagement, and sustainability towards social justice with minoritized and diasporic communities.
What to Know About Submitting
The CGLC is interested in supporting competitive submissions that:
Advance the knowledge base by engaging community voices to address the educational and sociocultural well-being of diverse language community individuals and groups.
Have direct benefit for members of a diverse language community.
Establish and strengthen partnerships among diverse language community stakeholders (e. g., individuals, families, students, schools, community organizations, universities, state policy makers).
Build capacity to value and support international individuals, experiences, and perspectives and to promote global collaboration and opportunities.
Advocate, promote policy, and engage in outreach activities to leverage positive change for diverse language communities through professional development, community engagement programs, and other avenues as needed for DLC stakeholders.
Applicants may submit proposals for activities including, but not limited to, the following:
Writing individual or collaborative papers (including white papers, policy briefs, technical reports, manuscripts, chapters) which will be disseminated in appropriate outlets.
Implementing professional development efforts (e.g., workshops, panels, interactive sessions) that are tied to research initiatives, leverage positive change for participants, and facilitate access and success.
Creating outreach materials (e.g., virtual materials, informational modules, pamphlets) that are tied to research initiatives and address the educational, psychological, and socio-cultural needs of individuals and groups from diverse language communities.
Building capacity within diverse language communities or addressing pressing needs as identified by community partners.
Submission Information
Proposal format: must be no more than two, single-spaced pages and include: 1) the names and affiliations of all applicants; 2) goals/purposes, including how this aligns with the CGLC mission; 3) expected activities and outcomes, including the involvement of each member; and 4) a budget that outlines the plan for the allocation of funds.
Submission: Please fill out this form and upload your proposal.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, by 11:59 pm
Eligibility: Individuals or groups with at least one UNCG faculty (tenured, tenure track, or clinical)
Award Amount: up to $3,000 per proposal
Proposal Review and Funding
Proposals will undergo blind review by a committee of CGLC members.
All proposals will be evaluated based on their merit, with attention to explicit connections to the CGLC mission and clear statements of the scope of work to be completed during the grant period.
Two or more applicants (all eligible as described above) may submit a collaborative application, but the funding will have to be shared as described in the proposal. The role of each collaborator must be clearly defined in the proposal.
Priority will be given to proposals that align closely with the CGLC mission and that will use their funding in the community.
Those who have received a CGLC Grant in the past are eligible to receive funding.
For those previously funded, additional funding is contingent upon the completion of the final report for earlier projects and presentation of the project at either the CGLC Conference or another CGLC event.
Decisions will be announced no later than December 31, 2025. Funds will be transferred to the associated department and must be spent by April 30, 2026. All pertinent restrictions on the use of state funds will apply.
Other Guidelines
CGLC Grant awardees are expected to use their funds as outlined in their proposal. If awardees decide to make changes to how funding is used, they will need to submit a revised plan for use of funds to be reviewed by the committee. At this time, the committee may decide to approve the changes, provide feedback for alternate plans, or rescind the offer altogether.
CGLC Grant awardees should submit a final report (up to two, single-spaced pages) of their grant activities by Sept. 30, 2026, to Amy Vetter, Ph.D., at amvetter@uncg.edu. The report should describe the overall project and include information about how funds were used, the outcomes, and future directions. You are also encouraged to include photos to help document your project.
Awardees may be asked to present and share the results of their work at the annual CGLC Conference. Awardees are also encouraged to present their work at the UNCG Undergraduate or Graduate Research and Creativity Expo.
CGLC Grant awardees should include an acknowledgement of support from CGLC in all publications, presentations, and other materials resulting from the funded project. Suggested wording: “This work was sponsored by the Coalition of Global Languages and Cultures (CGLC) at UNC Greensboro (UNCG).”
All questions may be directed to Vetter.
CGLC’s Mission Statement
The CGLC aims to be a catalyst for innovative, relevant, collaborative and policy-related research, leveraging the synergy and knowledge of faculty, staff, students, and communities, locally, nationally, and globally. Specifically, we propose to design and implement research agendas responsive to identified diverse language community needs that result in:
Developing a coherent and comprehensive research agenda that engages community voices to address the educational and socio-cultural wellbeing of DLC individuals and groups.
Establishing and strengthening partnerships among diverse language community stakeholders (e.g., individuals, families, students, schools, community organizations, universities, state policy makers).
Building capacity to value and support international individuals, experiences, and perspectives and to promote global collaborations and opportunities.
Advocating, promoting policy, and engaging in outreach activities to leverage positive change for DLCs through professional development, community engagement programs, and other avenues as needed for DLC stakeholders.
UNCG Police Department Statement on Student Arrest Incident (Oct. 6, 2025)
Posted on October 15, 2025
To Our Campus Community:
I know many of you have questions and concerns following the recent arrest of a student during a traffic stop on campus. I want to assure you I hear you. Transparency, accountability, and care for one another are core values in our community, and we remain committed to sharing accurate information.
Last Monday evening (Oct. 6), University police officers saw a car parked on Glenwood Avenue in a turning lane for about 40 minutes with hazard lights on. The car was running with no one inside. The officers learned the registered owner had a suspended license and spoke with the driver, who was not a student. Their goal was to avoid arresting him, and they gave him many opportunities to move the car. After getting into the car, the driver became verbally aggressive and refused multiple requests to cooperate. Officers told him dozens of times to get out of the car.
During the interaction, a UNCG student approached the car and, despite repeated warnings to step back, put her hand on an officer’s shoulder to separate him from the driver. After being told numerous times to back up, the student finally gave the officers room to eventually take the driver into custody. As is routinely done on campus, officers asked her to identify herself so they could refer her through the University conduct process. The student refused to provide that information until she received the officers’ badge numbers, which our department does not use. We do, however, have our names clearly visible on our uniforms. After multiple warnings, she tried to leave the scene and resisted officers’ efforts to detain her. Controlled force was used to safely restrain her.
Our police department has spent years building trust across our campus through consistent service, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to student safety. We know maintaining that trust requires openness and a continued willingness to listen and learn from our community. We ask everyone to be mindful that much of what appears on social media is incomplete, speculative, or simply false. A full review of the incident is underway to ensure our procedures align with our commitment to fairness, safety, and mutual respect.
Chris Jasso Chief of Police UNCG Police Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the police officers involved be subject to disciplinary action? UNCG police acted in accordance with their responsibility to maintain a safe campus environment. As is our standard practice with any arrest, the University is reviewing the incident, including available reports and video, to ensure clarity and transparency and to assess any violations of policies, procedures, or state law.
What is the process followed by UNCG in a professional standards investigation? Details about the UNCG Police Department Complaint Investigation and Administrative Review Process are available on the department’s website.
What is the University doing to defend the student? We understand that this is an upsetting situation for all involved; however, legal matters must be handled in the courts. The University’s responsibility is to provide support to students, connect them with resources, and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the process.
Do UNCG police officers have badge numbers? No, UNCG police officers do not have badge numbers; however, their names are clearly displayed on their outer vest.
Are UNCG officers required to provide a Miranda warning during an arrest? Miranda rights apply only before officers begin a custodial interrogation. Without both “custody” and “interrogation” Miranda warnings are not applicable. Custody means a situation where a reasonable person would not feel free to leave. Interrogation refers to direct questioning. The individuals who were arrested were provided with Miranda warnings at the police department before they were questioned.
What is the law on vehicle searches? Federal and state law provide that when officers have probable cause to search a vehicle for evidence of a crime and the vehicle is in a public place (that is, a place where the defendant does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy), they may seize the vehicle without a search warrant. The officers then may search it without a search warrant at the place where they seized it or may bring it to a law enforcement facility or other place and search it there without a warrant. Impounded vehicles are inventoried of all property in all areas of the vehicle that are in plain view or in unlocked containers to account for and protect the owner’s property while being towed.
Will the arrested student face disciplinary action from the University? Any potential disciplinary matters are handled under our Code of Student Conduct and follow a separate process from the legal system. We do not discuss individual student cases publicly to protect privacy.
What support is being offered to students? The Division of Student Affairs is in communication with the student involved in the incident. Student Affairs is available to provide counseling, guidance, and resources to any student as needed. We encourage students and families with questions or concerns to reach out directly.
The countdown is on this week for Homecoming 2025. Get ready for Spartan Street Fest, the annual bonfire, the official naming of the Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House, big games, and more.
Undergraduates strive to become bold, career-ready leaders. They’re now better assured of it thanks to new funding from alumnus Marcus T. Johnson ’99, whose name will soon grace UNCG’s Alumni House. He is leveraging a Student Professional Development Fund to invest in the Bryan School of Business and Economics’ Blueprint series and is expanding opportunities for students in additional ways.
From Founders Day to the Current State of the Campus
Posted on October 09, 2025
It’s been a busy week at UNC Greensboro. The campus celebrated Founders Day, renamed a street, and hosted Chancellor Gilliam’s annual State of the Campus address. The week’s events reflected the progress the University has seen since it opened its doors to students 133 years ago while underscoring the unwavering purpose that guides UNCG.
As the Chancellor shared in his address on Tuesday, “Our North Star still remains unchanged: helping students achieve a higher standard of living and personal success and strengthening the state’s communities.”
A History of Access
On Oct. 5, 2025, the UNC Greensboro community observed Founders Day. The date commemorates the first day of classes in 1892 at the State Normal and Industrial School, the institution that would eventually become UNCG.
State Normal was the first public higher-education institution for women in North Carolina, giving 198 female students the opportunity for an affordable education after high school. According to archived charter documents, the school was founded to train female teachers and instruct them in “drawing, telegraphy, type-writing, stenography, and such other industrial arts as may be suitable to their sex and conducive to their support and usefulness.”
The inaugural president of the college, Charles Duncan McIver, led the staff and faculty. All students took classes in algebra, English, general and English history, Latin, physical geography and botany, drawing, vocal music, and physical culture, before continuing their education with majors in teaching (normal), business, or domestic science.
To honor the milestone that McIver and State Normal’s faculty played in women’s education, early Founders Day celebrations included placing a wreath on McIver’s grave at Green Hill Cemetery in Greensboro. To this day, a wreath adorns his statue outside Jackson Library, as well as his statue on the State Capitol grounds in Raleigh, each Founders Day.
Avenues for Progress
Since 1892, the University has evolved, as has its name. State Normal became The North Carolina College for Women in 1919 before settling in as the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina from 1932 to 1963. Black women were first admitted in 1956, before the latest name change to The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1963. A year later, the University became coeducational when male students were officially admitted for the first time.
This week at a Founders Day tea in the Alumni House, the University announced that it would honor the Woman’s College years by renaming Administration Drive to Woman’s College Way. Several Woman’s College distinguished alumnae were in attendance for the “WC Way” announcement, pleased that a main avenue on UNCG’s historic campus now honors those early years of educational access for women.
Ready to Tackle New Challenges
Access continues to be a driving force for UNCG even today, as noted in the State of the Campus address on Oct. 7 where Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. encouraged faculty and staff to strive to do what’s best for the University despite challenges in the higher education landscape. If you missed it, view the recording here.
Using a sports analogy, Gilliam invited a member of the audience to join him on the stage to demonstrate an athletic stance. Jordan Farmer of the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement stepped up as a former football player who was very familiar with the crouched and ready-for-the-next-play position.
Jordan Farmer joins the Chancellor on stage to demonstrate an “athletic stance” at the State of the Campus address.
He explained that because defenders never know which way the receiver may go, they need to be ready to move in any direction. Comparing challenges to higher education to a receiver needing coverage, Gilliam joked “our receiver is doing all kinds of crazy stuff these days!”
“As an institution, we need to be ready to react, nimble, and quick,” he continued, before evoking other sports like tennis and softball. “The ball won’t hit us in the glove every time if we’re not ready to move.”
The Chancellor closed by reminding the packed house in Elliott University Center Auditorium that our founders persevered back in the late 1800s, despite public opinion that questioned why women should be educated at all.
“Here’s what I do know,” he concluded. “UNCG has always faced changes. We’re in this together and we’ll strive to do what’s best for the University.” It was an appropriate message for this Founders Day week of reflection, progress, and preparation.
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications. Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications.
‘Battle of the Chefs Teams’ Up with Gargoyles and Swarm
Posted on October 16, 2025
Battle of the Chefs is back! It’s time for Spartans to trade the field and cleats for the frying pan and aprons!
Men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and men’s tennis teams are stepping into the kitchen for a culinary showdown where bragging rights (and team pride) are on the line.
Each team will cook up their best dishes, but only one can take home the trophy. Their coaches will join guest judges from the Greensboro Gargoyles and the Greensboro Swarm to decide who’s got the ultimate game in the kitchen.
Don’t miss the action on Oct. 23, 4 to 7 p.m., at Fountain View Dining Hall. Cheer on your favorite team and see who can serve up the win!
