Reflecting on a milestone year

Season’s Greetings! Somehow we blinked and leapt straight from pumpkin-spice season to a surprise “snowfall” and winter break just around the corner. It was a gentle reminder that this season has its own way of nudging us to slow down. And with the fall semester wrapping up this week, I hope you’re all looking forward to a well-earned break and a chance to rest, reflect, and recharge.

Speaking of reflection, I want to pause and take in what an extraordinary year 2025 has been, a year that also marks the 60th anniversary of UNCSA’s opening as the nation’s first public arts conservatory. It’s impossible not to feel gratitude for the founders who imagined this place and brought it to life in Winston-Salem. Because of them, generations of artists have found their voices here and shared their gifts with the world. Their legacy lives on in each of you.

This year gave us many moments to celebrate. In September, we received a transformative $5.3 million gift from Joy and Michael Rave, the largest gift ever made to support libraries at UNCSA, arriving just as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our library’s opening. In October came another milestone: the largest single gift in UNCSA history. Randy and Kamu Dishmon’s more than $10.1 million commitment will establish the American Roots Music Institute, a defining step in shaping the next chapter of our university.

November brought national excitement as more than three dozen of our students were cast in the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s revitalized “Firebird,” touring from Paris to New York and beyond this spring, a remarkable industry collaboration featuring a score released earlier this year through UNCSA Media.

December has carried its own warmth and tradition. Last weekend, our 60th annual production of “The Nutcracker” lit up the stage at the Tanger Center. It was a true holiday gift, with a dazzling showcase from our School of Dance, UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, Dance Costume Shop, and D&P teams. Sharing the performance with UNC System President Peter Hans, who was absolutely delighted, made me even prouder. I loved showing off the magic that UNCSA can create!

This past Sunday, I was honored to serve as a guest reader at the Cantata Singers Holiday Concert at Home Moravian Church, a beautiful event that centered us all in the calm and beauty of the season. And the day before, I joined more than 140 students, faculty, and staff at the YMCA Mistletoe Half Marathon, 5K and Fun Run, a growing UNCSA holiday tradition now in its fourth year. Seeing that sea of UNCSA  t-shirts braving the cold was energizing. Thank you for showing such spirit in support of our Take 5ive wellness initiative.

Wednesday’s Holiday Open House at the Residence was another reminder of what this season is all about. It was wonderful to gather, share treats, admire some very impressive ugly holiday sweaters, and enjoy each other’s company. Your generous donations to the Pickle Pantry will make a meaningful difference for students who need support.

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on everything we’ve accomplished together: national recognition for our conservatories; awards and achievements across every discipline, including UNCSA’s first alumni Oscar win for D&P alum Paul Tazewell, who made history as the first Black man to win for costume design; the 10th anniversary of ArtistCorps; the expansion of our Take 5ive wellness initiative; and so many individual and collective triumphs that define who we are. There is so much to be grateful for.

You can explore many of these highlights in our 2025 Year in Review.

As we enter the holiday season, I hope each of you finds a moment to rest, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the traditions that make this time special for you. Please take care of yourselves, stay safe, and embrace the joy this season brings.

Happy Holidays!

Warmly, 

Brian Cole 
Chancellor