The Chancellor's Note: January 2026

Dear UNCSA Community,

Winter arrived in full force this weekend, and I hope you are all safe, warm and well – and enjoying this rare North Carolina snow day. 

The winter storm came on the heels of a significant event: the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I hope you found a way to honor his legacy last week, such as by engaging in acts of service. If you haven’t yet, it’s never too late, as service to others any time is a great way to recommit to Dr. King’s dream. 

Next month is Black History Month (BHM), which dates back to 1915 and historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who selected the week in February that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, the week was expanded to a month-long observance. I know members of our student organization “Artists of Color” have a lot in store for Black History Month during February, from BHM Movie Nights to the BHM Fashion Show and Showcase. Check out Campus Announcements and Campus Events for updates. You can also get the latest from “Artists of Color” on their Instagram.    

In case you missed it: We’ve had some great news recently. On Jan. 8, the School of Dance announced a $1 million planned gift from Broadway actor/singer/dancer Caitlin Carter (H.S. Dance ’82) to establish a scholarship that will provide one out-of-state high school ballet student per year with full tuition, room and board. We are so grateful to Caitlin and all our alumni for their continued support! 

Students, note that registration for fall 2026 is March 23-April 3. This will be the first semester using our new Integrated Schedule. Stay tuned for details about a Virtual Town Hall hosted by deans and faculty to help you better understand the new schedule. Meanwhile, this short video with Student Body President Trey Mazza answers some of your frequently asked questions. 

One of the reasons we advanced the new Integrated Schedule was to provide better work-life balance for everyone at UNCSA, and to improve student wellness in particular. We chose to model a reasonable and sustainable work schedule for the arts and entertainment industry, and we look forward to continuing our restorative practices that support well-being, including our Collaborative Days (Jan. 30, Feb. 17 and April 6) and Intermissions (12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays) this semester.  

A reminder that February brings the all-important on-site visit by the reaccreditation committee from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Feb. 16-19. Please welcome them if you see them in the Library or elsewhere on campus. And don’t miss the exhibits of student and faculty work and UNCSA history in the Library that have been prepared for their visit during our 60th anniversary year. My sincere thanks to the more than 60 people across campus who are working on the Compliance Report for this reaccreditation. 

And finally, Provost Patrick J. Sims recently announced six permanent faculty members and one adjunct faculty member who have been named winners of the UNCSA Excellence in Teaching Awards for 2025-26. One faculty member’s name has been forwarded to the UNC Board of Governors to receive a UNC System-wide teaching award, to be announced later. Congratulations to all!  

Wishing our students, faculty and staff continued good health and inspiration this semester, as you teach, support, perform and create at the highest level. Stay warm!

Sincerely,

Brian Cole 
Chancellor