We're barely a month into 2026 and the energy and excitement that the new year brings is palpable. Not-to-be-missed performances and events, all-important academic achievement, and good news for our community are in store this year.

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.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is the perfect time to ask people at UNCSA what they're thankful for — we got some great responses from faculty, staff and students. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I love seeing how our campus comes alive when we welcome both old friends and new ones. Those connections matter so much — not just for the joy they bring in the moment, but for the future we're building together.

Here at UNCSA, World Mental Health Day is a day that we remind our community that good mental health is essential to our ability to learn, to create and to connect with one another. It also offers an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to caring for ourselves and for each other.

I am thrilled to announce that UNCSA has received the largest single gift in our history: more than $10.1 million from Winston-Salem residents Randall and Kamalakshi Dishmon, to establish the American Roots Music Institute in the School of Music.