2025 in review: 60 years, new programs and national recognition
2025 was a defining moment for UNCSA. As the university celebrated its 60th anniversary, the year unfolded with meaningful change, ambitious new programs and renewed energy across campus. Gifts to support the library and establish the new American Roots Music Institute signaled a future shaped by bold ideas and strong community support.
National rankings and new creative work elevated UNCSA’s visibility, while students, faculty and alumni continued to earn recognition for their artistry. Together, these moments painted a portrait of a campus that honors its legacy by continuing to evolve.
Here’s a look back at a year that marked where we’ve been — and where we’re headed.
On this page:
Milestones & Momentum
UNCSA celebrates 60 years of excellence
From a daring idea to a thriving artistic community, UNCSA’s six decades tell a story of resilience, innovation and artistry.
A gift that shapes the future at UNCSA
A visionary $5.3 million gift from Joy and Michael Rave will reshape the library as a central convening space — a place where artists gather and collaborate.
A historic gift launches the American Roots Institute
A historic $10.1 million gift from Randy and Kamu Dishmon enstablishes the American Roots Music Institute, honoring North Carolina’s musical heritage while shaping the future of roots music performance.
UNCSA welcomes 25 new faculty members
UNCSA welcomes 25 outstanding artists and educators whose experience on stages, sets and studios around the world will strengthen training across every conservatory.
Rankings & Reach
Drama ranked No. 3 in the world
For the third year in a row, The Hollywood Reporter has ranked the UNCSA School of Drama No. 3 in the world, recognizing its evolving curriculum, industry-connected training and strong alumni presence.
Filmmaking ranked top 10 nationwide
The Hollywood Reporter has ranked the School of Filmmaking No. 10 in the nation, recognizing its hands-on training, evolving curriculum and the growing impact of its alumni across film and TV.
Costume concentration ranked top 10 worldwide
For the eighth straight year, The Hollywood Reporter ranks UNCSA’s costume design & technology concentration among the top 10 worldwide for its immersive, career-focused training.
UNCSA to produce High Point Market film
A new partnership with the High Point Market Authority will place filmmaking students on the crew of a documentary that explores one of North Carolina’s most influential events.
UNCSA Media showcases new artistic works
UNCSA Media celebrated a milestone year with new film releases and music projects, including "Firebird" and "Desert Pass," underscoring the wide-ranging creativity across the UNCSA community.
Campus Experience
A new arts-based wellness initiative at UNCSA
UNCSA became the first arts conservatory to join the Art Pharmacy network, launching an arts-based social prescribing program that expands student support and connects them to creative experiences.
Students join Dance Theatre of Harlem tour
Thirty-two UNCSA dancers will join Dance Theatre of Harlem’s touring cast of “Firebird,” marking a landmark collaboration and global performance opportunity.
Gillian Murphy returns to inspire UNCSA dancers
Gillian Murphy visited to share insights from her American Ballet Theatre career and lead masterclasses that encouraged students to embrace presence, gratitude and the joy of artistic practice.
LaChapelle’s homecoming ignites creative dialogue
David LaChapelle visited UNCSA for conversations and studio visits that explored his creative process and the pivotal role his year in the Visual Arts program played in defining his artistic path.
ArtistCorps celebrates 10 years
For ten years, ArtistCorps has connected UNCSA students with the Winston-Salem community, building relationships that show how the arts can nurture confidence, curiosity and belonging.
Student Success
Ella Holcomb dances her dream as Sugar Plum Fairy
After years of growing up with UNCSA’s “Nutcracker,” Ella Holcomb returned to the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy, fulfilling a childhood dream shaped by years of training in the School of Dance.
AJ Helms earns prestigious Met Opera fellowship
UNCSA graduate AJ Helms earned a coveted Met Opera fellowship, a defining moment in a journey built on curiosity, adaptability and dedication.
UNCSA students’ creative summer adventures
From opera apprenticeships to stunt training, UNCSA students took on ambitious summer opportunities that broadened their artistry and pushed them into new creative territory.
Prestigious scholarships awarded for 2025–26
UNCSA announced recipients of its top scholarship programs, honoring student artists whose exceptional talent and dedication reflect the university’s highest standards of excellence.
Students recognized with Fulbright honors
UNCSA students were honored with Fulbright-related awards this year, advancing to international teaching and research opportunities that reflect the strength of their training and artistic vision.
Faculty Excellence
Carl Forsman brings free Shakespeare to the Triad
Carl Forsman directed Piedmont Shakespeare Company’s inaugural “Hamlet,” ushering in a new tradition of free, high-quality classical theatre for the Piedmont Triad.
Odle’s multi-hyphenate journey inspires students
Actor, director and playwright Cliff Odle draws on a wide-ranging career to mentor Drama students, blending craft, history and critical thinking to prepare them for a rapidly changing industry.
Bill Brewer on craft, storytelling and design
Director of Costume Design Bill Brewer brings decades of professional experience and a deep commitment to teaching, shaping students into thoughtful designers prepared for an ever-changing industry..
First UNCSA Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award winner
With a career rooted in championing American composers, Kevin Lawrence will share this repertoire with musicians in Romania as UNCSA’s first Fulbright U.S. Scholar.
UNCSA honors 2024–25 Excellence in Teaching
UNCSA has named seven faculty members as 2024–25 Excellence in Teaching Award winners, honoring educators who shape the learning experience across every conservatory and academic program.
Alumni Impact
Paul Tazewell wins historic Oscar
Paul Tazewell’s historic Oscar win for “Wicked” marks a defining moment for the industry and a proud milestone for UNCSA, celebrating a career that has reshaped the art of costume design.
Alumni shine at the Emmys
UNCSA alumna Katherine LaNasa earned an Emmy Award for her work in HBO’s "The Pitt," leading a remarkable year in which more than a dozen alumni were recognized for their contributions to some of television’s most celebrated productions.
'A Little Prayer' opens nationwide
Filmed in Winston-Salem with a UNCSA-filled crew, alum Angus MacLachlan's "A Little Prayer" moves from Sundance applause and an Independent Spirit Award nomination to theaters across the country.
Alumni shine at the Met Opera
UNCSA Design & Production alumni are shaping the Met Opera’s new season — from stage management to wig and makeup — bringing their craft to one of the world’s most demanding opera houses.
Alumni find community at La MaMa Umbria
At La MaMa Umbria, alumni explored new creative processes alongside international artists, gaining the kind of global perspective the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts works to cultivate.
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February 25, 2026