The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) at UNC Greensboro is buzzing with fresh leadership, exciting academic offerings, and new spaces designed to support students and faculty alike. From the arrival of Dean Kelly Joyce to a new esports major, revamped curricula, innovative equipment, and a monthly open mic night, this academic year brings bold developments that reflect the College’s forward momentum.
Read on to discover the people, programs, and places shaping the future of CAS.
Changes in Leadership:
In the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office:
- Dr. Kelly Joyce started as the new dean of the College of Arts & Sciences on Aug. 1, 2025. Read more.
- Dr. Amy Adamson, who served as interim dean, has resumed her position as associate dean of research in the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office.
- Dr. Stuart Marcovitch, who served as interim associate dean of research, has resumed his position as department head in Psychology.
More new leaders across the College:
- The Department of Media Studies welcomed new Department Head Professor Changhee Chun, on Aug. 1. Read more.
- The Department of Interior Architecture is now led by Department Head Travis Hicks, M.Arch, effective since Jan. 2025.
- The College of Arts & Sciences Development Office welcomed new Senior Director of Development Michael Watson ’11 on Aug. 25. Read more.
New and Improved Degree Offerings:
- The Liberal and Professional Studies program now offers a major in videogaming and esports in addition to its minor. This new major equips students with interdisciplinary skills for careers in the multibillion-dollar gaming and esports industry. This path of study is ideal for those students who love playing, analyzing, or streaming games.
- The history BA with a concentration in public history is now also available as an all-online program, with first admissions starting in Aug. 2025. This degree concentration has been available as an in-person program since Fall 2023.
- The ancient Mediterranean studies minor is also now available to online degree-seeking students.
- The BFA in interior architecture has been renamed the BFA in interior architecture and design.
New Spaces and Resources for Students:
- The Biology Department has a brand-new advising center called BIOADVISE directed by Dr. Annie Sohler. Located in Rooms 122 and 127 of the Sullivan Science Center, the BIOADVISE center will provide expert drop-in advising for undergraduates to receive help with registering for courses and planning their curriculum and post-graduate or career futures. It will also serve graduate students with degree planning and progress.
- The Communication Studies Department has a newly refreshed community lounge space as well as a refreshed quiet study space for students in the Ferguson Building.
- The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program has new furniture and spaces to hang out. They invite everyone to visit their lounge, open closet, and other communal spaces on the third floor of the Curry Building.
New Event Series:
- The Creative Writing Program is launching a new event series called Wednesday Words Open Mic Nights, a new collaboration with Borough Coffee. There will be a reading the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Double Oaks (204 North Mendenhall St., Greensboro, NC 27401). Featured readers from UNCG’s undergraduate and graduate creative writing programs will be followed by an open mic for all community members.
New Equipment:
- The Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability (GES) has a new Emriver Em2 stream table for simulating river channel processes and landform development.
- The Department of Media Studies has added a new 16′ x 10′ LED wall for virtual production (AOTO RM 1.5E panels) and an XGRIDS LixelKity K1: handheld 3D scanner capable of real-time generation of centimeter-level colored 3D models.
- The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Triad Mass Spectrometry Facility has just acquired a new, grant-funded mass spectrometer, a Thermo Orbitrap Exploris 120 coupled with an associated chemical separations instrument. A mass spectrometer is an instrument that helps identify chemical compounds, which is important for natural product and drug discovery, as well as many other areas of chemical research.
Curriculum Changes for Students:
- The English Department has a new graduate curriculum. The revisions were made to better align with changes in the field and job market. Key updates include restructuring course requirements to reflect growing interdisciplinary connections, helping students see links across their coursework, and streamlining the program to support timely graduation. These changes also respond to new university policies on course enrollment minimums, and the department is committed to providing the necessary funding and faculty support.
- The Communication Studies Department has redesigned its B.A. in communication studies curriculum. The major is built around three focus areas, which are designed to help students devise a coherent plan of study of communication in personal, professional, and public relationships and contexts.
New Faculty and Staff:
The College of Arts & Sciences welcomed many new faculty and staff across its departments and programs this year. Watch the video below to meet these new colleagues and learn some fun facts about them!
Story by Elizabeth Keri, College of Arts & Sciences
