College of Arts & Sciences | News

UNC Greensboro

New led wall in media studies

What’s New in the College of Arts & Sciences?

The College of Arts & Sciences 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 year brings bold developments that reflect the college’s forward momentum.

Read on to discover the people, programs, and places shaping the future of the college.

two men talk with microphones while DJ smiles and looks on

Announcing the 2025-26 Harriet Elliott Lecture Series: ‘The Art of Connecting’

Save the dates for UNC Greensboro’s premier lecture series, hosted this year by the Department of Communication Studies. This year’s series explores “The Art of Connecting.” With a focus on storytelling, podcasting, community-based media, and local music and arts-based collaborations, our speakers and performers invite you to a series of live and interactive events designed to help us share more engaging stories and create the kinds of connections that can make a difference in our world.

Kelly Joyce headshot with logo

A Message From Dean Kelly Joyce

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the start of the fall term. Campus is bustling with faculty, students, and staff. There are also rumors of a person riding a horse on campus. The UNCG energy is wonderful to experience.

Michael Watson Headshot with College of Arts & Sciences Logo

CAS Welcomes Michael Watson as Senior Director of Development

The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) at UNC Greensboro is pleased to welcome Michael Watson ’11 as its new Senior Director of Development, effective August 25, 2025.

A proud Spartan and Greensboro native, Watson brings extensive experience in university advancement and a deep personal commitment to the transformative power of public higher education. He returns to the College after previously serving in the development office at UNCG’s Weatherspoon Art Museum.

In Memoriam: Dr. Sarah Praskievicz

It is with deep sadness we share that Dr. Sarah Praskievicz, an associate professor in UNC Greensboro’s Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability (GES), died on Aug. 11, 2025, at her home in Greensboro, following a valiant 15-month battle with cancer. Praskievicz taught and conducted research in the areas of hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and water resources. She was a consummate geographer, having visited all seven continents in her short 39 years. More importantly, she was a consummate human being and colleague, with a generous spirit, contagious (and loud!) laugh, and joie de vivre (joy of living) that brightened any room or outdoor space she entered.

Dean Kelly Joyce presents at End of Year Celebration

CAS Welcomes Faculty, Staff at Beginning of Year Celebration

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) hosted its annual Beginning of the Year Celebration to mark the start of the 2025–26 academic year. Dean Kelly Joyce, who started August 1, welcomed attendees with remarks highlighting the College’s achievements over the past year and outlining key initiatives for the year ahead.

Headshot photos of Duffy and Wagoner

Duffy, Wagoner Awarded NCInnovation Grants

Dr. Liam Duffy (Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Dr. Kaira Wagoner (Biology) have each received new R&D grants from NCInnovation, a public-private partnership designed to accelerate and commercialize innovative research emerging from North Carolina’s universities. Duffy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the founder of… Continue reading…

After Sherman movie poster

UNCG to Host Documentary Showing and Discussion for Juneteenth

UNC Greensboro’s African American and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) program will host a showing and discussion of the documentary “After Sherman” in honor of Juneteenth. The event will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 at the Weatherspooon Art Museum at 1005 Spring Garden St.