University College Celebrates A Decade of Discovery

For the past 10 years, University College has helped NC State students discover who they are, and what matters to them in their college journey. 

As the 2025-26 school year winds down, University College (UC) is celebrating a Decade of Discovery, reflecting on all that it has offered students over the past 10 years while actively anticipating a future of further student exploration. 

“From the beginning, University College was designed to bring together the units that encompass how students experience the university, through creativity, research, interdisciplinary learning, physical engagement and exploration,” said Doneka R. Scott, PharmD, MA, vice chancellor of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs and dean of University College. “The past 10 years have seen that vision grow into a vibrant community whose impact can be seen across campus.”

From academic units such as the Department of Health and Exercise Studies, Department of Performing Arts and Technology, and Exploratory Studies, and academic enrichment programs such as University Honors and the Offices of Undergraduate Research and University Fellowships, to hubs that enhance the student experiences, like Arts NC State, to those units supporting academic excellence like the University Advising, Advising Technology and the Office of Undergraduate Courses, Curricula and Academic Standards (OUCCAS) each student at NC State feels the impact of University College during their time at the university. 

It was this unique profile of offerings that drew Tamah Morant to join UC as interim senior associate dean in the summer of 2024.

“I was drawn to the unique structure of University College and how it sits within DASA,” Morant said. “Its positioning allows it to approach student success in multiple ways, and that breadth of impact is what makes the college so distinctive.”

On April 27, Scott, Morant and University College staff and faculty will gather, along with other DASA and campus leaders, at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design – one of the College’s many treasures – to celebrate this Decade of Discovery with refreshments, remarks and displays showcasing the history and impact of University College. 

“I’m very excited,” Morant said. “As in most workplaces, we tend to get caught up in our day-to-day tasks and miss the bigger picture of what we do. Having this opportunity to lift our heads and look out over the horizon to see not only how far we’ve come, but the potential of what’s in front of us, is so meaningful. It is important for the individuals, teams, departments and programs of University College to take a minute to look around, and see just what we’ve achieved.” 

A Decade of Discovery 

We compiled a selection of notable milestones to complement this reflection on the history of University College, highlighting the work of its departments and units throughout this Decade of Discovery, beginning with the 2015-16 academic year.

A Far-Reaching Impact

After a decade of growth and innovation, University College’s impact is evident across NC State  – shaping how students learn, how faculty teach and how staff support success across the university.

Through programs such as OUCCAS, University Advising, Advising Technology and more, the college provides crucial support and technology for faculty and staff across campus in their efforts to support students. 

Related/Highlight:https://news.dasa.ncsu.edu/university-advising-and-exploratory-studies-highlights-student-services-with-rebrand/

“The people behind the work, and their commitment to our students, are at the heart of University College,” Morant said. “Their curiosity and innovation make it a really fun place to work. University College’s impact is significant, even when the source of that impact is not always evident across campus.”

Student creativity is a defining facet of University College, and is supported through programs offered via Arts NC State and the Department of Performing Arts and Technology, including exhibitions, performances and interdisciplinary ensembles.

These efforts position University College as a key connector between campus and the broader arts community.

“Arts NC State plays a central role in advancing student creativity while connecting the university with the broader cultural life of the region – from the Student Art Sale and artist awards that support emerging talent, to programs and exhibitions that bring artists, scholars and audiences together,” Scott said. “In doing so, it reflects the highest level of the arts on campus, linking artistic practice with research and scholarship across disciplines.”

Through its four innovative degree programs – Coaching Education, Health, Outdoor Leadership and Sports Science – and a growing portfolio of applied research, Health and Exercise Studies advances student learning while also contributing to the division’s and the university’s broader commitment to student wellness.

At its core, discovery shapes University College’s mission, creating pathways for students to explore their interests through programs such as the Office of Undergraduate Research and University Honors.

Through Exploratory Studies, students who are undecided about their major are supported in identifying a direction and shaping their academic path.

“Ultimately, I hope students consider University College as a supportive place to learn and grow – a foundation that enhances the rest of their academic experience on campus,” Morant said. 

A Focus on the Future

Looking forward, University College approaches a significant milestone with the graduating classes of the Music Technology major – the college’s first degree-granting major – as students begin to transition into the workforce. 

This major combines STEM disciplines and courses with the study of music, opening pathways to a wide range of career opportunities. 

As University College enters its next decade, its leaders remain focused on strengthening and amplifying the NC State experience for students, faculty and staff. 

“As we celebrate this first decade, it is also important to recognize that the college continues to evolve,” Scott said. “Recent breakthroughs – such as our establishment of a major degree program and tenure-track pathway within the Department of Performing Arts and Technology – represent important steps in consolidating the academic foundation of University College. I am confident that this spirit of collaboration and innovation will continue to guide the next chapter of University College.”

This post was originally published in DASA.