General News

Marice Raynor, a native of Kinston, North Carolina, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Belk College of Business. Raynor’s post-Commencement plans are set, as he will be working with Bank of America as a wholesale credit analyst. A member of the Class of 2022, he talks about his Belk College experience, his campus involvement and offers a piece of advice.

Dakota Walker grew up in North Carolina’s Kings Mountain area. As a member of the Class of 2022, she will complete a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University’s Cato College of Education. Starting this fall, she will be teaching in an exceptional children’s resource room at Kings Mountain Intermediate School.

Kendall Britton, as a member of the Class of 2022, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University’s William States Lee College of Engineering. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Britton, as part of his senior design project, delivered a presentation to Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation. He discusses that opportunity along with offering advice to prospective engineering students.

Kaela Williams, from Sanford, North Carolina, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. An aspiring physician, Williams also minored in sociology. As Commencement nears, Williams reflects upon Charlotte’s impact on her life and career aspirations.

Skyler Parrow-Strong is graduating from the University’s College of Arts + Architecture as a member of the Class of 2022. Originally from Baldwinsville, New York, she will complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Learn how she arrived in Charlotte, the best part about her internship and her post-Commencement plans.

Noah Hansil, as a member of the UNC Charlotte Class of 2022, is among the first undergraduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Data Science from the University’s School of Data Science. A native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Hansil reflects on his time at Charlotte and his future career as a data scientist.

Ayushi Patel, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a member of the Class of 2022. She will graduate from the University’s College of Computing and Informatics with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. As she finishes her undergraduate degree, Patel shares her thoughts on the college and what she would do differently.

Jennifer Lay ’98, ’21 M.Ed. is a veteran teacher, most recently with Alamance Elementary School in Greensboro, North Carolina. She enjoys leading academically gifted students to their “aha” moments and supporting them through their student journeys. Learn more about Lay, her advice to current students and her gratitude for the Cato College of Education.

How long have you been an educator and what roles have you had?

As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, Professor of History Steven Sabol, an expert in Russian history and Soviet and Post-Soviet nationalities policy, provides additional insight into a conflict that has now stretched into its fourth month with no visible end in sight. 

Logan Ellis ’21 is about to complete his first year as a fifth-grade teacher at Shiloh Valley Elementary School in Monroe, North Carolina. Ellis strives to improve students’ lives by being a positive role model and source of encouragement. Learn more about Ellis, his advice to current students and his gratitude for the Cato College of Education.

Describe your typical day as a fifth-grade educator.