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Seahawk in front of Hoggard Hall
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Office of Partnerships and Engagement

Office of Partnerships and Engagement

The Office of Partnerships and Engagement in the Watson College of Education oversees five units that engage in partnership, outreach, and collaborative activities with schools, industry, and community organizations.

The Office includes:

  • P-12 School-University Partnership (PDS, Professional Experiences, Isaac Bear Early College)
  • STEM Education and Engagement (CESTEM, STEM SENC, Jr. Seahawk, Center for Assistive Technology)
  • UNCW’s Community College Collaborative (UNCW/3C)
  • MarineQuest
  • The Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory & Curriculum Materials Center

Vision

To be the visible, trusted bridge between the UNCW, the Watson College of Education, and our community- expanding opportunity, strengthening education, and empowering every learner to thrive.

Mission

We unite partnerships, resources, and ideas to deliver meaningful educational experiences, support our community, and amplify the impact and visibility of the Watson College of Education and UNCW- because we are stronger together!

Professional Development System Our nationally-recognized school-university partnership with 11 school districts and more than 2,000 teachers gives students classroom experience and supports the needs of teachers, schools and districts in our region. Learn about PDS
Professional Experiences Our Professional Experiences Office coordinates thousands of field placements and hundreds of internships in area schools each year. This gives future teachers the opportunity to experience a variety of supportive, professional settings during their educational journey. Learn About Professional Experiences
Community College Collaborative Our community college-university partnership was created in 2019 to develop strong future leaders for North Carolina’s community colleges and strengthen higher education offerings in the state. Learn about UNCW/3C
STEM SENC STEM SENC convenes, collaborates, and builds connections with people, organizations, schools and businesses in 13 counties to provide access to STEM learning opportunities for students, families, and educators Learn about STEM SENC
CESTEM The Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (CESTEM) supports K-12 educators to enhance STEM education through professional development, a technology loan program, and regional STEM competitions for K-12 students. Learn More About CESTEM
Center for Assistive Technology WCE’s Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) partners with CESTEM to provide STEM opportunities for exceptional learners and serves as a lending site for AT equipment for individuals with disabilities. Connect with CAT
Betty Holden Stike Education Laboratory The Ed Lab is a distinguishing feature of WCE’s Teacher Education program. Our on-campus lab gives future teachers an opportunity to teach children in a supervised setting before beginning field placements in local school classrooms. Connect with the Ed Lab
Curriculum Materials Center The Curriculum Materials Center, located next to the Ed Lab, connects educators to teaching resources and empowers users to think creatively and explore new ways to engage students in learning. Visit the CMC
MarineQuest MarineQuest is the official marine science outreach program for UNCW, WCE and the Center for Marine Science. For 45 years MQ has provided exciting academic enrichment opportunities for young people interested in the marine environment. Explore MarineQuest
Isaac Bear Early College Isaac Bear Early College High School is located on the UNCW campus. The school offers challenging academics, research and community service projects, and the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits before graduating from high school. Visit IBECHS
Junior Seahawk Academy Watson is home to the Junior Seahawk Academy, a summer program designed to encourage middle school students’ interest in STEM, health and education careers. Learn More About Jr. Seahawk

MarineQuest Summer 2027 Registration & Weekend Programs

MarineQuest Summer 2027 registration is open! Visit the MarineQuest website to explore summer enrichment programs for all ages! MarineQuest Weekend Programs, each month we explore a different marine science topic and discover fascinating facts. Have fun and get messy doing science, eating pizza, and creating art!

Visit the MQ website for additional dates & details!
Marinequest students learn Paddleboarding and fish netting along the Cape Fear river basin as part of their Summer Camp.

November 2-6: CMC Book Fair

Join us in the WCE Atrium for the CMC Scholastic Book Fair. More information can be found on the CMC website!

Visit the CMC website
Participants looking at books at the book fair

Contact Information

Assistant Dean
Somer Lewis
lewiss@uncw.edu
910.962.7244

Director
Vacant
Sayed Hall 156A

Assistant Director
Jenn Hatch Knight
Sayed Hall 157
910.962.4246
knightjh@uncw.edu

Program Associate
Misty Cayton
Sayed Hall 156
910.962.4173
caytonm@uncw.edu 

Assistant Director
Stephanie Glowa
Sayed Hall 150A
910.962.3086
glowas@uncw.edu

Licensure and Internship Coordinator
Logan McKnight
Sayed Hall 150B
910.962.2796
mcknightl@uncw.edu

Alternative Licensure Support & Placements Coordinator
Nicole Geczi
Sayed Hall 150C
910.962.3561
geczin@uncw.edu

Field Experience Coordinator
Tonnia Rodriguez
Sayed Hall 150C
rodriguezt@uncw.edu 
910.962.3360

Director
Dr. Denise Henning
910.859.4889
henningd@uncw.edu

Director
Dr. Heddy Clark
910.962.3639
clarkhk@uncw.edu 

Administrative Associate
Gianna Geiss Feder
Administrative Associate
910.962.3287
geissg@uncw.edu

Phone: 910.962.2640
Marinequest@uncw.edu
Main Office: 626 MacMillan Ave. 
MarineQuest Lab: Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane
Subscribe to MarineQuest Explorer

Director
Somer Lewis
Sayed Hall 160
910.962.3731

Lead Coach
Courtney Townsend
Sayed Hall 129
910.962.3633
townsendc@uncw.edu

Administrative Associate
Angela Yenco
Sayed Hall 126
910.962.3633

Lead Coach
Shenicka Williams
Sayed Hall 127
910.962.3362
williamssaa@uncw.edu 

Library Specialist
Tonia McKoy
Sayed Hall 127
910.962.2856
mckoyt@uncw.edu

Coordinator & Liaison
Frances Carter
Sayed Hall 131
910.962.2095
carterf@uncw.edu