We have much to look forward to this year, especially as we focus on the third two-year phase of our strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030. As we continue to make progress toward our vision for UNC’s future, we will build on a strong foundation of previous successes across each of the five vision elements that guide our work. For example:
Students First: We welcomed more new, first-time undergraduate and graduate students in our fall 2024 class compared to last fall — a 1.7% increase in total enrollment. Our current student population is 8,561, comprising 6,242 undergraduate and 2,319 graduate students. The enrollment gains are attributed to our strategic enrollment planning efforts and the actions we are taking to keep a UNC education accessible and affordable.
Empower Inclusivity: Now that we have achieved federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are working to enhance academic programs, expand support services and invest in initiatives aimed at promoting student success and graduation. This includes efforts designed to support our Hispanic/Latine-identifying students — now 27% of our student population — as well as delivering on our commitment to ensuring that all students have the tools they need to thrive.
Enhance & Invest: We continue to invest in and support faculty success and research. In this issue, you can read about the Center for Innovative Educator Preparation we launched this fall, which seeks to break down barriers for those aspiring to enter the education field. You can also read about the fascinating 30-year career of world-renowned researcher Steve Mackessy, Ph.D., who explores how properties in snake venom can improve human health.
Thanks to our outstanding Nursing faculty, our undergraduate Nursing program is ranked No. 54 among all public and private universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Colleges rankings. This is UNC’s highest program ranking ever and represents an impressive jump of 32 spots from last year.
Innovate & Create: Our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine reached another major milestone toward accreditation when it moved from Applicant to Candidate Status with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. Read more on page 24.
Connect & Celebrate: Homecoming always reminds me of the enduring relationships alumni have with UNC. I was happy to see so many of you during the Homecoming events in September and at the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine, a highlight of the week.
It’s hard to believe 2025 is just around the corner. I am grateful for your strong support of our students and our university. This has been an extraordinary year for UNC. I can’t wait to see what the new year brings.
Go Bears!
Andy Feinstein, President
