A group of graduates cheer at the 2023 spring commencement ceremony

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

MISSION (WHO WE ARE)

We prepare professionals through rigorous, experiential, and research-informed programs while partnering with schools, organizations, and communities to expand opportunity, support well-being, and improve outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve.

Vision (WHAT GUIDES & INSPIRES US)

To be the leading School of Education in our region – recognized nationally for preparing professionals who expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve outcomes for learners, families, and organizations through research, partnership, and practice

Explore the School of Education Strategic Plan
headshot of Morgan Chitiyo

Meet Our Dean

Dr. Morgan Chitiyo has successfully supported enrollment though marketing and fostering district partnerships, worked with an innovative and collaborative spirit in identifying solutions to challenges as they emerged, and has been dedicated to supporting the faculty, staff, and students of the School of Education. 

More about Dean Morgan Chitiyo

Belonging & Inclusiveness Initiatives

As a School of Education, we value and promote a diverse and inclusive community that fosters equitable, just, and flourishing environments where all can find a sense of belonging.

See Our Initiatives

SOE Headlines

Students gaming in the Esport Arena

October 21, 2026

Mingfeng Xue Studies Schoolwide Bullying and Social-Emotional Learning

headshot of Alana Martinez next to the Department of Counseling and Educational Development logo

October 19, 2026

Alana Martinez Finds Her Calling in School Counseling at UNCG

UNCG school counseling student Alana Martinez draws on her own experience to become a supportive presence for middle school students…

October 13, 2026

PE3 Event

Partnerships. Engagement. Experiential Education (PE3): Empowering Learners

2010–2015

Strategic Transformation

Karen Wixson reorganized administration and governance.

SELF Design Studio and Michel Family Teaching Resources Center unveiled.

$7.7M TQP Grant awarded for tech-enhanced teaching.

Randy Penfield appointed dean in 2016.

2000–2009

Technology and Infastructure

Dale Schunk became dean in 2001.

UNCG classified as a high research activity university.

New LEED-certified School of Education building opened.

1990–1999

research and Partnerships

Edward Uprichard emphasized grantsmanship and unified teacher education.

Teachers Academy established.

David Armstrong succeeded Uprichard; expanded partnerships and technology use.

1980–1989

Leadership Challenges and Faculty Tensions

Reilly’s tenure marked by conflict and reorganization attempts.

Jack Bardon served as interim dean (1986–1988).

Endowment grew significantly; Curry Building renovated.

1970–1979

Reorganization and Growth

UNCG became a commuter college.

David Reilly appointed dean; reorganized School into departments.

Enrollment and faculty numbers grew significantly.

1960–1969

Coeducation and Accreditation

Renamed UNCG in 1963; became coeducational.

NCATE accreditation highlighted need for centralized teacher education.

Doctor of Education degree introduced in 1966.

1950–1959

Integration and Curriculum Reform

First African American students admitted in 1956.

Curriculum shifted toward liberal arts and scientific study.

Emphasis on research and publication increased.

1940–1949

Graduate Education Emerges

Graduate programs expanded; master’s in elementary education approved in 1949.

WC became the largest women’s college in the U.S.

Charles Prall appointed dean of education.

1930–1939

Consolidation Era

Became part of the Consolidated UNC System in 1932.

Education and Home Economics downgraded to departments.

Enrollment surged despite the Great Depression.

1910–1919

Institutional Development

Education programs among the largest in the South.

New School of Education and Curry School building completed.

Programs accredited by the Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges of the Southern States.

1900–1909

Early Growth

Julius Foust became Dean of Faculty and later president.

Curry Building opened as a practice school for education students.

Liberal arts curriculum began to expand.

1891–1899

Founding Years

Founded as the North Carolina State Normal and Industrial School to train women educators.

Charles Duncan McIver appointed first president.

Curriculum focused on basic teacher training; became a full college by 1897.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

UNCG is located on the traditional lands of the Catawba, Keyauwee, and Saura Nations. UNCG and the City of Greensboro are home to a vibrant Native community connected by the Native American Student Association (NASA) at UNCG and the Guilford Native American Association.

The state of North Carolina is home to many Native Nations, including the Coharie, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Haliwa-Saponi, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, the Meherrin, the Sappony, the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina, and the Waccamaw Siouan. Let us venture to honor them with our work together.