unc wilmington essays

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Melissa Crowe

The Department of Creative Writing offers an intensive studio-academic apprenticeship in the writing of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing. Courses include workshops in the three genres, special topics and forms courses, as well as a range of courses in literature. While students are accepted in, and expected to demonstrate mastery of one genre, they are encouraged to study, and must show proficiency in, a second genre. Students, in consultation with their advisors, tailor their course schedules to their own professional and educational interests, selecting a variety of courses in creative writing, literature, criticism, rhetoric and composition, film studies, and applicable cultural studies. Though the M.F.A. is a terminal degree designed for writers wishing to pursue various career paths in teaching, writing, publishing, and community arts organization, students are urged to pursue the degree primarily as a way of mastering their art by rigorous study and practice among a community of other dedicated writers. The M.F.A. degree without supporting publication credentials does not guarantee employment.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing are required to submit the following five items to the Graduate School before the application can be processed.

• A typed manuscript in the applicant’s primary genre, labeled “poetry,” “fiction,” or “creative nonfiction”: 10 pages of poetry, 30 pages of fiction, or 30 pages of creative nonfiction (double-space prose, single-space poetry). The manuscript should demonstrate mastery of basic craft and unmistakable literary promise. Applicants are advised not to apply with a mixed-genre manuscript.
• An application for graduate admission.
• Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
• At least three recommendations from individuals in professionally relevant fields addressing the applicant’s achievement and promise as a writer, and ability to successfully complete graduate study.
• An essay (300-500 words) on the applicant’s goals in pursuing the M.F.A., including previous educational experience.

An applicant must have successfully completed an appropriate undergraduate degree (usually, but not necessarily, a B.A. in English or a B.F.A in creative writing), with at least a “B” average in the major field of study. Acceptable fulfillment of all the above constitutes the minimum requirements for, but does not guarantee, admission to the M.F.A. program.

In general, we are seeking candidates who show artistic commitment and literary promise in their writing, and whose academic background indicates they are likely to succeed not only in graduate study but as publishing professional writers. Therefore, in evaluating candidates, the admissions committee places great emphasis on the quality of the manuscript.

Applications must be received by the published deadline . All interested applicants will be considered for graduate assistantships, which will be awarded on a competitive basis as they become available.

Degree Requirements (48 total credit hours)

• An M.F.A. candidate must successfully complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate study: 21 credit hours in writing ( CRW 530   ,  CRW 540   ,  CRW 542   , CRW 544   , CRW 546   , CRW 548   , CRW 550   ); six credit hours of thesis ( CRW 599   ); and 21 credit hours in other graduate literature courses, ( CRW 501   , CRW 503   , CRW 523   , CRW 524   , CRW 525   , CRW 543   , CRW 545   , CRW 547   , CRW 560   , CRW 580   , CRW 581   , CRW 591   , CRW 594   , CRW 598   ; ENG 502   , ENG 504   , ENG 505   , ENG 506   , ENG 507   , ENG 508   , ENG 509   , ENG 511   , ENG 513   , ENG 514   , ENG 560   , ENG 561   , ENG 564   , ENG 565   , ENG 566   , ENG 572   , ENG 580   ) with an option of substituting up to six of those credit hours of study in a related discipline, as determined by the student’s advisor, the M.F.A. coordinator, and the chair of the Department of Creative Writing.
• An M.F.A. candidate is required to complete at least 12 credit hours of writing workshop courses in a primary genre (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction).
• An M.F.A. candidate is required to complete a minimum of six credit hours in a secondary genre, which must include at least one 3-hour writing workshop ( CRW 530   , CRW 542   , CRW 544   , CRW 546   , CRW 548   , CRW 550   ). Forms courses ( CRW 543   , CRW 545   , CRW 547   ) may be used to fulfill the remaining hours.
• A maximum of 9 credit hours in secondary genre(s) workshop courses will count toward fulfilling the 21 hour writing requirement.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained in all graduate course work; a “B” average is required for graduation.
• An M.F.A. candidate must complete a substantial book-length thesis manuscript of literary merit and publishable quality acceptable to the thesis committee: this ordinarily will be a novel; a novella; a collection of short stories, poems, or essays; a single long poem; a long nonfiction narrative; or some combination of the foregoing within the primary genre.
• An M.F.A. candidate must pass the Master of Fine Arts examination.
• A maximum of six credit hours of graduate course credit may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution in partial fulfillment of the M.F.A. UNCW regulations will be applied in determining the transferability of course credits, and requests for transfer credit must be approved by the M.F.A. coordinator, the chair of the Department of Creative Writing, and the Graduate School.
• The M.F.A. program is designed to be completed in three calendar years. All requirements must be completed within five calendar years.

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UNCW Requirements for Admission

What are UNCW's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into UNCW and build a strong application.

School location: Wilmington, NC

This school is also known as: University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Admissions Rate: 68.8%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at UNCW is 68.8% . For every 100 applicants, 69 are admitted.

This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

UNCW GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4

The average GPA at UNCW is 4 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 4, UNCW requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

UNCW hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to UNCW will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

UNCW SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1277

The average SAT score composite at UNCW is a 1277 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes UNCW Competitive for SAT test scores.

UNCW SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1220, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1370. In other words, a 1220 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1370 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

UNCW has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, UNCW will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and UNCW forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1277, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

UNCW ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, UNCW likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 26

The average ACT score at UNCW is 26. This score makes UNCW Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 24, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 29.

Even though UNCW likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 24 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 26 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, in our research, we found that UNCW does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy . To quote their Admissions Office:

If you send us scores from multiple test dates, we’ll take your highest score for each section of the test and consider those scores as we evaluate your application.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that UNCW receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, UNCW will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and UNCW forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 26, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

UNCW considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1370 SAT or a 29 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 68.8% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 4. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 1220 SAT or a 24 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of UNCW here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $80
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office February 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes February 1 January 20
• Yes November 1 January 20

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 601 Wilmington, NC 28403
• Phone: (910) 962-3000 x3000
• Fax: (910) 962-3038
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in UNCW, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to UNCW.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than UNCW. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for UNCW, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for UNCW, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If UNCW is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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University of North Carolina at Wilmington | UNC Wilmington

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Lee Roberts is UNC’s New Chancellor. Here’s What To Know.

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UNC-Chapel Hill has officially named interim chancellor Lee Roberts as the university’s 13th chancellor. Roberts took on the interim role following Kevin Guskiewicz’s departure to Michigan State University in January, stepping into a challenging period for both the university and higher education as a whole.

During this time, UNC faced a range of issues including an act of gun violence , tensions between administrators and faculty , political conflicts , and campus protests related to Israel and Gaza.

The UNC System Board of Governors officially selected Roberts as chancellor on Friday.

We have closely covered UNC in recent years, including an exclusive interview with Roberts on the day he was named interim chancellor.

In that interview, Roberts shared his vision and leadership philosophy:

If you think about what the best chancellors do, the skills that they bring to bear are skills that I’ve brought to bear my entire career. They’re leading these complex organizations, they’re doing it with decisiveness and empathy and humility. They’re world class listeners, they’re building great teams. They’re making sure that the students and the faculty and the staff have the resources that they need to do their jobs. They’re not telling the experts how to do their jobs, they’re making sure that the place is as welcoming as possible, and everyone feels like they belong there. And they’re representing the organization to the broader world in a complex and challenging political and media environment. I think everything I’ve done since I graduated from law school 30 years ago has helped train me for that.

While his tenure as interim sparked mixed reactions, with some faculty and students expressing concerns about his lack of academic experience and perceived political motivations, others acknowledge his proactive communication and willingness to listen.

Find more of our UNC coverage below.

Please consider signing up for our soon-to-launch higher education newsletter to receive all of our post-secondary coverage.

Lee Roberts Named Next Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill

The UNC System Board of Governors officially selected the former state budget chief for the top job on Friday.

What Lee Roberts’ Interim Months Tell Us About How He’ll Lead UNC-Chapel Hill

The well-connected finance executive has been named the school’s next chancellor. Here’s what people have made of his eight-month tenure as interim.

Lee Roberts Named Interim Chancellor at UNC-Chapel Hill

The well-connected technocrat and Board of Governors member takes over amid numerous questions about the school’s future.

Project Kitty Hawk’s Pilot Departs

We reported last month on Project Kitty Hawk, the UNC system’s $97 million online education gambit. Now its CEO has left.

UNC-Chapel Hill Provost Promises Rules for Recording Professors

After The Assembly reported that administrators had secretly recorded a professor’s lectures, the provost promised new policy.

UNC-Chapel Hill Secretly Recorded Professor’s Classes

An associate dean at the business school said the professor’s permission wasn’t necessary, but IT policy indicates otherwise.

Why Woody White Wants to End DEI at UNC

The UNC System Board of Governors member says that diversity, equity, and inclusion “has severely damaged race relations.”

The Aftermath of UNC’s Shooting

What we’ve learned so far about the shooting at UNC’s campus on Monday has raised a lot more questions.

• Nation & World

Debby updates: As storm approaches, flights canceled at ILM, but power stays on

Editor's note: The below updates are from Wednesday, Aug. 7. Click here to see live updates during the day Thursday, Aug. 8.

As Tropical Storm Debby continues to make its way up the coast toward North Carolina, heavy rain bands and flooding have been reported across the Cape Fear region.

The storm is expected to move slowly off the South Carolina coast through Wednesday. Debby may make landfall late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning along the South Carolina coast, then begin moving northward Thursday night and Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

The Cape Fear region is expected to see historic rainfall amounts, with up to 15 inches possible.

The StarNews will be providing live updates throughout the day, so check back regularly for the latest news associated with Tropical Storm Debby.

Tropical Storm Debby: The latest on what to expect in the Wilmington area

TRACK THE STORM: See the latest path for Tropical Storm Debby

Brunswick reopens shelter | 11:45 p.m. Wednesday

Brunswick County has reopened the public shelter at Town Creek Middle School as of 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a news release from the county.

The shelter, located at 6370 Lake Park Dr. SE in Winnabow, had previously suspended operations at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Brunswick County is reopening the shelter based on current and future estimated conditions from Tropical Storm Debby.

People using the shelter are encouraged to bring enough clothing, medication, toiletries, pet food, and other essential items for three or more days. Domestic cats and dogs are allowed. More details on what to expect at a public shelter and recommended items to bring are at  brunswickcountync.gov/shelters .

-- Owen Hassell

Few power outages, some flights canceled as Debby approaches ∣ 9:40 p.m. Wednesday

Duke Energy was reporting only a few hundred outages in the Wilmington area Wednesday evening as Tropical Storm Debby draws closer to the Cape Fear region. 

The region’s primary power provider showed the biggest outage area in New Hanover County, with just over 200 customers losing power, was in the Lansdowne neighborhood at the end of 17th Street Extension in Wilmington. A few dozen outages also were reported in Ogden, Kings Grant and near the Cape Fear Hospital on Wrightsville Avenue as of 9:30 p.m.

Brunswick Electric was showing no power outages in Brunswick County, and only 41 customers out of power in Columbus County.

At Wilmington International Airport , three arriving American Airlines' flights from Charlotte and one from Philadelphia were shown as canceled Wednesday night. Subsequent departing flights to the same locations Thursday morning also were canceled.

It wasn't immediately clear if those flight cancellations were related to Debby or other factors.

The N.C. Department of Transportation also wasn’t reporting any major road closures, although the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and the Surf City Police Department had reported standing water on some roadways. 

Reports of flooded roads and road closures in Wilmington also were slowly filtering in after a heavy rain band moved through New Hanover County early Wednesday evening.

-- Gareth McGrath

Debby continues to drench Wilmington area as it draws closer ∣ 8 p.m. Wednesday

Tropical Storm Debby continued to soak Southeastern North Carolina Wednesday evening as it moved ever closer, albeit at a snail's pace, to the Tar Heel State.

According to the 8 p.m. National Hurricane Center advisory, the weak tropical storm was 75 miles south-southwest of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The storm, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, was moving north at a lethargic 3 mph.

Debby is forecast to make landfall south of Myrtle Beach Thursday morning, where the storm will gain speed but lose power as it heads inland and toward North Carolina's Piedmont region. It is expected to cross into the Tar Heel State just after lunch on Thursday.

A tropical storm warning remained in effect for the Wilmington area up to Surf City, and the Cape Fear region remained under a high risk of flash flooding and tornadoes. With stronger bands and more turbulent weather expected to hit tomorrow, officials warned coastal residents not to drop their guard.

Debby is expected to exit Southeastern N.C. on Friday, but emergency officials said flooding could remain a concern through the weekend as all of the precipitation that the storm has dumped in inland areas makes its way toward the ocean.

Pender opens shelters, warns about river flooding ∣ 7 p.m. Wednesday

As Debby approaches North Carolina, the weak tropical storm's impacts are already being felt north of Wilmington in Pender County.

According to a Facebook post by Pender County Emergency Management, the county has opened two shelters for residents seeking higher ground or feeling vulnerable to flooding associated with Debby − although no voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders have yet been issued.

The shelters are at Topsail Elementary School in Hampstead and Cape Fear Elementary in Rocky Point. As of early Wednesday evening, neither shelter was hosting any evacuees.

The move to open shelters comes as Pender County prepares to deal with up to another 8 inches of rain through Thursday on top of the 4-5 inches in some places that has already fallen.

The heavy precipitation has already prompted several flash-flood warnings, and emergency officials warned that both the Northeast Cape Fear and Black rivers are forecast to crest above flood stage − with the Black River in Pender County reaching major flood stage and rising through Friday.

Officials also said that there were two possible tornadoes in Pender County Wednesday afternoon, but that there were no injuries or reports of property damage.

Brunswick suspends shelter operations | 6:20 p.m. Wednesday

Brunswick County has suspended public shelter operations at Town Creek Middle School in Winnabow effective 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Brunswick County Emergency Management continues to monitor Tropical Storm Debby and will assess if additional shelter needs are necessary in the future, according to a news release from the county.

For questions about shelters, contact Emergency Management at 910-253-5383 or email  [email protected] .

Brunswick County is not aware of any mandatory evacuations at this time. Brunswick County Chairman Randy Thompson  declared a state of emergency  as of Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., which includes a voluntary evacuation of low-lying and flood-prone areas of the unincorporated area of Brunswick County.

Tropical Storm Debby expected to reach NC Thursday ∣ 5 p.m. Wednesday

As intermittent heavy rain bands continued to lash the Cape Fear region late Wednesday afternoon, Tropical Storm Debby continued its slow trek toward the Tar Heel State.

The National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. advisory found the storm still lingering in the Atlantic just off the South Carolina coast, 50 miles east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and about 85 miles south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Debby had sustained winds of 60 mph and was moving north-northeast at a glacial 3 mph.

A tropical storm warning for the Wilmington area as far north as Surf City remains in effect.

According to the hurricane center, Debby is expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast, likely south of Myrtle Beach, Thursday morning. It will then pick up speed and likely cross into North Carolina around lunchtime Thursday west of Interstate 95.

But officials caution that even as the bulk of the storm moves more west than first forecast, Debby's impacts − especially potential tornadoes and flash-flooding events − will still be felt in the Wilmington area until the weekend, with flooding concerns likely extending in some areas to early next week.

Although the storm surge watch for the N.C. coast has been lifted, coastal areas up to the southern Outer Banks also could see an additional 1 to 3 feet of tide.

As tornado watch issued, heavy rains, wind pick up | 4 p.m. Wednesday

For much of the day, the area experienced a reprieve from Tropical Storm Debby’s heavy rains with the sun peeking through a few times.

But that ended around 2 p.m. as some of the storm’s rain bands swirled through the Wilmington area, bringing winds, pouring rain, dark clouds, and one tornado in Pender County.

According to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, much of the area has received between 2 and 4 inches of rain, with some areas of Brunswick County getting just over 5 inches.

In addition, a tornado watch has been issued for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties from 4-11 p.m.

While roads that were flooding yesterday afternoon had improved by Wednesday morning, many areas still have standing water, and the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office took to Facebook urging drivers to use caution.

"Please slow down and avoid distractions while traveling the roadways," the post stated. "Hitting a puddle of water at a high rate of speed can cause a loss of control of the vehicle."

The Weather Service warns there could be periods of moderate to heavy rain over the next couple of days. Along with the tornado watch, the area remains under a tropical storm warning and a flood watch.

-- Renee Spencer

Cape Fear River expected to peak early Thursday | 3 p.m. Wednesday

Even with the on-and-off raining from Tropical Storm Debby’s rain bands, people still made their way out to downtown Wilmington on Wednesday, some wearing colorful ponchos for an extra layer of protection against the rain.  

Businesses were still open with visitors coming in and out and taking cover under awnings during short spurts of rain. Some walked their dogs on the Riverwalk. 

The Cape Fear River was flowing steadily and had normal water elevation transitioning into low tide. According to the North Carolina Fiman database , which reports data from river gauges across the state, the water elevation is 2.1 feet as of 1:54 p.m. 

The river’s peak elevation is expected to be at 1 a.m. Thursday morning at 3.2 feet, which is considered minor flooding. Black River in Pender County is flowing at about eight feet and is projected to reach nearly 25 feet at its peak late Friday, which is considered major flooding.

-- Madison Lipe

Tropical Storm Debby still slowly crawling toward NC ∣ 2 p.m. Wednesday

Tropical Storm Debby is still slowly making its way up the South Carolina coast and toward North Carolina, according to the latest advisory by the National Hurricane Center.

But the hurricane center has discontinued the storm surge watch for the Brunswick County beaches.

Still, officials are warning of heavy rains over the next few days, and the tropical storm warning for the Wilmington area remains in effect. That mean winds of at least 39 mph are likely in parts of the Cape Fear region within 48 hours.

As of 2 p.m. Debby was located about 55 miles east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was moving northeast at 3 mph.

The hurricane center said Debby is expected to produce an additional 3 to 9 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts, leading to maximum storm total amounts as high as 25 inches in South Carolina and 15 inches in Southeastern N.C.

According to the National Weather Service's Wilmington office, most of the Cape Fear region has already seen between 2 and nearly 5 inches of rain this week, with the heaviest amounts in coastal Brunswick County.

Cooper: 'We are prepared for the worst' ∣ 12 p.m. Wednesday

While Tropical Storm Debby continues to meander in the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina and very slowly make its way north, Gov. Roy Cooper made clear that North Carolina is fully ready for whatever the storm brings to the Tar Heel State.

At a press conference Wednesday morning, the governor said the state had fully activated its emergency operations center and was focusing on being prepared for any potentially severe flooding impacts across much of Eastern and Central North Carolina from the slow-moving storm.

Steps included activating 17 swift-water rescue teams and pre-positioning many of them in counties across the state's coastal plain; deploying more than 350 members of the N.C. National Guard, many with high-clearance vehicles to traverse flooded areas; and assigning more than 2,200 NCDOT workers to the storm to help with preparations like clearing debris off storm grates and clearing out drainage ditches.

"While we hope for the best, we are prepared for the worst," Cooper said.

The governor said residents should stay alert and informed, highlighting several times the state's relatively new Flood Inundation Mapping & Alert Network website, which includes information on more than 300 river gauges across the state, as a great tool to monitor.

He also said the next few days weren't the time to see if you could drive along a flooded road or ignore road-closure barriers.

"Now is not the time to see if your car floats, because it doesn't," Cooper said.

Tropical Storm Debby strengthens | 11 a.m. Wednesday

Tropical Storm Debby is a little bit stronger, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory.

At 11 a.m. Tropical Storm Debby was located 55 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and about 100 miles south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Maximum sustained winds were at 60 mph — a 15 mph increase since the 8 a.m. advisory.

“Some additional strengthening is possible today or tonight before the center of Debby reaches the coast of South Carolina,” the hurricane center said.  

The storm is moving northeast at 5 mph, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles from the center. The storm is expected to track north later today, bringing the center to the South Carolina coast by tonight or early Thursday before picking up speed and moving toward the north and northeast across the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic Region.

President Joe Biden approves emergency declaration for NC | 10 a.m. Wednesday

President Joe Biden has approved federal disaster assistance for North Carolina due to emergency conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Debby.

In a news release, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Wednesday that President Biden’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.

Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties are included where emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support, will be provided at 75% federal funding.

Conditions breezy, quiet for the moment | 9 a.m. Wednesday

The skies over Southport are gray, but there has been a temporary reprieve from Tropical Storm Debby’s rain bands.

Conditions are breezy, and for now, things are mostly quiet. Restaurants in Southport’s Yacht Basin remain closed due to the weather, and some businesses in downtown Southport have also closed for the storm.

The town of Oak Island will continue flying its double red beach warning flags today, which means all swimming and in-ocean activities are restricted until further notice. The town’s recreation, nature, ocean education, and community center will all be closed today and tomorrow. The Oak Island Pier and 801 Ocean are also closed Wednesday and Thursday.

The city of Southport opened its Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. The Board of Aldermen meeting for Thursday at 6 p.m. will be rescheduled for a date and time to be determined soon, according to the city's website.

The Holden Beach Town Hall will be closed today and tomorrow.

Brunswick County has canceled all parks and recreation activities through Sunday, Aug. 11.

Tropical storm warning remains in effect | 8 a.m. Wednesday

On Wednesday, residents in the Wilmington area woke up under a tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Debby continued to crawl up the coast.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s 8 a.m. update, Tropical Storm Debby was located 50 miles southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and about 90 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, with maximum sustained winds at 45 mph.

In addition to the tropical storm warning, the Brunswick County coast remains under a storm surge watch, meaning there is a possibility of “life-threatening inundation” from rising water moving inland from the coastline over the next 48 hours.

The storm is currently moving to the northeast at 4 mph. “A turn toward the north and north-northwest is expected today, bringing the center of Debby to the South Carolina coast by tonight or early Thursday,” the National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. advisory. The storm is then expected to pick up speed and move toward the north and northeast across the Carolinas and into the Mid-Atlantic region on Thursday and Friday.

Maximum sustained winds remain at 45 mph. Some strengthening is possible today or tonight as the center of Debby moves over the Atlantic Ocean.

Road flooding reported as rainfall amounts rise | 6 a.m. Wednesday

By Tuesday night, some areas of the Cape Fear region had already seen more than 4 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Debby. And road flooding was being reported in several areas of Brunswick County due to heavy rains associated with Debby.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office reported pooling water along U.S. 74/76 at the westbound on ramp from U.S. 17 and flooding along Bellamy Road in Longwood, Mill Branch Road and Danford Road. The Boiling Spring Lakes Police Department warned residents about flooding along Fairway Drive on the N.C. 87 side, areas of Masters Drive and Windemere Drive. Portions of Caswell Beach Road in Caswell Beach were also beginning to flood.

As of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the highest rainfall total in the region was 4.24 inches in Calabash, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Most other areas in Brunswick and New Hanover counties had seen 1-3 inches of rain. With heavy downpours overnight and into Wednesday, totals will increase with the weather service predicting 10-15 inches across the region in the coming days.

-- Sherry Jones, Renee Spencer

More: Flooding hotspots to watch for in the Wilmington area with historic rainfall predicted

Hurricane center briefing | 5 a.m. Wednesday

As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, Tropical Storm Debby was located about 45 south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The storm was moving toward the east around 5 mph. A slower motion toward the north and north-northwest is expected Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center reported that Debby is expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Maximum sustained winds were near 45 mph with higher gusts.

Some strengthening is possible before the center of Debby reaches South Carolina coast. But weakening isforecast to begin on Thursday after the center moves inland. Debby is expected to merge with a frontal boundary over the U.S. Mid-Atlantic on Friday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles from the center.

-- Sherry Jones

Shelter opening in Brunswick County | 4 a.m. Wednesday

Brunswick County is opening a public shelter at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Town Creek Middle School, 6370 Lake Park Drive SE, Winnabow.

You are encouraged to bring enough clothing, medication, toiletries, pet food, and other essential items for three or more days. The only pets allowed will be domestic dogs and cats.

More details on what to expect at a public shelter and recommended items to bring can be found at brunswickcountync.gov/shelters .

Debby's death toll rises to 8 after North Carolina woman killed when tree falls on home

Eight deaths were tied to the storm from florida to north carolina..

Debby's death toll rises to 8 after woman dies in North Carolina

Authorities in Rockingham County rushed to the scene Thursday evening in Brown Summit on a report that a tree had fallen on a mobile home. Sadly, upon their arrival, first responders found 78-year-old Hilda Windsor Jones dead inside the home, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office told FOX Weather.

BROWN SUMMIT, N.C. – The death toll from Hurricane Debby continues to rise as the storm slowly moves up the Eastern Seaboard, unleashing a dangerous flood and tornado threat for millions of Americans .

Authorities in Rockingham County, North Carolina, rushed to the scene Thursday evening in Brown Summit on a report that a tree had fallen on a mobile home. Upon their arrival, first responders found 78-year-old Hilda Windsor Jones dead inside the home, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office told FOX Weather. 

No one else was in the house at the time, and it is believed that the tree fell due to weather from the remnants of Debby, deputies said.

A Brown Summit, North Carolina, woman died Thursday night when a tree fell on her home, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office said.

(Rockingham County Sheriff's Office)

The latest death came the same day following Debby's second U.S. landfall near Bulls Bay, South Carolina .

FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue Team also located the body of a missing person in Lucama , North Carolina, after the person's house collapsed on them during a tornado Thursday.

Debby's impacts turn deadly in North Carolina

A powerful tornado from Debby tore through Wilson County, leaving significant damage in the small town of Lucama. Wilson County Director of Communications Stephen Mann joins FOX Weather with more on what happened.

As Debby made its presence known in the Carolinas, Springfield Middle School in Lucama also suffered extensive damage from what was likely the same twister.

Wilson County Schools Superintendent Lane Mills told FOX Weather that the damage to the school was heartbreaking. The tornado appears to have hit the 6th- and 7th-grade halls the hardest, where sections of the roof and walls were missing or compromised.

"I am thankful that students and staff were not in the building during the time of the storm," Mills said. "This situation will be ongoing, and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage, but we will be sharing information and next steps with our families and staff as we can."

Raw video: Springfield Middle School in Wilson County, NC damaged by tornado

Video of Springfield Middle School in Wilson County, North Carolina, shows major damage to the school.

Additionally, the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, issued Flash Flood Warnings on Thursday morning for several counties in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. 

Cleanup is underway in the small southern North Carolina town of Bladenboro after heavy rainfall from Debby swamped it Wednesday night.

"At 9:30 p.m. it was dry as a bone, and at 10. p.m. it was like someone opened up a floodgate," Charles Peterson, head of Bladen County Commissioners, told FOX Weather.

By 11 p.m., downtown Bladenboro was underwater with about 4 feet of water, town officials stressed on social media, as roads turned into rivers.

Emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain in Bladenboro just before 5 a.m. ET after 5-8 inches of rain had fallen, flooding all roadways into the small town. Bladen County Emergency Services issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents in and around the town.

'PRAY FOR EVERYONE': FEET OF WATER FLOODS NORTH CAROLINA TOWN AS TROPICAL STORM DEBBY CHARGES INLAND

Debby's heavy rain and wind also caused the PGA to postpone the first round of the Wyndham Championship at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, until Friday.

President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations for Georgia , South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida . These declarations authorize FEMA to provide federal assistance to save lives, protect property and ensure public health and safety.

A Brown Summit, North Carolina, woman died Thursday night when a tree fell on her home, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office said. (Rockingham County Sheriff's Office)

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby have caused inland flooding, swamping the entire town of Bladenboro, North Carolina. (Bladen County Sheriff's Office)

Flooding along the Edisto River due to Tropical Storm Debby in South Carolina. (S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources)

Tree damage in Lucama, North Carolina after an apparent tornado hit on Aug. 8, 2024 after Tropical Storm Debby's landfall. (Robert Ray/FOX Weather)

A U-Haul rental center is flooded after the passage of Tropical Storm Debby in Savannah, Georgia, on August 8, 2024. Tropical Storm Debby made its second landfall in the United States on August 8, the National Hurricane Center said, days after it lashed southeastern parts of the country, leaving at least six dead. Debby made landfall near Bulls Bay South Carolina, about 20 miles (35 kilometres) northeast of Charleston, the NHC said in an morning advisory, warning of major floods in parts of the Carolinas and Western Virginia. (Photo by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

Tornado damage to Springfield Middle School in Wilson County, North Carolina on Aug. 8, 2024.  (WRAL)

Waves crash ashore on Carolina Beach in Pleasure Island, North Carolina, on Wednesday.  (Robert Ray)

Crews work to help water drain as homes are flooded in the Tremont Park neighborhood August 6, 2024 in Savannah, Georgia. (Megan Varner)

Homes are flooded in the Tremont Park neighborhood August 6, 2024 in Savannah, Georgia. (Megan Varner)

A man walks on a flooded street due to Tropical Storm Debby on August 06, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo)

Houses are seen in a flooded street due to Tropical Storm Debby on August 6, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo)

A street is flooded by Tropical Storm Debby on August 6, 2024, in Charleston, South Carolina. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo)

Power line crews come out to help people who are experiencing difficulty with their power August 6, 2024 in Savannah, Georgia. (Megan Varner)

STATESBORO, GEORGIA - AUGUST 7: Homes in the Allen Circle neighborhood are underwater after excessive rains caused flooding on August 7, 2024 in Statesboro, Georgia. Tropical Storm Debby has stalled over the South East, causing flooding and power outages throughout the region. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Wilson County, North Carolina first responders check on a home in Lucama after an apparent tornado hit on Aug. 8, 2024 after Tropical Storm Debby's landfall. (Robert Ray/FOX Weather)

Tropical Storm Debby's impacts turned severe overnight in North Carolina. A likely tornado has caused damage in Wilson County, which is about an hour east of Raleigh, the state capital. ( )

Emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain in Bladenboro just before 5 a.m. ET after between 5-8 inches of rain had fallen, flooding all roadways into Bladenboro. (Austin Taylor)

WATERLOGGED NORTHEAST BRACES FOR DEBBY'S WRATH AS REGION FACES POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING FLOOD THREAT

The first-ever "Particularly Dangerous Situation" Tornado Warning in the state of Delaware was issued on Thursday evening. The twister knocked over trees and caused hundreds to lose electricity, mainly in the northern part of the state.

Tornado sightings were also reported in North Carolina and Virginia as Debby continued to work northeastward.

damage in Milltown, Delaware on Thursday evening.

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Debby aftermath: Two killed, 5 tornadoes wreak havoc, two dams break, trees topple across NC

Weekend rain could add to debby's totals, flood nc rivers, 'a very good man': 60-year-old man killed when tornado tears through wilson county, 'held onto a branch and it broke:' three children rescued from raleigh creek amid debby flooding, damage from debby, road splits in half: debby causes dam breaks in cumberland & harnett counties, flooding still a concern, the latest: debby downgraded, moves into northeast, thursday, aug. 8, 2024, more on this.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, emergency officials give update on Debby response

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Tropical Storm Debby: The latest on wind, rain and storm surge for the Wilmington area

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to slowly move back toward the South Carolina coast, making landfall Wednesday night. Debby will begin to pick up speed late Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

By Wednesday night, Debby's heavier rain bands had reached the Wilmington area, causing multiple reports of flooded roads and numerous tornado warnings.

Southeastern North Carolina remains under a tropical storm warning, with life-threatening rainfall amounts expected through the end of the week. Flash flooding remains a major worry, with emergency officials reminding residents that water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Live Debby updates: The latest news on Wednesday

More: Flooding hotspots to watch for in the Wilmington area with historic rainfall predicted

STORM TRACKER: Monitor the latest tropical developments here.

Here's a look at what we can expect in the Wilmington area, according to the latest briefing from the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

Tropical storm force winds are expected across the region Wednesday night and Thursday. Gusts along the coast of Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties are expected to be 40 to 55 mph. There is the possibility of downed trees and power outages.

More: Will Snow's Cut Bridge close during Tropical Storm Debby?

By Wednesday morning, the Cape Fear region had already seen 3 to 6 inches of rain. An additional 4 to 8 inches is possible Wednesday night into Thursday.

The significant flooding could result in some roads being washed away and flooded.

"Expect flood waters to continue pooling in some areas, especially low-lying areas, well after the rain comes to an end," the weather service said Wednesday.

The weather service also advised people living along rivers and creeks to make preparations for possible moderate to major flooding developing later this week. The risk of major flooding is highest for the following rivers: Lumber, Little Pee Dee, Black Creek, Northeast Cape Fear and Waccamaw.

RIVER WATER LEVELS: Check to see if rivers are flooding

Storm surge

Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible for area beaches. Minor coastal flooding could occur around high tide Wednesday night and high tide late Thursday morning. The storm surge could impact some roads prone to coastal flooding and run-up to the dunes along the oceanfront.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Enter your address to see hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed nearby

There is a threat of tornadoes Wednesday, generally east of a Lumberton to Georgetown, South Carolina, line. On Thursday, the risk of tornadoes will shift more into Eastern North Carolina and Southeast Virginia.

Marine impacts

Rough surf, including dangerous rip currents, and hazardous marine conditions are expected through much of the week.

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UNC-Chapel Hill’s Russian Flagship Program Caps Off Successful First Year

Sasha Schroeder '22

Photo by Flavio Uribe-Rheinbolt '20 at St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia.

The Russian Flagship Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recently completed a successful first year. Launched in April 2020, the federally funded language initiative is the first of its kind in North Carolina and one of only eight Russian Flagship Programs in the United States. The program seeks to answer a critical U.S. national security need for university-educated U.S. citizens with advanced linguistic skills and an in-depth cultural understanding of Russia and Russian-speaking countries.

Building a Strong Foundation    

With the support of the national Language Flagship program network, Stanislav Shvabrin, director of Carolina’s Russian Flagship Program and associate professor of Russian, and his team have established a thriving community of dedicated Russian language learners and instructors.   

“Building on a strong tradition of Russian studies at Carolina, our Flagship Program has welcomed new team members, put in place an all-important individual and small-group tutoring system, built a summer program and enhanced Carolina’s current Russian curriculum to meet the needs of our students,” said Shvabrin.    

Throughout their time in the program, students participate in academic and co-curricular programming, and receive logistical and financial support for summer study abroad in a Russian-speaking country as well as a capstone academic year studying in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Students take part in the capstone year once they have successfully finished all other undergraduate graduation requirements.   

During the capstone year abroad, students undertake advanced Russian language coursework, enroll in a major-related course taught in Russian with local students at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and complete a professional internship in the language.   

“ Then they have tangible experience on their resume to help launch them into their field of choice ,” said Meredith Doubleday, assistant director of the Russian Flagship Program. Many students pursue career paths in a variety of fields ranging from diplomacy to business.    

The Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures (GSLL) and the Center for Slavic, Eurasian, and East European Studies (CSEEES) were awarded $1.2 million in April 2020 from the U.S. Department of Defense funded Defense Language and National Security Education Office’s (DLNSEO) The Language Flagship program to launch the new Flagship at Carolina.    

Adnan Džumhur, associate director of CSEEES, worked with Shvabrin to prepare the proposal that brought the Russian Flagship program to Carolina. Džumhur said that historically, Carolina has had a strong Russian program in addition to many Russian studies courses, which helped lay the foundation for the Flagship program.   

“CSEEES has over 40 affiliate faculty, with the majority of them specializing in Russia-related research in fields like anthropology, history, political science, linguistics, and economics,” Džumhur said.   

With faculty members researching Russia across so many disciplines, Carolina was able to present a comprehensive profile in Russian studies in addition to language instruction in the grant proposal.   

In its first year, the program has exceeded enrollment expectations.   

“We were initially planning on accepting about 20 students, but at the end of the first year alone we have almost 40 program participants,” Džumhur said.  “ I think this speaks to the broad appeal of the Flagship program, and the recognition the Flagship students are receiving nationally through programs such as Boren, CLS, and others.”

National Recognition    

UNC Russian Flagship students have already been recognized nationally for their accomplishments in just the first year of operations. Two of the program’s students, Griffin McGuire’ 21 and Lucas Risinger ’21, received the prestigious Boren Scholarship this year, which funds overseas language study followed by at least one year of employment in a national security position with the U.S. federal government. Christina Oh ’22 received a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Russian this summer. CLS and Boren scholars gain critical language and cultural skills that enable them to contribute to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

“It is no accident that the two national-security-focused Boren Scholarships and one out of the two Critical Language Scholarships awarded Carolina students this academic year went to Russian Flagship students,” Shvabrin said.

Barbara Stephenson, vice provost for global affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill, has been supportive of the program since its launch and looks forward to seeing it continue to thrive.

“The standout success of Carolina’s Russian Flagship Program – even in its first year– comes as no surprise to me.  The talented leaders of CSEEES focus on student success and deliver excellence, attracting first-rate students to the program.  As my office builds out the new Diplomacy Initiative, I look forward to continued close collaboration with CSEEES and the Russian Flagship Program as we bring foreign affairs practitioners to Carolina to round out the superb language instruction– and prepare our graduates to excel in careers in diplomacy and related national security fields.”

Looking Forward    

Ultimately, the program aligns with UNC-Chapel Hill’s long-term goals of infusing campus with a global mindset and preparing the next generation of leaders to address the greatest challenges of our time. Russian is just one of the multiple critical foreign languages taught at Carolina, which offers students a remarkably rich menu of options for pursuing a transformative global education.   

Carolina, Queen’s cultivate a global partnership

State department grant connects american, moroccan students through coil plus.