NCASSPA 2025 awards

Communication Sciences and Disorders Professor Receives Supervisors Award

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Professor Kelly Harrington recently received the 2025 North Carolina Association of Supervisors in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (NCASSPA) Supervisor of the Year Award at the organization’s annual conference. This award recognizes Professor Harrington’s outstanding achievements in the area of supervision and clinical education in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

500 Fist Bumps Feb. 2025 event

Public Health Education Professor Promotes Positivity in Youth Athletics

Dr. Mike Perko’s 500 Fist Bumps initiative made more than 1,200 connections among youth athletes, coaches, and officials at a recent high school lacrosse tournament in Greensboro. The teams were challenged to connect with each other on the field for three minutes. Athletes held connection coins with their team’s logo on the front and a QR code on the back, walked to someone they didn’t know, and connected with them by trading coins and scanning the QR codes. In nine minutes, more than 1,200 connections were made, which resulted in breaking down barriers, reducing stress, making friendships and creating a sense of goodwill and sportsmanship.

GRO Timeless Talks at art museum

Undergrads Learn from Older Adults at the Museum

The Gerontology Program hosted “Timeless Talks” at UNCG’s Weatherspoon Art Museum in February. The intergenerational program featured an undergraduate Gerontology class, the Museum, and older community members. Students and participants walked through gallery exhibits sharing perspectives on the art and memories of their life experiences. The event included 25 undergraduate students and 14 community members. It’s expected to be held again in the fall.

Photo of Indya Walker

Doctoral Student Presents at National Lecture Series

Human Development and Family Studies doctoral student Indya Walker was selected to be a speaker for the American Psychological Association Division 51 Master Class Lecture Series. Her talk on Feb. 21, entitled “Supporting Resilience in Black Males Exposed to Community Violence: The Opportunities and the Barriers,” presented research featured in her recent, co-authored article in the American Psychologist.

AKA DEI award winners

Department of Kinesiology Receives Inclusive Excellence Award

The UNCG Department of Kinesiology was recently recognized by the American Kinesiology Association at its annual leadership workshop in California. The department was awarded the 2025 Inclusive Excellence Award. Attending the conference for UNCG were (right to left): Dr. Scott Ross, Dr. Carl Mattacola, Dr. Erin Reifsteck, Dr. DeAnne Brooks and Dr. Michael Hemphill. Also attending were UNCG alums Dr. Jerono Rotich and Dr. Lindsay Nanney.