Alumna and Professor Emerita Dr. Sarah Shoffner, 86, dedicated more than six decades of her life to UNC Greensboro. The recent passing of this mentor and lifelong supporter of UNCG impacted many.
Sarah Shoffner was a force of goodwill, institutional and societal change. Her involvement at UNCG was extensive and far reaching, and her willingness to support her alma mater was unwavering. The School of HHS is grateful for her devotion to student success. I will miss Sarah’s strategic advice, supportive ear and positive encouragement.
Dean Carl Mattacola, School of Health and Human Sciences
Shoffner’s deep connections with the University began when she was a student at the Woman’s College, where she earned her B.S. in home economics in 1962 from what is now the School of Health and Human Sciences (HHS). Shoffner continued her education here with an M.S. in home economics education in 1964 and later a Ph.D. in child development and family relations.
Shoffner began teaching at UNCG not long after earning her first degree. She began a 43-year career that shaped the lives of countless students and peers in what is now the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). Shoffner retired in 2005 as Professor Emerita.
She made an impression on all she met, including Dr. Joi Bulls, now Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs for HHS. Bulls assumed the role of HDFS internship director from Shoffner upon her retirement.
“When I stepped into my role 20 years ago, I knew immediately that I had big shoes to fill,” Bulls said. “Dr. Shoffner had built deep relationships with students, colleagues, and community partners over many years. Her impact was clear everywhere I turned.”
Even upon her retirement, Bulls said Shoffner’s impact on her school and community remained. Throughout the years, Shoffner remained committed to UNCG, serving on the Class of 1962 fundraising campaign, the 50th Reunion Committee, the Alumni Association Board, the Resource Development Committee, UNCG Foundation Board, president of the Human Environmental Sciences Foundation, and an ad hoc member of the University Investment Committee. In addition, she helped establish the sculpture Astera in honor of the Woman’s College and chaired the Alumni House Committee.
Shoffner also ensured student success in a variety of ways. In 1996 she created the Sarah Moore Shoffner Program Endowment Fund. The endowment is used at the discretion of the dean of the School of Human Environmental Sciences (HDFS) to support leadership and professional development activities for undergraduate students and organizations. This may include guest speakers, leadership development seminars, student travel or internship opportunities, student organization or departmental special programs, publications, or special materials or equipment.
Most recently she became involved the HHS Student Leadership Program (SLP), which is co-directed by Bulls and Larissa Witmer, HHS Assistant Dean for Projects and Programs. The program started in fall 2024 and is designed to prepare undergraduate students for success after graduation through professional development and networking opportunities.
“Last year, it was a full circle moment for me as Dr. Shoffner attended the program’s end-of-year celebration. She stayed until the very end, taking time to talk with each student and was genuinely curious about who they were, where they were headed, and what mattered to them,” Bulls said. “Watching her interact with them and seeing how proud of what they had accomplished was incredibly meaningful. Her legacy lives on not only in the programs she helped inspire, but in the people who continue the work she cared so deeply about.”
Leah Flippin, a Communication Sciences and Disorders major, was in the first SLP cohort and is a current ambassador and teaching assistant for the program. Flippin had the chance to interact with Shoffner and said it was an important part of the experience.
“As the program’s most dedicated donor, she believed deeply in giving students the chance to grow, lead, and discover their potential. Her generosity didn’t just support opportunities, it created them,” Flippin said. “Now, as a teaching assistant, I see how her support continues to open doors for new students, helping them build confidence, community, and leadership skills that will last long after they leave UNCG. Even though Dr. Shoffner is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in every student who steps into this program.”
A memorial service will be held at the Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House on March 20 at 2 p.m.
By Sarah Newell