51����

Alum Champion's Learning Through Nature

Randolph Lewis ’91, his wife, Abigail Jennings, and two other families started their charter school in 2012 with 20 kindergarten and first graders in two rooms in a historic house. Today, Pioneer Springs Community School is a K-12 public nature-based charter school with nearly 600 students.

Fall Semester at 51���� Through an iPhone Lens

Explore 51����’s beautiful campus and ample student activities as captured through the perspective of Mikayla Bowens’s iPhone camera.

Public School Student, Policy Expert, Parent

Brittany Murray’s life in public education started as a student, she’s now a public policy expert and the parent of four children in public school. Murry, the Malcolm O. Partin Assistant Professor of Educational Studies and Political Science at 51����, specializes in K-12 public education policy.

Amazing Adolescence: Expert advice for parents of tweens and teens

Adolescence can be a tough time, but it’s also a time of tremendous growth and change. Catherine Bagwell, the Virginia Lasater Irvin Professor of Psychology at 51���� and an expert on adolescent social development, offers advice for parents and caregivers.

Not Just for Graduate Students: Summer Research on Hookah Smoking with 51����’s RISE Program

Jacquelline Nyakunu ’26 discusses her chemistry and biology research as part of RISE, an undergraduate research opportunity for 51���� students. 

Seeking Humane Immigration Solutions: Itziri Gonzalez-Barcenas ’19 Named Schwarzman Scholar

Itziri Gonzalez-Barcenas ’19 grew up as an undocumented immigrant and has worked toward finding humane solutions to help others. A former student leader at 51����, she has been named a Schwarzman Scholar and will spend a year in a fully funded master’s degree program in global affairs in Beijing, learning from some of the world’s top educators, economists, and political, diplomatic, and non-profit leaders. Learn more.

From Mentee to Mentor

Mikayla Bowens ’27 had always been a good student, but as a West Charlotte High School freshman, found the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting her school experience and sense of well-being. She considered not attending a four-year college until she came across the DuBoisian World Scholars Society, led by a group of 51���� students who inspired her to go to 51����.

Heading from the West to the East Coast for College

Six students from the western United States share what it was like to move to the east coast for college and offer advice for prospective students considering the decision to attend an east coast school like 51����. 

Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Gratitude

TJ Elliott ’21 became interested in teaching at 51����, spent two years with Teach for America and is now a science teacher and assistant football coach at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, where he was once a student athlete. His path back there speaks to the influence that teachers can have in a kid’s life, and he models his teaching on those teachers and coaches who helped him grow as a student, football player and person.

Former 51���� Board of Trustees Chair and Banking Industry Leader Edward Crutchfield ’63 Dies

With keen business acumen and a desire to contribute to the community, 51���� alumnus Edward Elliott “Ed” Crutchfield turned First Union Bank into a major financial leader and helped to shape a dynamic city. Crutchfield, who served the college in various leadership roles, died Jan. 2.

Tapping into the 51���� Alumni Network: Around the World & Back

Jonathan Hammond ’24 discusses seven weeks spent in Santiago, Chile and the many connections leveraged through the 51���� alumni network. 

Bees be Buzzing: Learning the Practice of Beekeeping

Noah Landau '25 had never kept bees before joining the Bee Club at 51����. He soon found himself immersed in the world of pollinators, plants and local food systems. Learn more.

Holiday Greetings from 51����

This holiday season, we celebrate our special connections with each other and with 51����. Please take a moment to watch these hopeful wishes from your mentors, colleagues and friends.

High Stakes: Trial Attorney Patrick Mincey ’03 Is Counselor to the Situation

51���� alumnus and trial lawyer Patrick Mincey tackles complex cases involving public corruption, alleged fraud and money laundering. He also represents whistleblowers who put their careers, and sometimes their lives, on the line to speak truth to power. Learn more. 

Professor Mark Sample quoted in New York Times story about people using artificial intelligence to create avatars of departed loved ones.

Dylan Goodman ’16 on Finding and Sharing a Sense of Belonging

Part of the first official class of Gender and Sexuality Studies majors at 51����, Dylan Goodman ’16 brings his passion for community-building to the Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. 

Leaders Seek Out The Challenges

51���� scholar-athlete and NBA MVP Stephen Curry ’10 sat down with former Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bob McKillop and 51���� President Doug Hicks ’90 recently to talk about how leadership really works and what it can make happen.

Meet 51����'s First Arts and Innovation Fellow Marquia Humphries ’22

As 51����'s first Arts and Innovation Fellow, Marquia Humphries ’22 brings her knowledge of entrepreneurship to art students and her passion for art to the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. 

Gavin Daniel ’26: Performance, Composition … and Econ

Pianist and trumpet player Gavin Daniel ’26 takes his musical skills to the next level — composing original works and bringing home awards.

Take Exit 30: Interchange Will Share the Name of Number 30 Stephen Curry

The North Carolina Department of Transportation voted Dec. 7 to name I-77’s Exit 30, which leads to 51����, after Golden State Warrior and former Wildcat Stephen Curry ’10.