Writing

NEWS

‘Environment of uncertainty’: Board of Trustees approves pending tenure cases, reasons for delay remain unclear

Some trustees have expressed their general opposition to tenure, in emails obtained by The Daily Tar Heel. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on June 5, 2025.

International students required to buy UNC System’s health insurance

A 2023 report classifies international students as a “more favorable insurance category.” Increasing their enrollment in the UNC System plan could reduce the average insurance cost per student, the report claims. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Nov. 17, 2025.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

UNC uses AI in admissions review process, documents show how

Application essays reviewed by the UNC Office of Undergraduate Admissions are auto-scored based on writing quality, according to a document obtained by The Daily Tar Heel. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Jan. 20, 2025.

This story resulted in two follow up stories, the first after UNC confirmed admissions essays are reviewed by Durham-based company’s technology on Jan. 28, 2025 and the second on Feb. 25, 2025 after documents revealed that UNC admissions has used AI to review grammar and writing since 2019.

Administration orders Palestinian resilience mural to be boarded up overnight, no prior warning given

Without warning or departmental consultation, University facilities workers boarded up a student-created mural depicting Palestinian resilience, following orders from Chancellor Lee Roberts and Interim Provost Jim Dean. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Aug. 22, 2025.

This resulted in two follow up stories. First on Aug. 29, 2025 when mural was reported to be damaged beyond repair during removal and again on Sept. 8 after after vandalism was reported on campus, echoing mural phrasing.

EXPLANATORY REPORTINg

Hotly debated by trustees, heralded as a necessity by faculty: What is tenure?

Tenure is a promotion granted to some faculty, essentially giving them permanent employment status. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Dec. 2, 2025.

Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ imposes new limits to student loan programs, among other changes

The sweeping budget bill cuts grad PLUS loans, institutes lifetime student borrowing caps and imposes new endowment tax policies, but expands Pell Grant eligibility. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on July 18, 2025.

reporting on a beat

UNC System suspends general education and major-specific DEI requirements

In an email on Monday to the campus community, Chancellor Lee Roberts and Provost Chris Clemens wrote that current classes and course content are not suspended. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Feb. 11, 2025.

I followed the progress of DEI repeal policies throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. This story resulted in one follow up story written on May 27, 2025, when the University updated curriculum requirements to comply with DEI requirements.

Former Provost Chris Clemens sues UNC and Board of Trustees

In the lawsuit filed on Monday, Clemens alleged the BOT repeatedly violated North Carolina Open Meetings and Public Records Laws. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Sept. 24, 2025.

I have continued to follow the former provost’s lawsuit against the University throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. This story resulted in two follow up stories. On Oct. 10, 2025, when the former provost requested recovery of trustees’ alleged deleted texts through ‘forensic imaging’ and on Oct. 19, 2025, when that request was denied by a judge.

CAMPUS LIFE

‘Window to the past’: University Archives provide context, historical documents

Wilson Library’s University Archives collection, which dates back to the University’s founding, can provide context for the campus community to better understand UNC’s past. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Sept. 25, 2024.

Campus organizations reflect on engaging voters following N.C. registration deadline

Groups will continue to encourage civic participation through Election Day. Published in The Daily Tar Heel on Oct. 14, 2024.

TRAVEL

Larry McMurtry’s Famous Bookstore Reopens as a Literary Center

The author’s famous Archer City bookstore reopened as a dedicated literary center earlier this year. Published in Texas Highways on Aug. 12, 2025.

Roadside Oddity: Odessa’s Stonehenge Replica

How a replica of the iconic English monument came to live on UT Permian Basin’s campus. Published in Texas Highways on June 19, 2025.

Arts and culture

It’s Saturday Night at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin

See 50 years of SNL creator Lorne Michaels’ archives on display at the UT Austin museum. Published in Texas Highways on Sept. 17, 2025.

‘TEXAS’ Outdoor Musical Is An Enduring Panhandle Tradition

As the musical approaches nearly 60 years, cast and crew reflect on being a part of the Palo Duro Canyon State Park production. Published in Texas Highways on June 6, 2025.

outdoors

The Purple Martin Is Texas’ Latest Aerial Obsession

A network of avian enthusiasts provides housing and protection for North America’s largest swallow. Published in Texas Highways on Aug. 4, 2025.

What the Resurgence of Red Mangrove Seeds Could Mean for the Texas Coast

Biologists weigh in on what the recently-discovered seeds could mean for the region’s ecosystem. Published in Texas Highways on July 21, 2025.