Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is America’s first state-supported arts school, training talented students for professional careers in dance, design and production, drama, filmmaking, and music. Enrolling high school, undergraduate and graduate students, this accredited school awards degrees and diplomas and offers academic study to ensure a well-rounded citizen-artist.
Envisioned by Governor Terry Sanford and established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1963, the School of the Arts landed in Winston-Salem because local volunteers raised nearly $1 million in two days, besting efforts by cities including Raleigh and Charlotte. City leaders donated the vacant Gray High School to the effort, and the School of the Arts opened there in 1965. The school became part of the University of North Carolina system when it was formed in 1972.
In July, Lindsay Bierman became UNCSA’s eighth chancellor. The former editor of Southern Living Magazine, Bierman brings decades of experience leading and nurturing creative teams. He has vowed to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talent found among the school’s students, faculty and alumni, and to lead the school as it defines the 21st century arts conservatory.
Front Row (left to right):
Jim DeCristo, Interim Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Economic Development and External Affairs – University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Lindsay Bierman, Chancellor – University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Gayle Anderson, President & CEO – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce
George Burnette, Chief Operating Officer – University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Second Row (left to right):
Terry Barber, Director of Catering – Twin City Quarter
Jill Atherton, Vice President, Economic & Community Development – Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce
Third Row (left to right):
Dan Joyner, Owner – Signs By Tomorrow
Ron Stephens, Director of Marketing – Twin City Quarter
Kevin Kampman, Publisher – The Winston-Salem Journal
