This year, NC State’s University College is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and a decade of helping students discover their true selves and a lifelong love of learning. 

As we celebrate a full Decade of Discovery at University College (UC) we are taking a moment to honor the incredible individuals who serve as the heartbeat of the community. We asked several staff and faculty members from University College’s departments and units to share their stories, and what their time in UC has meant to them. Their dedication, expertise and passion are the common threads that have shaped the last 10 years of interdisciplinary excellence at NC State, and the story of University College simply wouldn’t be complete without their voices. 

Over the next month, we’ll be sharing question and answer pieces to help you get to know these outstanding faculty and staff members, continuing with Brianna Forbes, an assistant teaching professor of dance in the Department of Performing Arts and Technology (DPAT). 

What is your role with University College, and how long have you been here? 

I am an Assistant Teaching Professor in Dance, in the Department of Performing Arts and Technology. I have been with the university for three years.”

Can you share a favorite moment where you felt the impact of your unit’s work on a student’s journey? 

I would like to take a moment to highlight the Department of Performing Arts and Technology within University College. There have been so many beautiful experiences created between faculty and students, and amazing moments of discovery and transformation for the students we’ve encountered within this Department. Specifically within the Dance Minor programs, we have seen our students grow and develop a strong curiosity and love for Dance Science and Innovation, Dance Studies and Dance Performance. 

Our engaging course offerings, pre-professional performance experiences, research opportunities and project-based experiences provided through intentional mentorship, has contributed to the success of our students, both at and beyond NC State. I have had the privilege of working with two students in particular from their earlier starts at NC State. 

I remember first meeting Josh Dodoo in his first year, in my Dance Improvisation course. He was really excited about being involved in dance, and particularly had an interest in street dance forms and street dance life. This eventually led to him pursuing the Hip Hop Courses and Street Dance masterclasses offered through our department for his training. 

Ramya Boggavarapu, now a fourth-year NC State veterinary medicine student, had a strong desire to continue growing in her abilities to perform professionally and grow as a commercial Dance Artist in addition to her veterinary studies. She pursued enrollment in the Dance Performance and Repertory Course within the program, and has grown in her performance abilities while meeting various Professionals from the Commercial Industry. 

Since meeting both of these students, and maintaining a close and intentional mentor-mentee relationship with them, I, alongside my amazing dance faculty colleagues, have been able to enjoy consistently supporting them in their training, exposing them to professional dance opportunities and highly skilled professionals within the field and cheering them on as they have made tremendous strides in obtaining professional contracts, and selection to high level conservatories for their success in the field of dance.

What do you enjoy most about being part of University College?

What I value most about being a part of University College is our commitment to a truly interdisciplinary student experience. My passion for helping students to discover the kinetic, social and cultural intersections between dance and their primary majors within the Dance Minor programs in UC, is a big motivation to continue engaging our students every day. I am driven by seeing our students synthesize these cross-disciplinary connections and translate their embodied learning into impactful, real-world applications to serve our communities. 

Often, through collaboration with my amazing colleagues in Dance, Music, Arts Entrepreneurship and Health and Exercise Studies, we are able to work together to provide a more holistic, rigorous and fun learning environment for our students. It is a privilege to be able to work alongside my colleagues – some of the brightest, most talented and considerate humans from these diverse fields, in addition to serving our students.

What advice would you give to a student who is just beginning their journey at University College today?

For the student beginning their journey today, your time in University College is about building your capacity for discovering your brilliance, becoming your best whole self and engaging in a welcoming and supportive community that will inspire you to have a transformative impact on society and advance the greater good. 

My best advice is to prioritize integrating yourself into everything you can. Don’t limit yourself to one discipline or area of study. Approach our workshops and diverse class offerings with curiosity. Curiosity is your best friend. 

Additionally, always remember that you don’t have to navigate your experience here alone. Seek out multiple mentors among our faculty and staff early on – our various areas of expertise are a powerful resource for your academic growth. Overall, don’t be afraid to try new things while meeting new people and discovering new parts of yourself. Discover. Think. Do.

If you could describe the University College community in just one word, what would it be and why?  

One word that I would use to describe University College is transformative. As our Vice Chancellor and Dean, Doneka R. Scott has stated, “University College reflects the very best of what NC State offers”. I believe that University College is a foundational pillar of support to our overall institution as we hold the capacity to serve every student on campus, and provide a unique educational experience that will leave students with the skills to be engaged citizens and leaders in various contexts, not limited to their chosen fields.