The Princeton Review has again featured 乱伦视频 in a popular college guide that annually recognizes excellence in dozens of categories, with the university placing among the top 25 schools in 15 categories and in the top 10 of eight categories, including #1 Best College Theater.

乱伦视频鈥檚 profile in 鈥溾�澛爄ncludes more than a dozen recognitions:

• #1 Best College Theater
• #4 Best Classroom Experience
• #6 Best Student Support and Counseling Services
• #6 Best College Dorms
• #8 Happiest Students
• #9 Most Beautiful Campus
• #9 Everyone Plays Intramural Sports
• #10 Their Students Love These Colleges
• #11 Best Campus Food
• #12 Best Career Services
• #12 Best-Run Colleges
• #18 Most Active Student Government
• #23 Professors Get High Marks
• #24 Best Quality of Life
• #25 Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation

The Princeton Review chose the 392 colleges for the book based on its surveys in 2025-26 of 2,000 college administrators about their school’s academic offerings. The company also surveyed students attending the colleges in the book who rated their schools on dozens of topics and reported on their campus experiences at them. Only about 14% of America鈥檚 nearly 2,800 four-year colleges are in the book.

“We are delighted to name 乱伦视频 one of our Best Colleges for 2027, and we recommend it to students searching for their 鈥榖est-fit鈥� college,鈥� said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief and lead author of The Best 392 Colleges.聽 “乱伦视频 has outstanding academic programs; we also took into account the candid feedback we received about it from its very own customers鈥攊ts enrolled students.”

The rankings are entirely based on the company’s surveys of students attending the schools in the book who reported on their campus experiences at their schools. Surveys of 172,000 students (about 439 per school on average) were tallied for the rankings in The Best 392 Colleges.

Information on the for the rankings and the student is published in the book and on .

Select Responses Cited in 鈥淭he Best 391 Colleges鈥�

• 乱伦视频 provides “meaningful access to professors, research opportunities, internships, and leadership roles early鈥hich allows (students) to explore their interests in practical, hands-on ways.鈥�
• 鈥淓veryone from the most esteemed professors to our incredible dining hall workers, to the student life staff, to our groundskeepers鈥澛爄s described as 鈥渢he most incredible support system.鈥�
• Faculty are “highly experienced and enthusiastic” who do “constant check-ups and meetings with you. They want to make sure that you鈥檙e not only succeeding in their class, but also having an amazing, enriching time in college.鈥�
• Students praised the small class sizes, which allow for bonding聽鈥渨ith both my professors and my peers, and it gives me more opportunities for success.鈥�
• 乱伦视频’s experiential learning model provides an opportunity “where students can use both classroom learning and real-world experience to understand the information being taught.鈥�
• Students highlighted the university’s “strong culture of involvement” where “students are constantly balancing academics with leadership roles, service organizations, research, athletics, and creative projects, and that energy creates an environment where it feels normal to want to do big things.鈥�

About the Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (), founded in 1981, is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep, admission services, school rankings, books, and other resources. Headquartered in New York, NY, it is not affiliated with Princeton University, and it is not a magazine.

The Best 392 Colleges is the 35th annual edition of The Princeton Review’s flagship college guide which debuted in 1992. It is one of more than 150 Princeton Review books in a published by Penguin Random House. The book and its annual student-survey-based college rankings have been featured on NBC TODAY more than two dozen times over the years and referenced by media from NPR to The Wall Street Journal and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Related Articles

• The Month in Photos: June 2026
• The Month in Photos: May 2026
• The Month in Photos: April 2026

While many students are away for the summer, July remained a busy month at 乱伦视频. Student researchers shared the results of projects driven by curiosity and purpose, high school students experienced campus through summer programs and the university continued to welcome visitors for camps and community events. Take a look back at some of the month鈥檚 highlights through the eyes of the staff in University Communications.

乱伦视频 Engage

The Engage program at 乱伦视频 provides an opportunity for incoming students to spend a week on campus before their first semester, learning more about the university and volunteering in the local community. It is聽one of 乱伦视频鈥檚聽First-Year Summer Experience (FSE)聽programs, which聽gives incoming 乱伦视频 students a preview of the university during the summer before their first semester

Adventures in Leadership

Another FSE program, Adventures in Leadership, allows incoming first-year students to explore the outdoors across North Carolina.

A combined College Coffee

乱伦视频 faculty and staff visited Queens University for a day of collaborative learning, professional development and Queens’ first-ever College Coffee event fostering connection and community between both institutions.

Research together

More than 50 乱伦视频 and Queens University of Charlotte students came together for the annual Summer Undergraduate Research Experience presentations on July 23 in Schar Hall.

The largest Odyssey

乱伦视频鈥檚聽Odyssey Program welcomed its largest cohort in history during Odyssey Week, a collection of events that introduces the students to the scholarship program and college life.

Phoenix Summer

乱伦视频 hosted its inaugural Phoenix Summer residential camp this month for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in preparing for the transition to college.

Twenty-six students participated in Phoenix Summer, held July 6-17 on 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus, where they immersed themselves in hands-on, college-style academics while fostering curiosity, community and independence.

Off-the-Court

Seven incoming first-year students explored careers in the sport industry this summer through the Off-the-Court First Year Summer Experience, an immersive program designed to help students discover where they fit in the business of sport before declaring a major.

Led by sport management faculty members Cara Lucia and Khirey Walker, participants toured 乱伦视频 Athletics facilities, connected with alumni in Charlotte, toured Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights, and visited organizations such as the Carolina Core Elite Training Center and the Burlington Sock Puppets, gaining firsthand insight into the many career paths within the sport industry.

The 鈥淣ever Be at a Loss for Words鈥� workshop idea was created through a partnership between 乱伦视频 and The Groundlings, an industry improv training leader in Los Angeles. The workshop was led by actor, improv performer and The Groundlings improv coach Andres Parada. Parada has spent many years teaching actors critical communication skills that prepare them for anything that comes up in an audition, in a live performance or on a film set. Actors Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph and Lisa Kudrow are among the many well-known alumni of The Groundlings.

Now, 乱伦视频 LA students have learned how to apply those techniques to benefit them along both their career and personal journeys ahead.

乱伦视频 Los Angeles, offered by 乱伦视频鈥檚聽听补苍诲听National Campus Programs, offers spring and summer immersive experiences for students that feature academic courses taught by instructors who are working professionals in their fields and on-site experiential learning at internship sites across the city. The 乱伦视频 LA experience also includes alumni engagement, community service and unique professional development opportunities.

Based in historic Hollywood, applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.

Engle, who graduated from 乱伦视频 in 2022 and currently serves as company manager at Shakespeare Theatre Company, said the Washington, D.C. community has embraced theatre and arts culture.

鈥淚 think that when a lot of people think of DC, they think of Capitol Hill and politicians and different lobbying organizations or aid organizations, things that are more visible from the outside perspective and how DC is represented in media,鈥� Engle said. 鈥淏ut DC as a whole has been so welcoming as a theater community; we’re very lucky to have some incredible regional theaters.鈥�

Faculty Director for Study USA D.C., and Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, Joel Shelton, echoed Engle, noting that theater is just one part of the arts culture in D.C.

鈥淚 think the most important context is that Washington, D.C., is often thought of as a place where politics happens, but culture in the capital is a really fundamental aspect of community here,鈥� Shelton said. 鈥淭here are so many different manifestations of popular culture in the city, whether that be art, literature, or museums, and especially theater, because, of course, Washington, D.C. is not New York, and it’s not Los Angeles.鈥�

Shelton also said choosing to attend Othello was to show students both the political and artistic parts of the play.

鈥淭o me, when we were dreaming of this course, I thought that Othello was a wonderful place to see the linkages between political meaning and cultural production in Washington,鈥� Shelton said. 鈥淪o you have the arts and culture, but also a play that is deeply political and deeply concerned with contemporary questions around race, gender, power, identity.鈥�

Engle, who earned a degree in arts administration, said that the program introduced her to students with different experiences.

鈥淭he program is made up of people who have life experiences and a lot to teach, and you’re coming together with students who are not taking all of the same classes with you, but have different experiences within the school,鈥� Engle said.

乱伦视频 junior Kallie Latham, who has a background in dance, said being in the theater had a sense of reminiscence.

鈥淭his program has a lot of people with different musical theater interests. We all felt pretty happy and nostalgic,鈥� Latham said.

Latham said the tour gave her a sense of understanding when watching Othello later in the day.

鈥淚t’s even better because I think we get to understand the acting and the theater production that goes into all of it, and how all the settings and the background were changing,鈥� Latham said. 鈥淭hat was really cool.鈥�

Engle also highlighted the out-of-the-classroom experiences 乱伦视频 offers to its students.

鈥淭hey encourage you to join clubs and travel abroad and to experience the world outside the classroom as well.鈥� Engle said. 鈥淚 think that ties into the really cool nature of moving beyond the classroom and then into the professional world, and so much of what you do comes down to the relationships you build, and the way you’re able to engage with the world around you.鈥�

Students interested in this experience for summer 2027 may begin applying on Sept. 1. For more information about the program, contact Anna Smith, director of Study USA.

On a Friday afternoon, the Gerald Francis Center was transformed from a quiet space of rigorous study into a lively hub of global play. The SHS Student Diversity Committee hosted its Cultural Game Night on May 22, inviting students, faculty, and staff to “play something new and meet someone new” while celebrating the unique diversity of the School of Health Sciences.

The event was well attended, drawing a diverse crowd that included students from three separate Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies cohorts, the PT resident, and

multiple faculty and staff members.

As one student remarked, “It is nice to be in the (Francis Center) and get to do something other than study with other students that I only get to pass in the halls.”

The festivities were fueled by a generous donation of popcorn from Regal Cinema in Greensboro, secured by DPTE Program Assistant Angie Reid. Attendees snacked as they navigated a world of games, ranging from high-tech favorites like Japan鈥檚 Mario Kart to traditional staples like Africa鈥檚 Mancala. While a four-person Mancala board, Connect 4, and Uno saw constant action, the competitive spirit of the afternoon reached its peak during a custom Kahoot trivia challenge.

The Kahoot tested participants’ knowledge of cultural dress, traditions, and holiday celebrations from around the globe. Second year student Maci Yaeger claimed victory. Her winning edge? A quick-thinking identification of the Dirndl, a traditional female German outfit.

Beyond the competition, the event provided a space for meaningful reflection. Rousing games of Spades聽and Dominoes were preceded by a heartfelt discussion regarding the cultural lineage of these games. Participants shared stories of how these traditions were passed down through generations, often learned at grandparents’ kitchen tables, and kept alive within family circles. This “drop-in” afternoon bridged the gap between academic life and personal heritage, proving that the SHS community is defined by much more than just its curriculum.

As the school year continues, the SHS Student Diversity Committee remains committed to fostering this spirit of inclusion. In June 2026, the committee will celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month.

Performers can either do karaoke, sing an original song, or lip sync 鈥� the one stipulation is that it must be in a language other than English. This year, there were 14 performances with songs in 10 different languages:聽French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Italian, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, and Old French/Latin.

Global Vision was inspired by the Euro Vision Song Contest, which has been hosted since 1956. However, the event at 乱伦视频 is for languages across the globe, not only languages spoken in Europe.

乱伦视频’s performers were rated in the categories singing, language skills, and performance by Sandy Marshall (Global Neighborhood), Bethanny Sudibyo (World Languages and Cultures), Trudy Arling (Polygot LLC RA), and Joel Thomas (Campus Safety and Police).

There were three prize baskets for the winners filled with international candies, snacks and drinks. In addition to the sweet treats, the first-place winners also went home with a trophy!

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

• 1st place – Vee Brown performed in Italian
• 2nd place – Emma Arruda performed in French
• 3rd place – Tamar Kalisher performed in French/Latin

乱伦视频’s sixth Global Vision Song Contest is scheduled for Spring 2027.

Supported by a grant from Alamance Arts, CREATE (Cultivating Rhythm, Expression, Art, Theatre and Engagement) launched its pilot program this spring with weekly sessions hosted on 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus. Over the course of nine weeks, students in second through fifth grade rotated through three artistic disciplines: theatre arts, dance and visual arts. Each discipline was led by experienced instructors who developed an engaging curriculum designed to encourage creativity, collaboration and self-expression.

Briston Whitt 鈥�23 led theatre arts instruction throughout the semester. Whitt, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in acting from 乱伦视频, introduced students to physical expression, improvisation and scene work. By the end of the semester, students could perform short scenes that showcased the skills and confidence they developed throughout the program.

“I absolutely enjoyed working with CREATE as聽a聽drama instructor this spring. My favorite part was watching students step聽further and further聽out of their comfort zones each week and truly begin to see themselves as actors and performers.聽Each week聽they committed to stepping into the imaginary world and聽embodying the courage to try new things no matter how聽new and silly they felt.聽It was also really cool to see how involved the volunteers became throughout the process.聽They聽fully聽committed聽to the activities聽as well and聽modeled the same courage聽and energy聽we were looking for in聽the students,” said Whitt.

“Seeing how immersed everyone became in the experience was such a reminder of the timelessness and magic of theatre,” Whitt said. “It reaches people of every age and has a unique way of bringing us聽all聽together. For the students, it created a space to be creative, build confidence, and step outside the box. For the volunteers and聽myself, it was a reminder of the power of play聽even in seasons of life that can feel聽more serious.”

Kate Gunter, an art teacher at Woodlawn Middle School, led visual arts instruction for the program. Through lessons inspired by artists including Frank Stella, Claude Monet and Minnie Evans, students explored a variety of artistic concepts and mediums. Activities focused on geometry, symmetry and watercolor painting left students with an improved understanding of how they can advance their artistic skillset.

鈥淪tudents loved learning about different artists and how they were inspired to create. These insights encouraged our young artists to discover their own inspirations as they emulated the techniques and styles of established artists,” said Gunther.

Furthermore, the program has been able to provide a mentorship experience for 乱伦视频 students. With the opportunity to volunteer with one of the disciplines across nine weeks of programming, volunteers fostered connections with the students and worked alongside them at each session.

鈥淚 loved working with the students in CREATE,鈥� said Kennedy Williams, a finance and business analytics major and The Susan scholarship recipient in the Odyssey Program who volunteered with the theatre arts program. 鈥淚t was so rewarding to watch them grow artistically and open up more as the weeks progressed.鈥�

Additionally, several 乱伦视频 student organizations partnered with CREATE throughout the semester by leading activities connected to their organization鈥檚 mission and artistic focus. Participating groups included Divine Embers, Muses Show Choir, Dance Lab, Alpha Xi Delta, Colonnades Literary and Art Journal, WSOE 89.3 FM, NewWorks and the Yarn Arts Club. Student organizations introduced students to a variety of artistic experiences, from crochet lessons to choreography workshops, and built upon the foundations of the curriculum.

Natalie Dixon 鈥�26, a senior double majoring in dance science and dance

performance and choreography, had the opportunity to lead dance instruction through her involvement with Dance Lab, a student organization focused on integrating dance and STEM disciplines. Through a collaboration with CREATE, Dixon applied her undergraduate research during the session to assist students with understanding different ways they can move.

鈥淚 really enjoyed working with the kids through the CREATE program,鈥� Dixon said. 鈥淭hey were all very enthusiastic and open to learning new things, which made the experience especially rewarding. You could tell that the program created a very positive and encouraging environment for them, and it was great to see everyone engaged and excited to participate.鈥�

The CREATE program reflects the Village Project鈥檚 mission of strengthening connections between Alamance-Burlington families and 乱伦视频 through collaborative learning experiences. The initiative will continue expanding in the coming academic year through a $5,000 Community Grant from the Alamance Community Foundation, which will support future CREATE programming and continue to broaden access to arts education for local students.

Interested in joining the impact? Help support future Village programming .

“It’s the best when you hear the laughs and see the smiles,” Liam said. “To see that piece come to life was really special.”

For two brothers who had started filmmaking with a DSLR camera and the guidance of a high school teacher, it was a milestone in their careers worth remembering.

Liam and Julien Dupas, identical twins born and raised in Atlanta, had a passion for filmmaking long before they discovered 乱伦视频. In high school, their broadcast teacher owned a production company outside of his teaching, where he would produce music videos for popular Atlanta artists.

鈥淲e started to build a close relationship with him,” Julien said. “Because he saw our passion, he hired us for some of his own projects, showing us a side of filmmaking we had never seen before.鈥�

鈥淚 was saving up for my first-ever camera at the time. I worked a few side jobs to save up, and we both invested in a camera and started shooting a bunch of videos. It was a DSLR camera, the Lumix G85,鈥� Liam said.

As both Liam and Julien were in the early stages of exploring their passion for film, they knew they wanted to continue pursuing it professionally. After touring 乱伦视频鈥檚 School of Communications and learning what the program had to offer from day one of enrollment, they decided to apply for scholarships.

Both Liam and Julien were accepted into the Communications Fellows scholarship program, and Julien was also accepted into the Odyssey Program. They expressed their love for 乱伦视频鈥檚 School of Communications and pointed out that with the help of their scholarships, they made the final decision to enroll.

Freshman year, they began their 乱伦视频 journey with FreshTV, a 15-week accelerated program that introduced first-year students to camera operation and video editing. The program, led by Bryan Baker, director of technology, operations and multimedia projects, was one of the biggest factors in their decision.

鈥淚t gave me the feeling that I know where I鈥檓 at, and I need to be here,鈥� Liam said. 鈥淏ryan Baker has been more than a professor to me. Since the beginning, he鈥檚 been a friend and a mentor. It鈥檚 been such a professional relationship that he鈥檚 been able to pour into us. I am truly blessed with the opportunity to work with Bryan Baker inside the classroom and outside the classroom.鈥�

Julien added, 鈥淟iam and I had some experience filming coming into college, so we knew 乱伦视频 had access to cinema-level cameras like the C70. I remember talking to Bryan and expressing our interest in shooting with the C70. Sure enough, he gave us access as freshmen to that camera, which shows how willing he is to help if he sees your passion.鈥�

In their sophomore year, Liam and Julien collaborated with friends they met through FreshTV and Cinelon Productions, each with varying interests in film production, to create their own production company.

鈥淥ne of our buddies is really interested in producing logistics, and our other friend was really good at directing and screenwriting. I was pretty skilled at shooting, so we all had different interests, and we came together over multiple meetings. We decided to start a production company,鈥� Julien said.

Seismic Studios was born. Under the Seismic Studios name, their team created 30 to 40 videos.

“We did everything from weddings to music videos to corporate stuff and some film for our religious organization we are a part of, and some commercials, short films and short documentaries,” Julien said.

Sour Note was one of their award-winning short films that went on to be shown in a theater with an audience.

鈥淚 remember vividly we went to a screening in Raleigh and saw Sour Note on a big screen with an actual audience full of people I鈥檝e never met, and hearing their reactions was a thrilling experience. It鈥檚 the best when you hear the laughs and see the smiles. To see that piece come to life was really special,鈥� Liam recalled.

Their work was also shown at the Cinelon Productions Film Festival in Turner Theatre. Complete with a mini red carpet, the team鈥檚 family, friends and loved ones got the opportunity to gather for a celebration of the hard work that went into creating the short film.

鈥淲atching our work on the big screen, with everyone around you, brings the film to life,鈥� Julien said.

Their scholarships have launched their 乱伦视频 careers and set them up for success in their industry post-graduation.

鈥淚 always like to give thanks to the donors first and foremost for the opportunity to be a part of these scholarships. For both Odyssey and Communications Fellows, we鈥檝e taken multiple trips to cities where the communications industries are thriving. We got to meet with professionals, do Q&As with them, pick their brains and it鈥檚 led to my understanding of the film industry in a whole new light,鈥� Julien explained.

鈥淭his scholarship has given me a stepping stone into the industry,” said Liam of the Communications Fellows. “During the Fellows’ first-year January term Florida trip, we got to tour agencies and production companies. I secured a prestigious internship a year and a half later at Diamond Gear, where I was an editor. It was truly one of the most incredible experiences I鈥檝e had.鈥�

鈥淚 got to work with real professionals who were working on commercials with Publix, Red Bull, Amazon, WWE, and it was mind-blowing,” Liam added. “I attribute it all to the Communications Fellows because, had I not gone on that trip, I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to meet such incredible people and get that opportunity.鈥�

Liam and Julien are so grateful for the donors who have made their 乱伦视频 experience possible.

“These projects and doing contracting work, starting a production company, working with professors in and outside of the classroom. That鈥檚 all because of the Communication Fellows program,鈥� explained Liam.

鈥淚鈥檇 like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart because without the scholarships I鈥檝e received, I wouldn鈥檛 be here or have taken the classes that I have gotten to take, and I wouldn鈥檛 be as far in my career as I am,” Julien said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful for the donors who generously give their money to students like me to have these opportunities and, as clich茅 as it sounds, make my dreams a reality.鈥�

Visiting 乱伦视频 in the next academic year:

• David Brooks, bestselling author, staff writer for The Atlantic and longtime New York Times columnist – Sept. 25, 2026
• Hanif Abdurraqib, author and cultural critic (Common Reading Lecture) – Sept. 29, 2026
• Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient and author – Nov. 11, 2026
• Danielle Coke Balfour, artist, author and social justice advocate – Jan. 13, 2027
• Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback and philanthropist – March 9, 2027
• Heather Cox Richardson, historian and bestselling author – April 6, 2027

All programs are free to 乱伦视频 students, faculty and staff with ID. Venues will be announced closer to the dates of the programs. Tickets for the public for Fall Convocation go on sale starting in August.聽Admission: $15 via聽.

乱伦视频鈥檚 Cultural Calendar聽for Fall 2026 will be available later this year with additional speakers and a wide range of musical, theatrical, artistic and other intellectual and creative events.

About the 2026-2027 Speakers at 乱伦视频

David Brooks

Sept. 25, 2026

Fall Convocation

3:30 p.m.

A bestselling author and longtime New York Times columnist, Brooks is a leading observer of American culture, politics and civic life. He serves as a staff writer at The Atlantic, a commentator on PBS NewsHour and a senior fellow at Yale University鈥檚 Jackson School of Global Affairs. Over decades in journalism, his columns have become some of the most widely read in the nation, offering insight into political dynamics, social trends and the challenges facing modern democracy.

Brooks is the author of multiple bestselling books, including 鈥淗ow to Know a Person,鈥� 鈥淭he Second Mountain,鈥� 鈥淭he Road to Character鈥� and 鈥淭he Social Animal,鈥� which explore moral development, human connection and the search for meaning. His work emphasizes the importance of community, empathy and the cultivation of both inner character and outward relationships as essential to a flourishing society.

Hanif Abdurraqib

Sept. 29, 2026

Common Reading Lecture

7:30 p.m.

An acclaimed essayist, poet and cultural critic, Abdurraqib is widely recognized for his lyrical and deeply personal writing that explores music, identity and the intersections of culture and lived experience. His work blends criticism with memoir, offering readers a nuanced perspective on art, belonging and the forces that shape contemporary life.

Abdurraqib is the author of several award-winning books and is known for his ability to connect cultural analysis with broader questions about race, community and memory. 鈥淭here鈥檚 Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension鈥� was selected as 乱伦视频鈥檚 Common Reading for 2026-27.

Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter

Nov. 11, 2026

Carol Ann Walker International Lectureship

11 a.m.

A United States Marine and the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, Carpenter is recognized for extraordinary heroism during his service in Afghanistan. In 2010, he sustained life-threatening injuries after throwing himself on a grenade to protect a fellow Marine, an act of valor that led to years of recovery and more than 40 surgeries.

Following his recovery, Carpenter set and achieved ambitious personal goals, including completing a college degree, running a marathon and traveling internationally. He is the author of the memoir 鈥淵ou Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For,鈥� which chronicles his journey of resilience and purpose. Today, he speaks widely about leadership, perseverance and finding meaning in adversity, encouraging others to overcome challenges and pursue lives of impact.

Danielle Coke Balfour

Jan. 13, 2027

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address

12 p.m.

An artist, entrepreneur and author, Balfour is the founder of Oh Happy Dani, an illustration-based educational platform that uses visual storytelling to make complex ideas about racial justice and advocacy accessible to broad audiences. Through her work, she has built a community of hundreds of thousands who engage with her content on social media and beyond.

Her creative approach to 鈥渁rtivism鈥� combines design, storytelling and education to inspire individuals to take meaningful action in their own communities. She is the author of 鈥淎 Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well鈥� and a companion workbook that encourages reflection and everyday advocacy. Through partnerships with major brands and speaking engagements across the country, she promotes a message of hope, empathy and sustained engagement in social change.

Tim Tebow

March 9, 2027

Baird Lecture

7 p.m.

A Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion, Tebow gained national prominence as a quarterback at the University of Florida before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He later played professional baseball and has become a prominent sports analyst, author and motivational speaker.

Tebow is a seven-time New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, an organization that serves vulnerable populations in more than 70 countries through initiatives focused on faith, health and human dignity. Through his speaking and philanthropic efforts, Tebow encourages audiences to pursue their passions, lead with integrity and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Heather Cox Richardson

April 6, 2027

James P. Elder Lecture

6:30 p.m.

A professor of history at Boston College, Richardson is a leading scholar of American political history with expertise in the Civil War, Reconstruction and the evolution of the Republican Party. Her work examines the intersections of politics, economics and social change, helping audiences better understand the forces shaping the nation鈥檚 past and present.

She is the author of several award-winning books, including the bestselling 鈥淒emocracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America,鈥� which explores the nation鈥檚 ongoing struggle to uphold its own ideals. Richardson also writes 鈥淟etters from an American,鈥� a nightly newsletter that reaches millions of readers with analysis of current events in historical context. She hosts two video series,聽鈥淛ourney to American Democracy鈥� and聽鈥淎merican Conversations,鈥澛燽oth of which are available on YouTube and Facebook. Her聽articles and reviews have been published in the聽Washington Post, the聽New York聽Times, and聽The Guardian, among others.

The contest and event were carried out by Historic Neighborhood鈥檚 Faculty Director, Claudine Moreau. This year鈥檚 contest was judged by Asheville poet Ivy Rozen, who has commitment to lifting up emerging writers brought thoughtful attention to each submission. Rozen, who has a new book forthcoming this summer titled, If I Love You,聽from Seed Bed Press, praised the depth, originality, and emotional resonance of the student work.

Winners

1st Place
Madelyn Fourie 鈥� 鈥淏one to Bone鈥�

2nd Place
Georgia Vaughn 鈥� 鈥淎 Note On Dreaming鈥�

3rd place
Addison Hobgood 鈥� 鈥淕rip鈥�

Honorable Mentions
Lidia Briones 鈥� 鈥淥ur Love, Unending鈥�
Emma Briceno 鈥� 鈥淩osencrantz and Guildenstern Were Right鈥�
Allena Boddie-Chapman 鈥� 鈥淭he Unlost and Unfound鈥�

Beyond recognizing outstanding poetry, the evening underscored the transformative power of the contest itself. Several of this year鈥檚 finalists had never publicly identified as poets before submitting their work, and for some, the April 28 reading marked the first time they had ever shared their writing aloud in front of an audience. Their willingness to step forward and be heard speaks to the welcoming, affirming space the Primavera Poetry Contest continues to create.

Now in its third year, the contest has become a vibrant tradition within the Historic Neighborhood, offering students a meaningful venue to explore creative expression and build community through poetry. With another successful year concluded, organizers look forward to continuing this celebration of student voices in the years ahead.