Great Day to be a Tar Heel

A university
full of opportunity

At UNC-Chapel Hill, “It’s a great day to be a Tar Heel,” or #GDTBATH, is often proclaimed by many — and for good reason.

Whether it's through leadership, academic research, athletic excellence, artistic creativity or service to others, Tar Heel students thrive at Carolina, a place full of opportunity

Keep scrolling to learn why it’s truly a Great Day to Be a Tar Heel.

Learning to Lead

Student body president commits to ‘elevating the student experience’

Devin Duncan shares how his summer internship will influence his leadership and what most excites him about the new year.

Orientation leaders focus on belonging

Months before a new class arrives, the New Student and Family Programs office works to make Carolina feel like home.

Latinx Leadership Alliance helps groups collaborate

Sponsored by the Carolina Latinx Center, the organization connects student leaders and strengthens community ties.

Paving their own paths

The University is committed to ensuring that every student who earns admission can come to Carolina and thrive. Tar Heels are taking advantage of their opportunities, making an impact on campus and beyond through support from scholarships and more.

Covenant scholars gain career experience locally
The inaugural Town-Gown internship program partners Carolina Covenant students with Chapel Hill and Carrboro workplaces.
Kessler scholars program helps first-generation students thrive
Students from rural North Carolina like Cecilia Medina, Finn McMillan and Irving Garcia Gomez benefit through mentorship, financial assistance, leadership development and more.
Transfer student finds where she belongs at Carolina
She started college as a Trojan, but Cecilia Moore is now majoring in exercise and sport science as a Tar Heel.

Serving Others

Buckley Public Service Scholars put communities first
Based in the Carolina Center for Public Service, the program helps students make a positive impact through service.
Predental student makes graduation photos free of charge
“I realized this was a way I could give back to the Carolina community,” said Ava Holland ’27, a Chancellor’s Award winner.
UNC Kenan-Flagler students work with NC nonprofits
Master of Science in Management students help with challenges like hurricane relief and workforce development.
High schoolers Shadow a Scientist at Carolina
This graduate student-run program shows North Carolina teens the many roles and focuses in medical research.
Beyond Clinic Walls provides support for older clients
Pharmacy students work on interdisciplinary teams to care for adults 65 and up in Asheville.
Law students see veterans’ challenges on Asheville trip
Visits to a hospital, homeless shelter and courtrooms showed ways to help former service members adjust to life after the military.

Making their goals

This Tar Heel worked the World Cup
Isla Mclaughlin '29 played an important behind-the-scenes role as North America hosted the FIFA World Cup.
Hussman School offers new sports play-by-play class
Carolina students now have the opportunity to call live sporting events on radio to prepare for their future careers.
Youssef Shamel wins epee national title at fencing championships
He ended his debut season by becoming the first Tar Heel to win a men’s fencing national championship in 43 years.

Worldwide Tar Heels

From Chapel Hill to destinations around the world, Carolina gives students opportunities to explore, connect and broaden their understanding of the world.

Creative writing students hone skills in Northern Ireland
Carolina’s partnership with Queen’s University Belfast offered three-week summer courses coinciding with the Belfast Book Festival.
Students begin Tar Heel journeys Down Under
Carolina Global Launch participants are settling into university life in Australia.
He trotted the globe his first year as a Tar Heel
A Global Gap Year Fellowship allowed Nathan Martin to work in Portugal, Australia and Vietnam, but now he’s on campus.
Exchange student learns ‘there’s something always going on’ in Chapel Hill
“You will never be bored here” says Lucia Jinfei Pan Zhu, who learned about Tar Heel campus life, worked with Carolina Performing Arts and rushed Franklin Street.

Emerging Researchers

Graduate Students Build on Success

Royster Fellow will study how AI can be manipulated
Kelsey Campbell, who researched foreign influence on public opinion for the Department of State, sees similar tactics used in artificial intelligence.
Get to know graduate researcher Rodney Earl McClendon Jr.
The multitalented musician and scholar bridges the disciplines of musicology, Black studies and performance practice.
Graduate TAs honored with 2026 Tanner Awards
For their excellence in educating undergraduate students, the teaching assistants receive a one-time stipend of $5,000.

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