There’s something special about witnessing colleagues rise to meet challenges head-on, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. The Carolina Union recently had the privilege of seeing exactly that from two remarkable team members.
The 2025 Student Affairs Awards recognized outstanding contributions across the department, celebrating individuals who embody the mission of supporting student success. Two Carolina Union staff members were honored for their exceptional work.
Chloe Zwilling, Event Manager for Events Services, received the prestigious Award of Distinction. When staffing shortages hit this fall, Chloe stepped into leadership of two different teams simultaneously, handling the challenge with remarkable grace and effectiveness. “Chloe has calmly faced many changes during her short time with our organization and she has handily overcome all of them,” said Joe Singer, Director of Event Services. “From her ability to quickly adapt and take on leadership of a new department to her ability to assess a deficit in a service we offer and provide a solution, has made Chloe an invaluable member of our team.”
Kelly Spainhour, Leadership Development Program Coordinator for Student Life and Leadership, earned the Fresh Impact Award after fundamentally revolutionizing the NC Fellows program. Fellow applications more than doubled in the 2024-2025 year to 254 participants, while the SEED program saw a stunning 900% increase in enrollment and engagement under Kelly’s guidance. But the numbers only tell part of the story. “Kelly’s student teams have thrived under her guidance, and she makes everyone around her better,” shared Darrius Barrow, Student Life & Leadership Director. “Kelly is always thorough, thoughtful, and student-centered in every aspect of her work.”
Both Chloe and Kelly embody Carolina’s commitment to excellence and student success. Their recognition reflects the collaborative spirit and dedication that defines Student Affairs and the Carolina Union, proving what’s possible when passionate professionals create meaningful experiences for students and colleagues.
Congratulations to Chloe and Kelly!