SPS Announces New Program Directors

May 31, 2022

Jen Principe and Kristy Wilson

The School of Professional Studies (SPS) is thrilled to announce the two new Senior Program Managers joining the Program Management Team for academic credit programs: Jen Principe and Kristy Wilson. Both are transitioning from previous positions within SPS.

“We are so fortunate to welcome both Jen and Kristy to the academic credit side of our Program Management Team in the School of Professional Studies and I’m so excited for all we plan to accomplish in the coming academic year with this talented team. Jen and Kristy bring significant institutional and program knowledge with them from their former positions with the School of Professional Studies as well as having already established strong relationships with our valued faculty partners and campus departments,” said Karri Kennedy, Associate Director of Program Management.

Get to know Jen Principe:
After leaving her home state of New Jersey and completing her bachelor's degree in Communication Studies, Jen Principe worked as an undergraduate admissions counselor for universities in Rhode Island, Vancouver, BC, and Virginia. While employed at James Madison University, she received her Master of Arts in Communication and Advocacy.

Jen joined UNC Charlotte in March 2021 to serve as an Enrollment Specialist in SPS, working with prospective students for all of the Cato College of Education online and distance programs. Since then, she has learned a breadth of information about program offerings, the Graduate Admissions process, and NC teaching licensure. She is very excited to channel this knowledge into the Senior Program Manager role and work with faculty in a closer capacity. In her time outside of work, Jen enjoys live theater and musicals, board games, and exploring Charlotte with her fiancée Heather.

Jen's portfolio areas will include: Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education, Reading and Elementary Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (M.S. in Math Ed.), Graduate Certificate in Anti Racism and M.Ed. in Urban Education, School Counseling, and College of Computing and Informatics programs.

Get to know Kristy Wilson:
Kristy Wilson joined UNC Charlotte in 2018 as a Planning Specialist for Continuing Education after working over 10 years in the K-12 sector and has served as the Program Manager of Youth Programs for SPS since 2020. A product of distance education, she has placed an emphasis on distance education retention and student success in her studies as she holds a B.S. in Educational and Administrative Services, a M.S. in Instructional Technology, a Graduate Certificate in Distance Education Administration and is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, all from East Carolina University.

Outside of work you can catch her traveling with her family (often to Disney!), whipping up new recipes, wine tasting and enjoying leisurely coffee mornings with her dogs on the couch.

Kristy's portfolio areas will include: Educational Leadership, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Sociology, Political Science, and Translating/Interpreting), Special Education and Child Development, and The William States Lee College of Engineering programs.