October 30, 2023
Carolina Nursing recently had the opportunity to participate in the 2023 Tar Heel Bus Tour. This event, which took place from October 18 to 20, 2023, allowed them to gain invaluable insights into the diverse communities and profound connections that the university has with the state of North Carolina.
The Tar Heel Bus Tour brought together a group of 75 Tar Heels, comprising 53 faculty members and 22 senior administrators from a range of academic disciplines and campus units. Departing from the Friday Center, they embarked on a journey that encompassed 21 stops in 19 counties, spanning over 1,000 miles.
Dr. Grace Wu and Dr. Catherine Crawford were among those on the Westbound bus, while Dr. Ashley Kellish represented the School of Nursing on the Eastbound route. Their participation in this tour provided them with a unique perspective on the communities from which many students call home and the challenges these towns and communities face.
Catherine Crawford, reflecting on her experience, stated, “Participating in the Tar Heel Bus Tour was an amazing experience. I was able to meet many colleagues from across the campus and hear about the wonderful work they are doing in both service and research. In our travels across the state, I was able to learn first-hand more about the great work UNC-CH is doing in partnership with local governments to improve the lives of North Carolinians. I highly recommend this trip to all faculty and staff in the School of Nursing!”
The Tar Heel Bus Tour, initially launched by Chancellor Michael Hooker in 1997, was revived by Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz in 2019 after a decade-long hiatus. It continues to be a transformative experience that allows participants to learn, listen, and engage with the communities that make North Carolina a dynamic and diverse state.
To learn more about the Tar Heel Bus Tour, visit tarheelbustour.unc.edu/about/
Images by Jon Gardiner and Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill