(Image generated through AI using Adobe Firefly)
It’s Presidents’ Day and while today is for honoring U.S. presidents, there’s no precedent (see what we did there, wink, wink) saying we can’t throw a nod to a few presidential Tar Heels. Meet five “presidents of Carolina” who are helping to shape Carolina’s community and our future — in student organizations, food pantries, alumni groups, national medical societies or as alumni excelling post-graduation. These are the Tar Heels guiding the generations of today and tomorrow. They are elected to their positions because people have confidence in their abilities to make decisions and collaborate.
(Photo by Jeyhoun Allebaugh)
As student body president, Everett strives to be a bridge for his peers and to make sure students feel seen and heard on campus. He is a public policy major, a North Carolina native and a recipient of the Harvey Beech Scholarship.
“If I can leave this role and have folks really feel as though they mean something on campus, that they’re valued, they’re loved, they’re cared about, then I consider myself the most successful president ever,” Everett said.
Learn more about Chris’ story.
(Photo by Jeyhoun Allebaugh)
Carlisle Watts ’25, president of Carolina Cupboard
As the president of a student-run food pantry on campus, Carolina Cupboard, Watts works to alleviate hunger and help Tar Heel students facing food insecurity.
“I think all throughout my time at Carolina Cupboard, I’ve been able to see what impact I’ve had, and as president, I feel like I’m having the most impact and able to maximize helping others. But I also am so happy and proud of the people I have working with me,” Watts said, sharing her favorite part of being president of Carolina Cupboard.
She was recently featured in a USA Today article on food insecurity, where she sheds light on the work the Carolina Cupboard is doing to reduce barriers for students struggling with food insecurity to get access to nutritious food.
Read more about Watts’ role as president of Carolina Cupboard and how she’s been involved in the annual Pantry Bowl that takes place every fall.
(Photo courtesy of ACRED)
Veronica Mora Flaspoehler ’08, president of Carolina Alumni
Flaspoehler is a known leader in the Carolina community. She served on the Young Alumni Leadership Council and the UNC Board of Visitors, during which time she chaired the student services committee. Flaspoehler is a member of UNC’s Alumni Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity and chairs its Latino subcommittee. She’s also a member of the advisory board for the Carolina Latinx Center. Flaspoehler’s track record of excellence led the committee to choose her to represent alumni across the nation.
“I am beyond thrilled to have been entrusted to lead the GAA as its next president,” Flaspoehler said. “As graduates of the nation’s first public university, we are connected not only by a rich history but by a shared belief that we can make a positive impact for future generations. I know firsthand that the GAA staff and board work tirelessly to provide our alumni with connectivity to the past, community for the present and inspiration for the future.”
Learn more about Flaspoehler’s appointment as GAA president.
(Submitted photo)
Dr. Mauro, chair emeritus of UNC Radiology, is representing Carolina and his profession as president of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Board of Directors.
Mauro is the James H. Scatliff Distinguished Professor of Radiology and the former Ernest H. Wood Distinguished Professor of Radiology and Surgery at UNC School of Medicine and UNC Medical Center. He is an interventional radiologist, meaning he diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions and diseases. An incredible researcher, he’s published 150 journal articles, co-authored five books and has given countless lectures nationally and worldwide!
“The RSNA will maintain our position as the great convener for all those who interact with our members to advance the fields of diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, radiation oncology and medical physics,” Mauro said. “I am honored to have the privilege of serving as president of the RSNA.”
Learn more about Dr. Mauro’s contributions to the radiological field.
(Submitted photo)
Tony Kearney ’87 graduated with a B.A. in economics. During his time at Carolina, he was an orientation leader twice and a Senior Class Marshal. He was also involved with the Residence Hall Association.
He went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina with a master’s in higher education administration. After USC, he worked at the University of Georgia in residence life.
Kearney was a founding member of the Carolina Pride Alum Network, UNC-Chapel Hill’s affinity group for LGBTQIA alumni. He recently finished a five-year term with the UNC Board of Visitors. He is extremely excited to lead CPAN during his term.
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