“Get to Know” gives working groups at NCSSM the chance to tell colleagues about their mission and contributions to our work as a school.

The External Relations Department, covering both the Durham and Morganton campuses, plays a crucial role in advancing NCSSM's mission by supporting programs and initiatives across the institution. Their work focuses on building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, elected officials, and the NCSSM Alumni and Parent Associations.

The dedicated team includes:

• Brock Winslow ’86, Vice Chancellor of External Relations, Chief of Staff, and Legislative Liaison

• Ellen Stone, Interim Special Assistant

• Trish Aiello, Interim Parent Relations Director

• Dianne Wanyama, Interim Alumni Relations Director

Since 1998, Brock Winslow has been a key advocate for NCSSM, initially serving on the Board of Trustees and transitioning to his role as Vice Chancellor in 2007. He leads the department’s efforts in representing NCSSM at the NC General Assembly, the UNC System Board of Governors, and other government bodies. Ellen Stone, who retired in 2023 after nearly a decade at NCSSM, has returned part-time to support the team. Dianne Wanyama shifted from her role as Community Coordinator to focus on Alumni Relations, while Trish Aiello, a former Parent Association Chair (2019-2022), now leads Parent Relations.

The team’s advocacy and strategic efforts have made a lasting impact. Since 2016, they have secured over $107 million in state funding, enabling critical improvements and construction projects on the Morganton and Durham campuses. In the 2023-2024 academic year alone, the department organized more than 85 events, including Alumni Weekend, Employee Appreciation Luncheons, and Exam Study Breaks, contributing over 2,750 volunteer hours and $30,000 in in-kind donations to benefit the NCSSM community.

Thank you, External Relations, for your outstanding contributions to NCSSM! To feature your team, please make a submission HERE.