Theme: The Extraordinary Ordinary

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Celebrate curiosity and unlock the extraordinary within the ordinary! TEDxWingate University invites attendees to reconsider the "ordinary" by illuminating hidden inspiration, untold stories, and invisible insights in our everyday experience. Through cutting-edge research, expertise, and life experiences, speakers at this thought-provoking event will challenge conventional thinking, uncover wonders within, and reexamine the possibilities of our world.

McGee Theater
220 N Main St
Wingate, North Carolina, 28174
United States

Allison Brown

Dr. Alison Brown is in her 21st year as a faculty member at Wingate University and teaches a variety of courses in the department of Biology. An East Tennessee native, Brown always planned to become a veterinarian and graduated with a Bachelors of Science is Animal Science / Pre-Vet with a minor in Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. However, a class in Reproductive Endocrinology and a discussion with her AP Biology teacher convinced her she was meant for a different path. She went on to receive a Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and a Masters in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from West Virginia University. Brown continues to study Reproductive Physiology in domestic animals and mentor undergraduate students while collaborating with USDA scientists at the US Sheep Experiment Station. She has publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has served as an external reviewer for other universities on teaching, reserach, and service. Dr. Brown has been recognized as a STEM professional role model for young women and was the recipient of the Wingate University Charles and Hazel Corts Award for Excellence in Teaching. She served as a faculty-in-residence and has led W’International groups to Ireland and Denmark. Brown received Wingate’s Spivey Research Instructionship Award, Outstanding Advisor of the Year, Unsung Hero Award, Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society Faculty of the Year, and named Who’s Who Among American Teachers. When she is not working with students, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid college football fan, participates in a number of outdoor activities, cherishes her time at the gym, and delights in a good meal.

Catherine Wright

Executive Director, CCG and Associate Professor of Religion

Catherine Wright (B.S, B.Ed, M.Div, Ph.D.) is a Canadian ecotheologian in the Religion and Philosophy Department and has authored three books and several articles in the past six years. She has taught for over two decades in higher education and founded and directs an institute grounded in the principles of sustainable development called The Collaborative for the Common Good. In 2022, Dr. Wright was honored with being named one of North Carolina's top 50 women leaders and her research was named one of 28 AASHE Campus Sustainability Award finalists.

Eddie Case

Associate Professor of Education, Director of the First Year Seminar

Eddie Case holds the rank of Associate Professor in Wingate's Thayer School of Education where he teaches Integrated Science and Education courses. Dr. Case is also the director of OneDog101, Wingates First Year Seminar program. Eddie holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Clemson University and has worked in the field of education, first in K-12 schools, then in higher education, for more than 30 years. More recently, Eddie completed a graduate certificate program in Sexuality, Gender, and Women's Studies from UNC Charlotte. Eddie's research interests include preparing preservice teachers to be allies for LGBTQ+ students, the role that supportive teachers play in students' decisions to publicly identify as LGBTQ+, and novel approaches to designing a first year seminar. Eddie also has a personal interest in queer history and unknown or under recognized history makers who were members of the queer community.

Garrett Hollifield

Attorney

Following his undergraduate studies at Wingate University, Mr. Hollifield attended Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia. While there, he served on the board of the Sutin Public Interest Association and participated in Phi Alpha Delta. He was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2008, where he has worked in the areas of Estate Planning and Probate, and currently serves as the Managing Partner of The Hollifield Law Firm, PLLC and as the Public Guardian for McDowell County.

James Fisher Davis

James Fisher-Davis is Founder and Senior Associate at Equilibrium Up & Associates, a consulting group providing character building, leadership development and impactful decision-making skills education and training to government, law enforcement, community, business and academic entities. Fisher-Davis graduated from UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice, and subsequently received his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a Concentration in Education and Training from The University of Charleston. James served as a USA men's basketball coach that represented Charlotte and the United States in France competing against six other countries and a high school and elite travel coach. He has served as a college Dean, current Adjunct Faculty at Wingate University, provided in-service training to Law Enforcement Officers, including Basic Training cadets, MHFA (Mental Health First Aider) certified, a NC Certified Instructor having held various specializations and has served on various North Carolina boards and committees, to include as a NC Criminal Justice Standards Commissioner appointed by Democratic and Republican Governors.

Jonathan Bradshaw

Buyer

Wingate, 2012, MBA Corporate Innovation Jonathan Bradshaw is a Merchant for Rack Room Shoes in Charlotte, NC, where he manages the Men's Athletic category. Before Rack Room, Jonathan was a Brand Manager of Kobalt Tools for Lowe's Home Improvement in Mooresville. Prior to Lowe's Buyer and Brand Manager in multiple categories at Family Dollar. Jonathan also brings extensive automotive retail and entrepreneurial knowledge from his own startup, CarBuyCo which he co-founded after a decade at CarMax. Jonathan, a native of Mint Hill, NC, earned a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte and holds a M.B.A. in Corporate Innovation from Wingate University.

Junior Nyemb

Founder, CEO at the grio agency

Wingate, 2010, 13, 16, BA in Modern Languages & Communications, MBA, MASM Junior is an entrepreneur, brand strategist, writer, and speaker from Cameroon. He is a former student athlete and a three-time alumnus of Wingate University. Junior spent the first decade of his career working at Wingate, holding different roles in various offices, including Admissions and International Studies, and Marketing. After his time at Wingate, Junior started a brand consultancy called grio, where he currently serves as Chief Empathy Officer (CEO), championing the causes of companies and organizations on a mission to improve the human condition. Junior proudly serves on the boards of two non-profits: Hope Haven and the Micheal Azira Youth Foundation. He loves reading books; watching, playing and coaching football (soccer); practicing yoga and meditation; and spending time with his family.

Keyua McElveen

Event Emcee

As the Director of Lyceum Programs for Wingate University, I have leveraged my expertise in public speaking and organizational leadership to excel in various leadership positions and program development. I am a dynamic communicator and empathetic leader who enjoys engaging with students and the community through poetry, speaking, and performance. Through my pursuit of a master's degree in organizational leadership, I have successfully revamped a university-wide program and have continued to enhance the Lyceum brand through enriching the student experience.

Laura Stinson

Self-employed Artist & Podcast Host

Wingate 2003, BA English Laura Stinson is a disabled artist and disability advocate from Charlotte, NC. She runs her own small business, FairyNerdy, where she sells products featuring her original artwork and designs. She also hosts and produces Bad Attitudes: An Uninspiring Podcast About Disability, with weekly episodes focusing on topics relevant to the disabled population, offering a sense of community to disabled listeners and education to non-disabled listeners.

Mitchell Mackinem

Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Mitchell Mackinem is currently a Professor at Wingate University. Previously, Mitchell was an addiction counselor and program director where he worked with addicted people who had broken the law. In his early 40s, Mitch returned to school and received his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. Mitchell is a widely published researcher whose interests range from Drug Courts, Restorative Justice, Helping Professionals & Muslim Clientele, the role on religion in moderating alcohol use and the changing face of higher education.

Suzie Wolf

Founding Program Director, Department of Public Health

Suzie S. Wolf, DHSc, MPH, PA-C is an Associate Professor with experience as a clinician, faculty member, and public health professional. Early on she learned the importance of teamwork as a student-athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she rowed competitively on the women’s varsity lightweight crew team, serving as a team captain, and winning a national championship in 2005. Her prior clinical experiences include practicing as a physician assistant in the field of sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. Suzie is an advocate of community health concentrating on the intersection between public policy and health outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, gardening, and being active outside.