June 6, 2022 | Jessica Shafer '25
Samantha Cleary ’15 started her journey at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral psychology after wrapping up a career as a pole vaulter on the track and field team.
“When researching universities to attend, I was unsure of what I wanted to major in,” Cleary said. “I had always had a dream of working with marine mammals. After speaking with professionals in the field, many suggested I major in psychology. I absolutely loved the psychology program at UNCW.”
She chased her dream of working with marine life all the way to San Diego, where she interned at Naval Base Point Loma working with the Navy’s dolphins and sea lions. However, after two summers in California, something for her had changed.
“I was looking for a career change,” she says. “I loved the work I was doing at my previous internships and employer, but personally and professionally I needed to do what was best for me.”
Samantha and her retired assistance dog, Rosie.
As much as she loved her aquatic colleagues, Cleary made her way back to the east coast. She accepted a job with the paws4people foundation. The non-profit organization has a partnership program with the UNCW College of Health and Human Services. Cleary completed the partnership program during her senior year, earning a certificate in assistance dog training. paws4people trains, places and certifies assistance dogs for individuals with various disabilities at no cost to them.
While working her way up through various management positions with paws4people, Cleary became more and more involved as an alumna at UNCW – first making special appearances with her furry friends and then on her own. During that time, she served as the liaison for digital engagement for the Cape Fear Alumni Chapter.
When the Assistant Alumni Director of Alumni Relations position opened, she, with a push from her friends, found herself employed by her alma mater. Cleary says that, “Being back at my alma mater has brought back many memories of my time during my undergrad, as well as my time between being a student and now being an employee.
“UNCW offered many opportunities to me back then that I did not realize until more recently,” she continued.
“As a prior athlete I love being able to engage with our current student-athletes and connect with them. Speaking with current students and alumni helps me see all that UNCW has to offer pre and post-graduation. I am happy to be back and assist with that process.”
Having participated in so many UNCW events Cleary has come to love a few in particular. Opportunities to speak in University 101 classes, a program that is a first-year seminar requirement freshmen take during their initial semester on campus, and share with new students how she can apply her degree after graduation, let her build connections with campus. Attending the annual Seahawk track and field social, where she could reconnect with old friends, continue to be a treat.
Her favorite event, however, is Homecoming.
How could it not be?
She makes it clear Homecoming is the most interactive and fun event.
“It is the one weekend many UNCW Alumni return to campus to connect with friends, old teammates and professors,” Clearly said. “Alumni get to engage with current students and learn about innovative programs that UNCW now offers. I love all of Homecoming week, but the events I have always had the most fun at are the Homecoming Step Show, Champagne Brunch and TEALgate, right before the men's basketball game. Each event offers something for each alum.”
A big part of Cleary’s job today is encouraging current alumni to see the university the same way she does, as a home.
As students toss their cap and spread their wings into a new chapter of life, she asks them to stay connected to campus. For some, that means volunteering like she did. For others it means becoming involved in a regional chapter to keep in touch with fellow Seahawks. For still others it means creating a new university chapter or affinity group.
It’s up to you!
What matters is that you remember, even after fledging the nest, that you have a home and community in Wilmington with your fellow Seahawks.
"If you had asked me eleven years ago if I thought I would still be living in Wilmington, let alone working at the university that I attended, I would have thought you were crazy," Clearly said. “I never expected to make Wilmington my home post undergrad, but here I am. Not because it was destiny or fate, but because each time I step on campus it just feels right.”