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Imagine your Heelprint

An engine of opportunity

When Tar Heels arrive on our campus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, they meet a world of possibilities. Pursue musical passions. Conduct important research. Compete for championships. No matter your background or interests, you have the opportunity to make your mark at Carolina. In Chapel Hill, we’re all part of the same Tar Heel team, and everyone has a role to play.

Scroll to see how three Tar Heels are leaving their Heelprint.

  • No. 4public school in the country in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges rankings
  • $1.21Bin research funding (2023-24)
  • 61national championships won by the Tar Heels

Meet Torin Simpson

Passionate percussionist

I started my journey with percussion way back in middle school, and I was so excited to continue it into college. It was a no-brainer to join the Marching Tar Heels. Playing that music and getting to experience that camaraderie has been one of the most gratifying things I’ve been a part of. The experience has given me so many incredible opportunities, my personal favorite of which was when we all got to participate in the halftime show for Carolina’s 2022 football game against Florida A&M University.

Torin Simpson and other members of the Marching Tar Heels band in uniform and performing.

My time with the Marching Tar Heels has driven me to be a better leader. It has allowed me to engage in many extracurriculars, such as my role in club flag football and volunteering at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus Emergency Department. Carolina has provided me with a diverse set of opportunities that encourages trying different things.

I hope the Heelprint I leave is one that inspires people to grow and to be grateful for the time they have here.

Torin Simpson drumming.

Artistic Heelprints

Meet Michael Lewek

Medical pioneer

I’ve worked at the UNC School of Medicine’s Division of Physical Therapy since 2007. My research is focused on enhancing mobility in individuals who have experienced strokes. As an associate professor, I have witnessed the strong dedication of students at Carolina year after year. They ask good questions, and they think deeply about all aspects of physical therapy, and it’s something that has made my research even more rewarding.

A researcher, Michael Lewek, speaking with a patient as she walks on a treadmill. A student researcher is also seen taking notes.

Thanks to the UNC School of Medicine’s evolution over the years, so much continues to improve in how we analyze mobility. But even more incredible than the technological advancements being made in my field is the inspiring curiosity I have seen from many of my students. For years, I was specifically studying the effects of strokes, but after a student came to me with a personal interest in the mobility of those who experience Parkinson’s, my team and I are now studying that disease as well.

That’s what I want my Heelprint to be: to leave an impression on the students I’ve worked with and for them to carry on that work and make it something bigger.

A researcher, Michael Lewek, walking on a nature trail with a patient.

Research Heelprints

Meet Katie Dixon

National champion

I’ve always wanted to be a Tar Heel. As someone raised by UNC alumni, I hold in high regard the legacy of Carolina and its unrivaled athletics program. Being able to play field hockey here was a dream come true. On and off the field, Carolina is such a rewarding environment. As a statistics and analytics major, I was lucky to work directly with some of Carolina’s incredible faculty and am so grateful that they are so flexible with my other extracurriculars.

Katie Dixon doing field hockey drills on a practice field.

While my time playing field hockey was enriching on a physical level, it also provided me with tools that I could bring into the day-to-day workforce. Student-athletes go through a program called the Leadership Academy, and the skills I took from that are things that I see myself bringing to all aspects of my life, not just field hockey. I have made so many special memories during my time at Carolina, including winning three national championships.

But when I look back at my time here, I hope I’ve left a Heelprint that shows how I’ve loved others and was able to lead and inspire.

Katie Dixon in a huddle with her field hockey coach and teammates.

Campus Heelprints

What’s your Heelprint? Let us know!

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