Meet John O’Neil
Program Coordinator, Junior Bulldog Program
John O’Neil graduated from UNC Asheville in 2016 with a degree in Drama. John has stayed actively involved in the theater as an actor, working back stage and as a stage manager, and has his sights set on Broadway.
Describe your job in once sentence: I run a college experience day for Middle School students, bringing hundreds of students to campus for an all-encompassing learning experience of what it’s like being a college student.
Can you name one thing that’s happened to you in your job that’s made you think, “This could only happen at UNC Asheville”: I’ve had to explain, many times, to middle schoolers that some of our students often go to class without shoes on and they don’t get in trouble.
What’s one random fact that people don’t know about you? I have two theatre awards for two very different things. I won a “Most Outstanding Actor” award in New York City when I was in high school. I also won the “Golden Screw Award” at my home theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre in Fayetteville, NC, for the biggest screw up in a season when I dumped many pounds of confetti on the stage during a performance. I am proud of both of those awards! The Golden Screw Award is in my office.
Anything else you’d like to share? I couldn’t do all of the things I am passionate about without the support of my supervisor, Andrea Martinez, who continues to encourage me to not only do those passion projects, but to pursue all avenues to reach my full potential in them.
Staff Council’s Staff Spotlight series highlights a staff member each month so we can learn more about our colleagues professionally and personally. If you would like to be featured, or if you would like to nominate another staff member to be featured, please email staffcouncil@unca.edu.