Juan Pleitez will join UNCG on December 18 as the new Director of External Affairs. In this role, he will advocate for the university’s priorities at the state legislature, and represent UNCG’s interests with key stakeholders, including local government and community and corporate partners. Juan has worked as a policy advisor and research assistant for high-ranking General Assembly leaders (House Majority Whip) and on key committees including the House Higher Education and Education and Appropriations committees. Juan worked for six years for Representative Jon Hardister and most recently for Representatives John Faircloth and John Blust. Throughout his tenure in the House, he has had experience working on behalf of constituents in Guilford County and has developed relationships with  local officials and community members. A first-generation college graduate, Juan received his BA in Political Science from William Peace University. 

Assistant Chief Chris Jasso will succeed Eric Boyce as UNCG’s Chief of Police beginning January 1, 2025. During his 18 years at UNCG, Chris has worked in almost every position within the police department including as the Assistant Chief to the previous two Chiefs of Police, and in 2021, he led the department as Interim Chief of Police for 6 months until Chief Boyce was selected. Throughout his career, Chris has led complex investigations; served as co-chair of the University’s Behavioral Assessment Team; established strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies; and led the department’s community engagement efforts. Chris earned his BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Mount Olive and his MS in Criminal Justice with a Graduate Certificate in Security Studies from East Carolina University. In 2022, he was selected to represent North Carolina law enforcement in the 282nd session of the FBI National Academy where he received advanced leadership training that would help prepare him for the role of Police Chief.