Greensboro College President and Student Receive Top Honors at NC Campus Engagement Conference
February 11, 2026 – North Carolina Campus Engagement awarded top honors to Greensboro College President Dr. Lawrence Czarda and Senior Student Xypher Pino at its annual conference this morning.
Dr. Czarda received the Leo Lambert Engaged Leader Award, an honor presented annually to a North Carolina college president or chancellor—nominated by their peers—who demonstrates a sustained commitment to fostering meaningful engagement that enriches both campus and community.
Pino received the John H Barnhill Civic Trailblazer Award which recognizes one student in the state who, like Mr. Barnhill, demonstrates innovation in civic engagement and creates foundations that expand or deepen campus community partnerships.
Now in his 17th year as president of Greensboro College, Dr. Czarda’s career spans more than four decades of experience in K-12 and higher education, serving public and private institutions alike. He holds degrees in history and political science, public administration and public policy, and has taught periodically his entire career.
He has served as both a member and Chair of a K–12 education board and has contributed his expertise to numerous local, regional, and national boards and committees supporting higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. Dr. Czarda currently serves on the Board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), on the Board of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG) as Past Chair, and on the Finance Committee of West Market Street United Methodist Church
Pino is a senior majoring in biology and during his time at the College, has made significant impacts to campus life and student community engagement, contributing to the Pride Pantry food bank, the Collegian student newspaper and podcast, as a peer tutor and serving as Student Body Vice President. He founded the Greensboro College Civic Leadership Program, a student-led initiative designed to build civic leadership skills and increase service participation among students. Pino is already a certified nursing assistant and hopes to continue his education in medical school.
About Greensboro College
Founded in 1838 by the United Methodist Church, Greensboro College is located in Downtown Greensboro, North Carolia. The College enrolls approximately 1,000 students from 29 states and territories, the District of Columbia, and seven foreign countries in its 42 undergraduate liberal arts programs and six master’s degree programs. In addition to rigorous academics, superb academic student advising and top-rated Honors program, the College features an 18-sport NCAA Division III athletic program and dozens of service and recreational opportunities. Graduate Ready for Anything at Greensboro College. Learn more at greensboro.edu.
About North Carolina Campus Engagement
North Carolina Campus Engagement cultivates a network of North Carolina colleges and universities to advance the collaborative work of public problem-solving and strengthen democracy through the transformation of people, institutions, and communities. Learn more at nccampusengagement.org.
