UNC Asheville was host to a special group of visitors in June 2023: a delegation of young leaders from North Macedonia visiting the U.S. as part of an exchange program with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, an organization that provides participants a global perspective through international exchanges. 

The Republic of North Macedonia, formerly part of Yugoslavia, is a relatively young republic in southeast Europe, with a diverse mix of ethnic and political groups. 

The delegation comprised bipartisan representatives including government officials, political party leaders, and activists, who met with UNC Asheville faculty to learn more about American government and journalistic practices. 

The trip was organized with the assistance of UNC Asheville alumnus Drew Heath, a former North Carolina Superior Court judge, and former director of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. 

“I wanted to bring the delegates to UNC Asheville because of the expertise of our professors and our beautiful campus,” Heath said. “Our stop at UNC Asheville was the most engaged they had been during their entire trip. The event is an excellent example of the university's efforts to support international connections and share relevant knowledge on a global scale.”

The delegates met with UNC Asheville Interim Provost Herman Holt, who shared information about the state’s higher education system; Mark Gibney, Belk Distinguished Professor of Political Science; and Sonya DiPalma, chair and associate professor of mass communication.