Barbara Wiedemann joined the UNC School of Social Work in 2022 as assistant dean for strategic communications and marketing. Wiedemann previously served at Carolina as communications strategist with UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media (2018–2022) and as director of UNC’s in-house design team (2006–2008). Her service to the state also includes roles with the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) as publications director and earlier, as head graphic designer. During her most recent tenure at the museum, Wiedemann worked with Pentagram design consultancy to rebrand the museum and served as managing curator of a blockbuster design exhibition.
A first-generation college graduate, Wiedemann is a long-time advocate for public higher education and its role in supporting a better future for the state of North Carolina and the nation. She has proudly served in an adjunct faculty role at Carolina, N.C. State University and Meredith College.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Penn State University, Wiedemann received her master’s degree from N.C. State University. She was the first winner of the Pentagram Prize, a global design essay competition. Her work has been recognized with a national Telly Award and by the American Association of Museums and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Wiedemann served on the N.C. State College of Design board for nearly a decade, including three years as co-chair of the leadership council. In 2004, she founded a nonprofit organization, The Dave Brumitt Foundation for Gastric and Esophageal Cancer, and oversaw seven annual winter fundraising “century” bike rides for that organization.
Wiedemann completed two years of service on the University Development Office’s diversity committee (2020–2022).
