Giving is a home run at UNCG

Jeb Burns ’08 MEd and his wife, Molly, are committed to Spartan success. From philanthropic support of Spartan Athletics to University Libraries, their impact is wide.

One example is UNCG Softball’s Kaylyn Belfield ’26, whose .431 batting average in 2024 broke the University’s single-season record. This May, she earned her degree from the Bryan School of Business and Economics.

Molly Burns says Spartans like Belfield inspire her. “It is easy to cheer for positive kids who are eager to get a degree and make a difference in the world.”

Belfield says being a student-athlete is both a blessing and a challenge. “It means embracing responsibility both on and off the field. Being a Spartan is about more than just competing in games; it’s about representing something bigger than yourself and striving to be a leader in every area of life. Through softball, I’ve learned discipline, perseverance, and how to serve others as a teammate and leader,” she says.

Belfield is taking those lessons with her as she moves into the next phase of her life. “I hope to pursue a career where I can use what I’ve learned through economics and athletics to make a positive impact on others.”