Lucas Koon stands out among the Class of 2026 at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Bryan School of Business and Economics—not just for his academic achievement, but for the resilience it took to get there. After leaving UNCG in 2019 with failing grades, Koon returned to campus this year as a graduate with a 3.5 GPA and a resume that now includes prestigious internships at ITG Brands and Volvo Inc. His story is a testament to the power of second chances, and to the policies that make them possible.
Koon’s journey is far from typical. A 2019 graduate of Greensboro’s Page High School, he enrolled at UNCG with the intention of pursuing an education close to home. But within months, he found himself disengaged, using up his withdrawal credits and ultimately deciding to leave college behind. “Back then, I wasn’t properly focused on schoolwork,” he reflects. “I think I used all of my withdrawal credits at the end of the first semester, so when I made a couple of Fs my second semester, I decided to take a break.”
For the next few years, Koon worked in facilities management at Grace Community Church, a role that kept him busy but also underscored the limitations of his educational background. Without a degree, he realized, his career options would remain constrained. Determined to change course, he researched his options and discovered UNCG’s Academic Renewal policy—a lifeline for students who withdraw with less than a 2.0 GPA. The policy allows qualifying students to start fresh, with prior Ds and Fs forgiven from their GPA, provided they re-enroll after a specified period or with transfer credits.
Instead of jumping back into the college atmosphere that had once felt overwhelming, Koon chose a strategic and deliberate path. He enrolled at Guilford Technical Community College to earn an associate’s degree in business administration and accounting. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it before taking on the UNCG challenge,” he says. His commitment paid off: after a strong first semester back, he applied for Academic Renewal, which was approved, giving him a clean slate to build on.
The Power of Academic Renewal
UNCG’s Academic Renewal program is designed to help students like Koon reset their academic records and return to college with confidence. To qualify, students must be removed from UNCG for at least two full terms or re-enroll with 24 transferable credit hours. Once they complete 12 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA or better, they can apply to have their prior poor grades removed from their academic record.
Koon’s experience highlights the critical role of support systems in academic recovery. UNCG’s StopOut Prevention and ReEntry Coordinator, Gina Ingraham, played a key role in guiding Koon through the application process and advising him on the best path forward. “It has been a huge effort in our division in recent years, with the creation of my role and an additional focus by the UNC System,” Ingraham explains. “Re-enrolling students and supporting them when they fall into academic trouble pays off when they make it to graduation.”
Since the pandemic, UNCG has seen a significant increase in students returning after academic setbacks, and the university’s efforts have contributed to higher four-year graduation rates and improved GPAs among returning students. In 2025, UNCG earned the highest performance ranking in the UNC System, in part due to these targeted support initiatives.
A Fresh Start and a Brighter Future
Koon’s decision to start at Guilford Technical Community College was not just a strategic move—it was a confidence booster. “I stayed committed, did pretty decent my first semester back, and applied for academic renewal,” he says. “It was approved, and I had a clean slate from then on.” This renewed focus allowed him to re-enroll at UNCG as a transfer student, where he ultimately earned his bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Supply Chain Management with a concentration in Cyber Security.
Today, Koon’s resume reflects his renewed commitment to his education and career. In addition to his internships at ITG Brands and Volvo Inc., he has gained hands-on experience in facilities maintenance and now stands on the brink of launching his professional career. His story is a powerful reminder that academic setbacks do not have to define a person’s future. With the right support, determination, and a willingness to take a different path, success is within reach.
What’s Next for Lucas Koon
As Koon prepares to graduate, his focus is on the future. With a degree in hand and a strong professional network, he is poised to take on new challenges in his field. His story also serves as an inspiration for other students who may feel discouraged after facing academic difficulties. UNCG’s Academic Renewal policy and the support of advisors like Gina Ingraham have given Koon not just a second chance, but a foundation for long-term success.
For students considering a similar path, UNCG’s Academic Renewal program remains a valuable resource. The university continues to refine its support systems to help more students like Koon achieve their academic and career goals. As Koon looks ahead, he encourages others to persist: “No matter where you came from or how long it took us to get here, we’re all graduating.”
To learn more about UNCG’s Academic Renewal policy and support services, visit the UNCG News page or contact the StopOut Prevention and ReEntry office.
Have you faced academic challenges and found your way back? Share your story in the comments or on social media using #SecondChanceSuccess.
