OUR LOVE STORY

Taren Nance and Jeniece Mitchell met in March 2022. Taren was an innovative administrator who had moved to Urbana, Il from Eastern Shore, MD. Jeniece was an award-winning educator who grew up in the area. Their paths had previously crossed at several local events, including the Black History Month Kick-off Balloon Release at Dr. Williams Elementary School, which was held in honor of her mother. In June 2022, after Taren spoke at the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center promotion ceremony, he approached Jeniece, where she was setting out cupcakes for guests. They conversed briefly, before he departed, saying “I’m still looking for the one.”

Shortly thereafter, Taren reached out to Jeniece with an invitation to dinner. To her surprise, he actually prepared the meal…and she was thoroughly impressed! On this first date, he demonstrated excellent hospitality and opened up to ask Jeniece to pray for him. She held him close and prayed for him like they had known each other for years. They both began to shed tears and talk about their faith in relation to life’s challenges they were being presented with at that time. Taren became a valued member of the UNCC Family, assuring Jeniece that he had her back. He has kept his word!

In June 2023, Taren cheered Jeniece on as she defended her doctoral dissertation at the University of Illinois. In September 2023, Jeniece cheered Taren on as he defended his doctoral dissertation at Wilmington University.

In February 2024, they traveled to Milan, Italy to present their research at the 7th World Conference on Research in Education. On Jeniece’s birthday weekend, she received the gift of a lifetime…A proposal to spend forever with her partner in love and life, Taren Nance.

They bring each other much laughter and shared love for music, education, and underserved youth. Taren and Jeniece share friendship, laughter, passions, resilience, and a desire to positively impact the world around them. These commonalities have helped them support each other through the best and worst of times. They look forward to the blessings God has in store for their future!