Cherrelle Lawrence ’24EDD: ‘I’m Genuinely Passionate About Nurturing Learning and Growth in All Individuals’

In her current role overseeing professional development and knowledge management for a consulting firm, Cherrelle Lawrence ’24EDD works to apply insights from her educational background to enhance adult learning initiatives. 

As she prepares to graduate with her Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership, Lawrence hopes to continue to be a proponent of effective learning practices in the corporate world, while also taking on teaching roles in the field of higher education.

Meet Cherrelle:

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland, and Warren County, North Carolina

Degree: Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership

Activities (Research or Extracurricular): Teaching assistant in the College of Education, 2023; Belk Center Fellowship lead, 2022 and 2023.

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I selected the NC State College of Education primarily due to my advisor, [former Assistant Teaching Professor] Carrol Warren. While exploring various institutions for advanced studies, I found several schools with appealing programs; however, none of those resonated with me as deeply as the College of Education team and its Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State. This team exhibited exceptional warmth and dedication to research areas aligned with my passions, such as equity, leadership and supporting first-generation college students. Every individual I’ve collaborated with within the College of Education has been remarkably supportive and resourceful.

Why did you choose your concentration?

I gravitated toward adult and community college education because I’m genuinely passionate about nurturing learning and growth in all individuals. With my background spanning various areas within higher education, I’ve noticed significant differences in how education is structured and provided to different groups. I’m drawn to this field because I see it as an opportunity to make a real difference by advocating for positive, equitable and inclusive changes in educational practices.

What’s your next step? What do you have planned after graduation?

In my current role, I operate beyond the realm of higher education within the corporate sector, overseeing professional development and knowledge management for a consulting firm. Though my work isn’t directly linked to academia, I’ve found tremendous fulfillment in applying insights from my educational background to enhance adult learning initiatives within our company. 

I aspire to reconnect with higher education by pursuing adjunct teaching roles. Returning to higher education in this capacity would allow me to merge my expertise in corporate learning with the goal of empowering our future education and business leaders through skill development.

How has the College of Education prepared you for that next step?

The College of Education has been instrumental in equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in my professional journey. Through coursework, practical experiences and mentorship, the college provided me with a solid foundation in educational theory, instructional design and adult learning principles. This knowledge has been invaluable in my current role, allowing me to effectively design and implement professional development programs and knowledge management strategies tailored to adult learners in the corporate world.

What do you hope to accomplish in your field?

In this field, my ultimate goal is to leverage my expertise in adult learning and professional development to drive positive change and innovation. I aspire to be a thought leader and advocate for inclusive and effective learning practices, both within the corporate world and higher education.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the College of Education?

One standout moment from my College of Education journey was the honor of being chosen to attend both Achieving the Dream’s DREAM conference in 2023 and the League for Innovation’s conference in 2022, representing both the Belk Center and our college. These conferences provided invaluable insights into best practices within the community college realm. I had the privilege of networking with esteemed leaders in the field, such as Dr. Karen Stout from Achieving the Dream and Dr. Rufus Glasper from the League for Innovation. It’s worth noting that Dr. Glasper later served as a committee member for my dissertation defense, creating a deeply gratifying and meaningful full-circle connection.

Tell us about an experience you had with the College of Education that had the biggest impact on you or your career.

My most significant experience during my tenure in the College of Education stemmed from the invaluable connections made with my peers throughout the program. The opportunity for face-to-face interactions greatly enriched our educational journey. Through this program, I cultivated lifelong relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students that will transcend my time at NC State. Together, we’ve navigated personal and professional milestones, from rejoicing in new family members to providing unwavering support during times of family adversity. Our bond has evolved into a familial connection that I will always hold dear.

Why did you choose education?

I chose education due to my lifelong passion for learning, whether it involves acquiring new knowledge or imparting it to others. Over my lifetime, I aspire to positively influence individuals by assisting them in realizing their fullest potential, a goal I believe can be achieved through the transformative power of education. Throughout my life’s journey, numerous influential figures have shaped my path, many of whom I encountered through our shared dedication to education. Whether they served as teachers, advisors, supervisors, mentors or colleagues, our common thread is our mutual love for learning. The field of education presents a plethora of career avenues, several of which I’ve had the pleasure of exploring. From my beginnings as a high school career and technical education (CTE) teacher to ascending to the role of dean within the community college sector, and, currently, leading learning and development at a prominent consulting firm, each role has enriched my understanding and passion for education. I love education because it fosters opportunities for creativity, personal growth and the cultivation of meaningful relationships.