Katina Edwards Townsend ’24PHD: ‘My Goal is to Ensure the Rewards and Benefits of Higher Education, Especially the Value of Community Colleges, is Evangelized at Every Level of Society’

Earning an associate’s degree at Wake Technical Community College was a pivotal moment in Katina Edwards Townsend’s educational journey. It allowed her to pursue a career in accounting, and she now works as a financial controller for a large consumer packaged goods (CPG) company.

This December, Townsend will graduate from the NC State College of Education with a doctoral degree in community college leadership, which she hopes will allow her to better facilitate instruction in her current role and potentially teach at the community college level. 

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Degree: Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose the college because of its amazing reputation in training community college leaders, and NC State is where I began my collegiate journey over 30 years ago.

What’s next for you?

I plan to enable teaching and learning in my current role as a financial controller at a large consumer packaged goods (CPG) company, as well as teach at a local community college.

What do you hope to accomplish in your field?

I hope that we can enable all high school students to complete an associate’s degree, diploma or certificate by their 13th year of education.

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

My favorite memory was attending the NC Association of Community Colleges meeting with my cohort. We spent the day with community college presidents from all over North Carolina and were able to witness the work of the leaders in an hands-on environment.

Why did you choose education?

Education is a pathway of opportunity. My goal is to ensure the rewards and benefits of higher education, especially the value of community colleges, is evangelized at every level of society.