Alumni

Jul 14, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Realized What a Big Impact I Can Make In Education,’ Says Helen Lupton-Smith ’96PHD

Helen Lupton-Smith '96PHD helped College of Education Professor Marc Grimmett launch the Community Counseling, Education, and Research Center (CCERC) at NC State. Now, she's continuing to make counseling more widely accessible by leading the creation of the Eagle Counseling, Consultation, and Research Clinic (ECCRC), a community counseling clinic at North Carolina Central University. 

May 25, 2022

Creating Bright Futures Through Online Programs

Derek Just ’22MED gained hands-on counseling experience while earning his master’s degree online, and he hopes to use what he learned to help students prepare for their futures. 

May 24, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘We’re All Part of a Broader Community of Individuals Who Want Our World to be a Better Place Tomorrow Than it is Today,’ Says Carl Harris ’98EDD

As a first-generation college student, Carl Harris' passion for education began at an early age, when he saw how knowledge could unlock opportunities. Now, as the NC State College of Education's board chair, he works toward supporting educational growth for others. 

Apr 27, 2022

Jessica Richardson ’15, ’22MSA: ‘I Chose Education Because I Believe That Each Student Deserves an Exceptional Education from Champion Teachers Who Advocate for Them’

When Jessica Richardson ’15, ’22MSA decided she wanted to grow more as an educator, she enrolled in the NC State College of Education's School Administration program. Now, as she graduates, she feels she prepared her for the next step in her career, where she will serve as an assistant principal. 

Mar 22, 2022

Paola Sztajn Named Dean of NC State’s College of Education

Paola Sztajn has been named dean of the College of Education at North Carolina State University following a nationwide search. Her appointment becomes effective April 1. Sztajn has served as interim dean following the return of former dean Mary Ann Danowitz to the College of Education faculty on October 5, 2021. 

Mar 9, 2022

With Decades of Experience as an Educational Leader, Carl Harris ’98EDD Named NC State College of Education Board Chair

With decades of experience as a leader in the field of education, Carl Harris '98EDD began serving as the new NC State College of Education Board chair on March 8. 

Mar 8, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘My Thing Has Always Been Helping Kids and Helping Adults Help Kids,’ Says Autumn Guin ’20PHD

Autumn Guin '20PHD is using the knowledge and skills she's honed in the NC State College of Education to follow through on the university's land-grant mission and help kids as part of NC State Extension. 

Feb 17, 2022

EdWeek: Healthcare Was Hard to Come By. So This Superintendent Stepped Up

Ben Thigpen, who earned his Ed.D. from the NC State College of Education, partnered with East Carolina University to bring a telehealth program that provides acute minor medical care and mental health and nutrition counseling to the district's students and staff. 

Feb 4, 2022

Transformational Scholarships Program Director Trisha Mackey ‘18MED Recognized with NACADA New Advisor Certificate of Merit Award

Trisha Mackey ‘18MED, the inaugural director of the NC State College of Education’s Transformational Scholarships Program, has been awarded the New Advisor Certificate of Merit for Region 3 by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). 

Jan 27, 2022

An Extraordinary Difference: Bria Cofield Wright

Third-generation educator Bria Cofield Wright ’16 ’19 is able to continue her family’s proud academic tradition thanks in part to funding from NC State’s Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign. The scholarship and fellowship recipient is now positioned for an even brighter future through support from her Pack, with her students also benefiting as a result.