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#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Still Think That It Helps Us Build a Better Society When We…

Why I Chose Education

A headshot of Jennifer Jarrett with the text: Education has been a pathway to not only understanding the world around me but also toward discovering my place within it.

Jun 5, 2025

#WhyIChoseEducation: Jennifer Jarrett ’24PHD on Uplifting Future Generations

Jennifer Jarrett '24PHD earned her Ph.D. in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development educational evaluation and policy analysis (EEPA) concentration last December, and this fall she will teach her first classes as an assistant professor of educational leadership at Western Carolina University.

Apr 29, 2025

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘We Have the Power and the Influence To Change a Child’s Trajectory for the Best,’ Says Kendrick Alston ’13MSA, ’18EDD

Foust Gaming and Robotics Elementary School officially opened its doors to students in January and, as the school's principal, Kendrick Alston '14MSA, '18EDD works every day to ensure his students are learning the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st century.

A photo of Elizabeth Saylor with the quote: "I Think the Most Important Job is Being a Teacher."

Mar 31, 2025

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Think the Most Important Job is Being a Teacher,’ Says Elizabeth Saylor ’15PHD

Elizabeth Saylor '15PHD was a public elementary school teacher in North Carolina for 10 years before deciding to earn her doctoral degree in what is now the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences at the NC State College of Education. Now, she is an award-winning teacher at the University of Georgia's Mary Frances Early College of Education.

A graphic with a photo of Terence Hicks and the text: "Education is the key to success."

Feb 27, 2025

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Education Is the Key to Success,’ Says Terence Hicks ’12PHD

A professor and former dean with East Tennessee State University’s Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, Terence Hicks '12PHD has been named a Virginia Social Science Associate Scholar and received a Legacy Award from NC State’s Black Alumni Society. Hicks shares why he chose education and how it has impacted him.

A photo (uploaded Jan. 16, 2024) of Steve Lassiter Jr. superintendent of Pitt County Schools, seated at his desk. Next to him is a graphic with the quote: I Look Forward to Continuing to Leave No Stone Unturned for Our Students

Jan 16, 2025

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Look Forward to Continuing to Leave No Stone Unturned for Our Students,’ Says Pitt County Schools Superintendent Steve Lassiter Jr. ’19EDD

Steve Lassiter Jr. '19EDD grew up in eastern North Carolina, where his K-12 teachers made a lasting impression on his life, inspiring him to one day become an educational leader. In November, Lassiter, who earned his doctoral degree through the NC State College of Education's educational leadership program, was named superintendent of Pitt County Schools.

Nov 25, 2024

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘My Goal Was to Help Young People Appreciate the Wonder and Achievement of Learning,’ Says Tamar Avineri ’16PHD

Twenty years ago, Tamar Avineri '16PHD applied for a position at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Now, this award-winning educator is chair of the school's Department of Mathematics and teaches advanced courses that prepare her students to become creative thinkers and problem solvers.

A photo of Sara Vogel with a quote: Nothing Is More Thrilling Than Learning Something New and Sparking Curiosity in Another Person

Sep 26, 2024

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Nothing Is More Thrilling Than Learning Something New and Sparking Curiosity in Another Person,’ Says Sara Vogel ’13MED

As a researcher, Sara Vogel '13MED, the Title IX coordinator at Hawaii Community College, is focused on implementing innovative ways to lower the rates of sexual violence on college campuses.

A photo of Carl Blue with the quote: "I like that 'aha moment' when you see the light come on and something clicks."

Aug 29, 2024

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Like That ‘Aha Moment’ When You See the Light Come On and Something Clicks. ,’ Says Carl Blue ’06EDD

Carl Blue '06EDD, an associate professor at Clemson University, prepares his students to succeed in the constantly changing graphic communications industry by drawing on the lessons he's learned throughout his varied career.
A photo of Oneisha Leonard-Henry with the quote: If I Can at Least Reach One of These Kids, Then It'll Have a Domino Effect

Jul 30, 2024

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘If I Can at Least Reach One of These Kids, Then It’ll Have a Domino Effect,’ Says Oneisha Leonard-Henry ’23MAT

Whether it was her mom, a nurse, flipping through the pages of a novel at the end of a long day, or her grandmother, a pastor, hosting Bible studies and book clubs, Oneisha Leonard-Henry '23MAT remembers growing up surrounded by family members who loved to read. Now, she is an English teacher able to share her passion for literature with seventh graders at Neal Magnet Middle School in Durham.

Stephen Day Why I Chose

Jun 26, 2024

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Still Think That It Helps Us Build a Better Society When We Ask Rigorous Questions and Study Them Well,’ Says Stephen Day ’15PHD

Stephen Day '15PHD has a passion for helping students better understand economics, and now serves as a term associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and director of its Center for Economic Education.