Why I Chose Education

Feb 14, 2023

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Reaching a Child is Just Very Rewarding,’ Says Ashlyn Scruggs ’15

Ashlyn Scruggs '15, an eighth-grade social studies teacher, was inspired by her experience as a student teacher. So, when she stepped into a classroom of her own, she welcomed student teachers from the College of Education to pay it forward. 

Jan 20, 2023

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Caring Adults Have a Huge Opportunity to Make Such an Impact On The Lives of Young People,’ Says Sheronda Witter ’19PHD

For over five years, Sheronda Witter served as the director of the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs. Now, as the STEM Next Opportunity Fund's Out-of-School Time Partnerships Fellow in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, she is working to ensure access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs for students across the nation. 

Dec 20, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘What You Do as a Teacher, as an Educator, is You Get to Make an Impact on the Lives of Others That Can Last Their Entire Lifetime,’ Says Bennett Jones ’14MSA, ’19EDD

After more than two decades as an educator in North Carolina public schools, Bennett Jones '14MSA, '19EDD is stepping into a new role as the director of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program. 

Nov 28, 2022

WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Education is an Avenue to Social and Economic Mobility,’ Says Elizabeth City State University Chancellor Karrie Dixon ’97, ’03EDD

Karrie Dixon '97, '03EDD was named chancellor of Elizabeth City State University in 2018. Since then, the university has turned around flagging enrollment numbers and become an economic driver in northeastern North Carolina. 

Oct 27, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Would Like All Students to Have Equal Opportunity to Succeed in Education,’ Says Somanita Kheang

While teaching English part time in Cambodia, Somanita Kheang began to wonder if she could be a more effective educator for her students, some of whom were adult learners. Now, as she conducts research on adult learning while earning her second doctoral degree at the NC State College of Education, she has become a researcher and is having an even greater impact on adult learners and the field of education than she ever expected. 

Sep 29, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘We’re Continually Learning, Moving Forward and Building New Bridges and Opportunities for Everyone,’ Says Pamela Gilchrist ’14PHD

As the director of K-12 programs at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, Pamela Gilchrist '14PHD is working toward preparing students and educators for success through innovations in STEM. 

Aug 26, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Really Like Working With In-service Teachers Because I Remember Being There,’ Says Vance Kite ’18MED, ’21PHD

The first time Vance Kite '18MED, '21PHD interacted with NC State University was as a Kenan Fellow. Now, after earning his doctoral degree through the College of Education, he will lead the Kenan Fellows as the program's new director. 

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. 

Jun 28, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Chose Education Because Education is a Powerful Vehicle for Social Change,’ Says Senior Director of Student Success Alexander Kappus

As the NC State College of Education's senior director of student success, Alex Kappus strives to operate as a scholar-practitioner in order to better support students and the field of education. 

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.