Why I Chose Education

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. 

Apr 27, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Want My Classroom to Feel Representative of My Students and a Space Where They Can Be Themselves’ Says Jessica Terrones ’22

Jessica Terrones came to NC State looking for a supportive community. In the College of Education, she found ways to build that community for others and developed leadership skills that will carry over as she steps into the classroom. 

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

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Choosing Counselor Education Means That I’m Educating Those Future School Counselors Who are Going to be in the School System for the Next 50 Years,’ Says BJ Durham ‘22PHD

BJ Durham ‘22PHD, a graduate assistant in the Office of Graduate Student Success and a self-described “counselor at heart,” works hard to help graduate students in the NC State College of Education thrive. 

Jan 27, 2022

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Education Just Has, To Me, The Most Meaning and Purpose and Joy of Anything That I’ve Done,’ Says Adjunct Associate Teaching Professor Sue Wasiolek

Sue Wasiolek, often known simply as Dean Sue, is a fixture at Duke University, where she served as the dean of students for the past 40 years. While it is in that role she is best known, for more than a decade she’s also been a part of the NC State College of Education, where she teaches the graduate level course EAC 778: Law and Higher Education. 

Dec 1, 2021

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I Want Students Not Only to Be Proficient Readers but to Enjoy Reading and Learning,’ Says Courtney Weathers ‘21

An experience with a literacy nonprofit in high school inspired Courtney Weathers ‘21 to explore the best practices in literacy instruction, so all students can become confident, independent readers. 

Oct 27, 2021

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘Regardless of Who is Educating Me or the Topic I’m Learning About, a Proper Education is Incredibly Powerful Long-term,’ Says Top Flight Computers Owner Chris Touchberry ‘13

When small business owners, videographers or PC gamers need custom computers to meet their computing needs, they often turn to Chris Touchberry ‘13. Touchberry utilized the skills and relationship building experience he gained in the NC State College of Education’s technology, engineering, and design education program to launch the custom PC business Top Flight Computers. 

Aug 10, 2021

#WhyIChoseEducation: ‘I’m Really Focused on Finding Untapped Skills and Getting Individuals in Jobs for Social and Economic Mobility,’ Says Lance Gooden ’22EDD

Watching his mother serve as an advocate for underserved students in Vernamfield, Jamaica, Lance Gooden ’22EDD developed a passion for increasing educational success for all learners within the field of education. As a community college administrator, he strives to help underserved and disadvantaged populations navigate the community college system and succeed.