The Hunt Institute Announces Fifth Cohort of the ElevateNC: Higher Education Program

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2024

Contact: Moriah Martin

mmartin@hunt-institute.org | (240) 272-3379

The Hunt Institute Announces Fifth Cohort of the ElevateNC: Higher Education Program
Innovative Program Equips Participants to Drive Higher Education Policy Change

Cary, NC – The Hunt Institute is thrilled to announce the selection of participants for the upcoming fifth cohort of the ElevateNC: Higher Education program, set to launch in September 2024. This program is specifically designed to equip individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive meaningful policy changes in the field of higher education.

The Institute has curated an exceptional group of influential leaders from various sectors, including state policymakers, K-12 superintendents and teachers, higher education administrators and faculty, business community members, advocacy organizations, and representatives from local government. By bringing together such diverse perspectives, ElevateNC fosters collaboration and encourages the development of innovative strategies aimed at increasing postsecondary attainment.

In partnership with myFutureNC, ElevateNC: Higher Education is dedicated to supporting the statewide postsecondary attainment goal of having two million North Carolinians earn a degree by 2030. Through myFutureNC’s invaluable expertise, cohort members will gain insights and guidance on how to drive progress towards this ambitious target.

“Cross-sector collaboration is urgently needed for North Carolina to meet the State’s educational attainment goal of two million by 2030.  Achieving this goal is a crucial step in addressing the State’s workforce needs and equipping more North Carolinians for jobs that pay family-sustaining wages,” said Cecilia Holden, President & CEO of myFutureNC. “By uniting diverse stakeholders through their time in ElevateNC, we can harness a wide range of expertise, resources, and perspectives to develop comprehensive solutions and create a seamless pathway for individuals to thrive in today’s economy.”

Commencing in September, the fifth cohort of ElevateNC: Higher Education will engage in four immersive sessions throughout the year. These sessions will be held on the following dates:

• September 9-10, 2024: North Carolina’s Higher Education Landscape
• November 6-7, 2024: Equity in Access to Higher Education
• February 10-11, 2025: Institutional Support to Ensure Postsecondary Persistence
• April 7-8, 2025: Efforts to Advance Postsecondary Attainment

Each session spans two days and encompasses a diverse range of topics and policy issues. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners, students, elected officials, as well as state and national resource experts. Additionally, the sessions will offer practical strategies for implementing the knowledge gained in participants’ respective communities.

“We are immensely grateful for our partners at myFutureNC and to be welcoming our newest group of talented leaders in this fifth cohort of ElevateNC,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “Together, through this program we empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to unlock their full potential, pursue rewarding careers, and make meaningful contributions to society.”

The fifth cohort of ElevateNC: Higher Education represents a remarkable group of individuals who are poised to drive positive change in the field of higher education:

• Xavier Adams – NCCAT 2022 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year – Orange County Schools
• Representative Vernetta Alston – Legislator, North Carolina House of Representatives
• LaChaun Banks – Professor of Practice, Kenan-Flagler Business School (UNC) and Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise
• Commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr. – County Commissioner, New Hanover County
• Naomi Bivins – Director of Community Engagement, Wilkes Community College
• Cory Biggs – Director of Policy & Advocacy – myFutureNC
• Dr. Frederick Buskey – CEO and Founder, Strategic Leadership Consulting
• Evan Cox – Program Analyst – John M Belk Endowment
• Dr. Jemilia Davis – Program Director & Clinical Assistant Professor, UNC Chapel Hill – School of Education
• Renita Allen Dawson – VP, Workforce Continuing Education and Community Engagement, Wayne Community College
• Mayor Jessica Day – Mayor, Town of Knightdale
• Dr. Sarah Deal – Director of Research, Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research
• Dr. Jeni Corn – Director of Research and Evaluation – NC Department of Public Instruction
• Dr. Laura Colson – Chief Operating Officer, Renaissance West Community Initiative
• Dr. Jeremy Gibbs – Deputy State Superintendent – NC Department of Public Instruction
• Dr. Ivana Hanson – Adult Learner Specialist/REACH Coordinator, North Carolina Community Colleges
• Dr. Roderick Heath – Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students – Fayetteville State University
• Dr. Denise Henning – Director of UNCW/3C & Professor, Higher Ed/Community College Leadership, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
• Dr. Troy Johnson – Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, Appalachian State University
• Dr. Maria Lander – Project Coordinator, Our Future in UNiSON
• Dr. Leslie Locklear – Director of Educator Engagement and Student Success, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
• Dr. Jennifer McLean – State Director of Advising and Coaching, North Carolina Community College System Office
• Dr. Angie Mullennix – Director of Innovative Practices & Programs / State Military Liaison, NC Department of Public Instruction
• Dr. Isaí Robledo – Dean of Workforce & Community Strategies, Randolph Community College
• Dr. Carmen Serrata – Assistant Professor of Higher Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Dr. Murray Williams – President, Roanoke-Chowan Community College

About The Hunt Institute 

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, is a recognized leader in the movement to transform public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: http://www.hunt-institute.org/ 

About myFutureNC

myFutureNC is a statewide nonprofit focused on educational attainment that includes some of North Carolina’s most influential education, business, and civic leaders. The organization was formed with the goal to create a stronger, more competitive North Carolina. myFutureNC is working across sectors and in communities throughout the state to close gaps in the education pathway, to promote alignment between educational programming and business/industry needs, and to ultimately improve educational opportunities for all North Carolinians. Join our efforts, stay in touch, and help champion success for our state and all of its people. Visit www.myfuturenc.org.

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