I’m Dr. Audrey J. Jaeger, W. Dallas Herring Professor of Community College Education and the founding executive director of the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. My career has been driven by a deep commitment to understanding and improving postsecondary pathways for all learners – a focus that’s reflected in my research on community colleges, college transfer, and leadership development.

My work bridges research and practice, as I actively collaborate with community college leaders and policymakers to turn insights into strategies that drive real-world impact. Through the Belk Center, I’ve built a collaborative platform that equips leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to address their most pressing challenges and enhance student outcomes. I take pride in helping to distill complex issues into actionable insights, and I’m honored to serve as a trusted resource and catalyst for positive change across North Carolina’s community college system and beyond. 

My contributions have been recognized with honors, including NC State’s Holladay Medal – the highest award given by NC State and the Board of Trustees, recognizing outstanding and sustained contributions to the university through achievements in research, teaching or extension and engagement.

With the support of an exceptional team and a shared commitment to our mission, I have secured more than $46 million in grant funding to support community colleges in North Carolina. I see this as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in efforts that expand economic mobility and opportunity for learners across North Carolina.