As North Carolina Central University (NCCU) celebrates its Centennial, it will also observe its 62nd Annual Founder’s Day on Friday, October 30, at 9 a.m., in the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Mattie Giles, Ph.D. is the scheduled keynote speaker at the convocation.

Dr. Giles, a native of Monroe, N.C., is a graduate of NCCU. She majored in sociology with a double minor in education and library science. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Tech, specializing in human resources development and higher education administration and supervision. Giles received her M.S. from Howard University.

As a social worker, Dr. Giles, specialized in psychiatric social work, practicum, women’s issues, and social work policy. At the University of the District of Columbia, she was a professor of social work, and the program and field practice director. In addition, Giles taught at the University of Maryland and George Mason University. She prepared MSW students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) through a program that focused on an aptly named course — Social Work and Social Justice.

In addition, Giles was appointed to serve as chair and of the Social Work Board by two former District of Columbia mayors. Giles will deliver her Founder’s Day keynote speech in the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium, Friday, October 30, at 9 a.m.