Courtney Higgins
Dr. Courtney D. Higgins serves as the program manager of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where she provides strategic and operational leadership for the program while collaborating with campus and community stakeholders to expand access, persistence, and successful postsecondary outcomes for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
She earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration and a graduate certificate in Student Affairs in Higher Education from East Carolina University, a Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education with a minor in Special Education from Fayetteville State University. Her doctoral scholarship explored college readiness, postsecondary aspirations, and educational equity among historically marginalized communities in Durham, North Carolina.
Prior to joining NCCU, Dr. Higgins served as the Coordinator of Counseling and Accessibility Services, where she led counseling and accessibility operations while overseeing institutional compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Her professional experience spans K–12 and higher education and includes leadership in mathematics education, school and college counseling, disability services, accessibility compliance, student affairs, recruitment and outreach, college instruction, and higher education administration.
Throughout her career, she has led multidisciplinary teams, developed institutional initiatives, facilitated professional development, and collaborated with internal departments, external stakeholders, and community partners to advance student success, accessibility, and inclusive educational practices. She has also spearheaded undergraduate recruitment events, graduate school fairs, college and career fairs, and community engagement initiatives across both K–12 and higher education settings, connecting students and families with educational and career opportunities while strengthening institutional and community partnerships.
In her current role, Dr. Higgins leads strategic planning, program implementation, cross-campus collaboration, and community partnerships that strengthen NCCU Thrive and enhance the postsecondary experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Drawing on her expertise in educational equity, accessibility, and student success, she partners with faculty, staff, employers, families, community organizations, and external stakeholders to promote meaningful inclusion, develop sustainable programs, and expand postsecondary opportunities for learners of all abilities. Dr. Higgins is committed to advancing equitable access to higher education and creating environments where all students are empowered to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Outside of work, Dr. Higgins enjoys traveling, exploring museums and historical landmarks, and staying active through fitness, walking, and tennis. She is passionate about lifelong learning, community engagement, and discovering new experiences that foster personal growth and meaningful connections.