North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Ariel Germain ’06, 17, director of marketing and communications for the Division of Student Affairs, has been awarded the Janet B. Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship.
The scholarship, established in 2011 in memory of UNC-TV leader Janet B. Royster, supports professional development for permanent, full-time University of North Carolina System staff and honors those demonstrating leadership and dedication. Since its creation, the fund has awarded 186 scholarships totaling over $130,000.
Germain brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications. At NCCU, she oversees marketing operations for 20 Student Affairs departments, managing more than 800 projects annually and leading major initiatives such as The Ultimate Homecoming Experience and a division-wide website redesign. She also chairs the Centralizing Brand You Marketing and Communications Conference and serves as NCCU Staff Senate chair.
A committed educator, Germain teaches first-year seminar and public relations writing as an adjunct instructor, supporting the development of future communications professionals. Her service extends into the community through board roles with StepUp Durham, the Lincoln Community Health Center Foundation and StrongHER TogetHER.
Germain is a 2023 NCCU 40 Under 40 Award recipient and a graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a master’s degree in athletic administration from NCCU. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in strategic communication at Liberty University, focusing on digital media use among Black female college students.