For students like Michael Dozier, a history major from Grambling State University, the path to graduate school just became clearer.
"The highlight of my day at this graduate fair was speaking with a lot of representatives from the [School] of Education, knowing that there are different paths I can go to obtaining my master's degree, and I want to thank you all for that,” he said.
Dozier was one of more than 120 prospective students who attended North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Annual Graduate Programs Fair.
Even current NCCU undergraduate students like Drawde Graham explored new opportunities.
“I appreciate the graduate school for allowing each program to come out and give us more resources to grow,” said Graham, a kinesiology and recreation administration major. “I'm happy and proud to be an Eagle."
Hosted by the School of Graduate Studies, the fair transformed the NCCU Student Center’s Event Hall into a dynamic, U-shaped showcase of academic possibilities. Attendees explored more than 30 graduate programs, including the university's two doctoral programs, while meeting one-on-one with faculty, department chairs, recruiters and currently enrolled students.
"This is our signature annual event,” said Ta'Keyah Holder, director of graduate admissions, recruitment and marketing. “It is designed to welcome prospective students from across the country, provide direct access to our faculty and programs and create space to network and form meaningful connections.”
Registered guests received a warm welcome from graduate school staff, along with branded NCCU items. Graduate Student Association leaders helped guide conversations. Each table offered tailored handouts, program summaries, face time with knowledgeable representatives who answered questions about admissions, deadlines, career pathways and more.
Programs that drew significant interest included the Master of Business Administration; Ed.D. in Counseling, Counselor Education and Supervision; psychology; nutritional sciences; and criminal justice.
“The Graduate Programs Fair continues to be a cornerstone of our recruitment efforts,” Holder said. “It boosts applications, increases enrollment, and helps students discover why NCCU is the right choice for their graduate journey.”