Understanding Education as a Career Choice for NC Research Triangle Men (UECCNCRTM)

A research initiative and regional conference exploring postsecondary pathways, mentorship, educational opportunity, and careers in education for young men across the Research Triangle.

Initiative Overview

Supported by the Walton Family Foundation and the American College Personnel Association Foundation, the initiative examines how mentorship, educational access, social capital, and institutional support systems shape postsecondary and career opportunities for young men. This initiative will provide the following outputs: 

  1. Career choice report 
  2. Full research study 
  3. Two-day convening  

Learn More About the Grant

Research Deliverables

male student

Career Choice Report

This publication summarizes existing scholarship, contextual research, and key themes related to postsecondary pathways, mentorship, educational opportunity, and career development for young men ages 16–24.

Career Choice Report

student

Understanding Education as a Career Choice for Men

Published by Routledge, "Understanding Education as a Career Choice for Men" examines the factors shaping men’s decisions to pursue education degrees and careers and considers opportunities for strengthening pathways into the profession.

Buy the Book

The Understanding Education as a Career Choice for NC Research Triangle Men (UECCNCRTM) conference convenes educators, researchers, policymakers, organizations, students, and community leaders to explore pathways into education, barriers to opportunity, and strategies for supporting young men in the Triangle.

UECCNCRTM Conference Livestreams

Day One

View the live stream being held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 9:45 a.m.

Day Two

View the live stream being held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 8:45 a.m.

Conference Registration

Whether you are an educator, researcher, policymaker, student, or community member, this convening offers opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to important conversations about the future of young men in education.

Conference Details:

  • Monday, September 28, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, September 29, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Located at the NCCU Student Center (500 Nelson Street, Durham, NC 27707). 

Research Team

Harper

Harper II, Jim C

Interim Associate Provost & Dean

Graduate Studies

location icon Taylor Education Building, Room 123

email icon [email protected]

phone icon 919-530-6717

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McMickens,

McMickens, Tryan

Interim Associate Dean

School of Education

location icon H. M. Michaux, Jr. School of Education Building, Room 2066

email icon [email protected]

phone icon 919-530-6416

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Moody

Moody Marshall, Jayla

Assistant Professor, Interim Program Coordinator, HEA

Counseling and Higher Education

location icon H. M. Michaux, Jr. School of Education Building, Room 2095

email icon [email protected]

phone icon 919-530-7300

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Regina Gavin Williams, Ph.D

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, and Counselor Educator

Student Researchers

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Kaitlyn Turner, M.S.Ed.

Higher Education Administration Student

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Zaida Walker, M.S.Ed.

College and Career Readiness Program Lead for Distance Learning at Central Carolina Community College

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Kamaiya Scott, M.S.Ed.

Higher Education Administration Student

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Titilayo Somorin, M.S.Ed.

Higher Education Administration Student

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Jamie Barnett, M.A.

History Student

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Michael Terrell, M.S.Ed.

Higher Education Administration Student

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JarDearia Gaston, M.S.Ed.

Higher Education Administration Student

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Summer Brown, M.S.Ed.

Community Director, High Point University

Conference Staff

Eagle flying on a red background

Ruff, Rachel

CHE, Higher Education, Project Manager

School of Education


Project Support