The Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research (Belk Center) at NC State University has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Opal Mann Green Engagement and Scholarship Award, recognizing its collaborative work to support adult learners through the statewide NC Reconnect initiative.

Presented annually by the NC State Office of Outreach and Engagement, the award honors exemplary community-engaged scholarship and outreach that advance the university’s land-grant mission by addressing the needs of communities across North Carolina.

The Belk Center was recognized for its role as the official research and evaluation partner for NC Reconnect, a statewide initiative launched in 2021 by the John M. Belk Endowment in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System and myFutureNC. The initiative works with community colleges across the state to re-engage adult learners who previously left college with some credit but no credential, helping institutions redesign outreach, advising and program pathways to better support adults returning to college.

“Through research, data analysis and close collaboration with community college leaders and practitioners, the Belk Center helps translate evidence into action,” said Belk Center Executive Director Audrey A.J. Jaeger. “Central to this work is listening – to practitioners on the ground and, most importantly, to adult learners themselves.”

Since its launch, NC Reconnect has grown from a small pilot program into a statewide effort spanning 29 community colleges in six cohorts across North Carolina. Together, these colleges have helped more than 5,400 adult learners return to college, creating new opportunities for individuals to complete degrees, earn credentials and pursue workforce-aligned training.

Jaeger continued, “By elevating learners’ experiences and sharing their stories, the Belk Center’s adult learner team helps colleges redesign outreach, advising and program pathways in ways that better support adults balancing work, family caregiving and financial responsibilities.”

The Opal Mann Green Engagement and Scholarship Award honors initiatives that exemplify the principles of engaged scholarship – collaborative partnerships, responsiveness to community needs and work that creates meaningful impact for both the university and the communities it serves. The award commemorates the legacy of Dr. Opal Hurley Mann Green, a former NC State faculty member, whose career reflected the power of universities to address public challenges through partnership, research and service.

“From the beginning of NC Reconnect, the Belk Center has approached this work through deep listening, shared problem-solving and sustained partnership with community colleges across North Carolina,” said Cecilia Holden, president and CEO of myFutureNC. “By connecting research, policy and practice, and keeping adult learners’ voices at the center, they are helping expand opportunity across our state. We are proud to see their leadership recognized with this award.”

The Belk Center team will be honored during the 2026 NC State Engaged University Awards Luncheon, hosted by Warwick Arden, executive vice chancellor and provost, and David Monks, vice provost for outreach and engagement, later this month.