Research Briefs

Jan 24, 2023

New research by Steve Turner, Ed.D., examines Hispanic student experiences with high-impact practices and transfer success

In recent years, high-impact practices (HIPs) have been proven as a critical component of student retention, engagement and persistence for students across all backgrounds. More specifically, these engaging and hands-on… 

Feb 10, 2021

Melissa Whatley, Ph.D., Frim Ampaw, Ed.D., and Jemilia Davis, Ph.D., research transfer equity in access and completion for NC community college students

This report explores the demographics of students who transfer from North Carolina community colleges to public four-year institutions in the state and examines bachelor’s degree completion rates among these same demographic groups. Key findings include: Female students, American Indian/Alaska Native students, and Black/African American students comprise a larger percentage of community college students than they do transfer students... 

Feb 10, 2021

Jason Taylor, Ph.D., and Melissa Whatley, Ph.D., explore credential completion and transfer outcomes at NC community colleges using IPEDS Outcome Measures

This report used data from a relatively new IPEDS survey, the Outcome Measures (OM) survey, to explore long-term credential and transfer outcomes at North Carolina’s community colleges. Findings include: More than half (55%) of entering North Carolina community college students either completed a community college credential (30%), transferred (24%), or were still enrolled (1%) within eight years... 

Feb 10, 2021

New research by Monique Colclough, Ph.D., examines promising practices for community college-HBCU transfer student success

Colclough’s recent study looked at transfer practices and student support initiatives that influence student success and degree completion for all community college students who transfer to North Carolina’s public HBCUs. Based on findings, North Carolina’s Community Colleges and Public HBCU should consider: Flexible online degree completion opportunities that reflect best practices in remote teaching and learning... 

Jan 6, 2021

Belk Center Research Associate, Renee Barger, Authors New Report: North Carolina Community Colleges and the CARES Act Student Emergency Aid

A new report authored by Belk Center Research Associate, Renee Barger, in collaboration with EdNC, examines NC Community Colleges’ planning processes for using the CARES Act student emergency funds, describes… 

Oct 28, 2020

Research Brief by Kara A. Battle, Ed.D. on Degree Completion in North Carolina Through a Dual Enrollment Pathway

Graduate of the Adult and Community College Education Ed.D. Program, Kara A. Battle, Ed.D. has developed a research brief about her study on the experiences of students who participated in… 

Aug 26, 2020

Dr. Melissa Whatley, Belk Center Postdoctoral Scholar, Authors New Report: “International Education at North Carolina Community Colleges”

Belk Center Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Melissa Whatley, Ph.D., shares the findings of a survey administered by the North Carolina Community College System Office during the 2019-2020 academic year to explore how NC community colleges “develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce” (NCCCS, 2020). 

Aug 3, 2020

Research Brief by Belk Center’s Dr. Monique N. Colclough on Faculty Professional Development

Dr. Monique N. Colclough, Senior Research Associate with the Belk Center, has created a research brief about the teaching and learning case studies for faculty professional development in North Carolina’s community colleges. 

Jul 5, 2019

Policy Brief: How Harper College Established Its Promise

In this policy brief, incoming Professor of the Practice Kenneth Ender provides a summary of how Harper College, where he served as president for 10 years before retiring June 30, 2019, established a College Promise Leadership Consortium and collective impact strategy to support the creation of its Promise Program.