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

Research Briefs

Decoration for Supporting Military Spouses in Higher Education Transitions

Oct 2, 2025

Supporting Military Spouses in Higher Education Transitions

Military spouses are a dedicated and resilient population facing unique, yet often overlooked, barriers in higher education. As institutions increasingly identify themselves as “military-friendly,” they tend to concentrate their support…
Decoration for the Redesigning the New Student Onboarding Experience

Sep 17, 2025

Redesigning the New Student Onboarding Experience

College leaders find creative ways to address the specific challenges of their rural communities, leveraging structured support such as data coaching and executive team planning offered through the Rural College…
Map of Western NC during Hurricane Helene

Sep 10, 2025

Students’ Access to and use of Student Support Services after Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina Community Colleges

After Hurricane Helene, community colleges in Western North Carolina grappled with limited digital access which resulted in the under-utilization of newly launched online support platforms like TimelyCare and Single Stop,…

Sep 23, 2024

New Belk Center Guide Highlights Faculty Insights on Supporting Adult Learners

Despite seeing a drop in enrollment during the pandemic, community colleges have since experienced increases in their enrollment – especially among individuals 25 years or older. To support student success, then,…
Title image for Belk Center Releases New Teaching and Learning Report Focused on Student Success

Aug 16, 2024

Belk Center Releases New Teaching and Learning Report Focused on Student Success

Since the North Carolina Teaching and Learning Hubs launched in 2021, their strategy for student success has been clear: to invest in faculty professional learning and reach students where they…
Image for Belk Center New Research Brief titled Recommendations from Innovative Presidents of Rural-Serving Community Colleges

Jul 9, 2024

New Belk Center Report Features Recommendations from Innovative Presidents of Rural-Serving Community Colleges

Across the nation, rural-serving community colleges are anchors in their communities – providing tremendous resources to their students and the communities they serve. By advancing student fairness, driving talent development,…
New research brief explores how service-learning and study abroad participation shaped the experiences of Hispanic transfer students

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...