Sarah A. Deal, Ph.D.

Bio

Sarah A. Deal, Ph.D. is the Director of Research at the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. In this role, she provides vision and leadership for the research, evaluation, and survey functions in the Belk Center. Working alongside the team, she works to develop research that supports North Carolina community college students, faculty and staff. Sarah also serves as the primary research liaison to the Belk Center’s many partner organizations, as well as other statewide and national collaborative partners. Sarah served as a Belk Center Research Affiliate from 2019-2024, where she focused on projects related to her dissertation, advising practices and equity. Since 2009, she has worked within a diverse cross-section of postsecondary institutions, including roles at the UNC-Chapel Hill, Central Carolina Community College, and the North Carolina Community College System. Most recently, she served as Managing Director with DVP-PRAXIS LTD. Sarah earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY at Buffalo, her master’s degree from Ohio State University, and her Ph.D. in Educational Policy Leadership and Human Development from NC State University.