Dr. Joelle Davis Carter, Dean, and Leia Gaskin, Student Recruiter/Enrollment Specialist, recently joined the Student Development team at Piedmont Community College (PCC). This office works directly with students to ensure a smooth enrollment process in curriculum course work.

Dr. Joelle Davis Carter, Dean Student DevelopmentDr. Carter brings more than 18 years of higher education experience in the areas of enrollment management, academic advising, career services, admissions, and diversity to the institution and department. Prior to joining PCC, she served in a number of senior leadership roles including Assistant Vice President for Retention and Student Services at Western Kentucky University (WKU), Director for Undergraduate Programs in the George Washington School of Business, and Diversity for Diversity in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences at the University of Maryland College Park.

As Dean of Student Development at PCC, Dr. Carter is responsible for providing the leadership and management for student service and enrollment areas such as academic advising, admissions and recruitment, and supplemental instruction.

Carter, a Granville County native and 1991 graduate of J.F. Webb High School, indicated that her interest in joining the PCC team stemmed from both professional and personal reasons at this point in her career. She stated, “The community college plays a very critical role in increasing access and affordability for students from diverse backgrounds from Person, Caswell, and surrounding counties. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of institutional contexts and partner with community colleges but not an opportunity to be a full-fledged professional in the community college environment. I am excited to align my expertise with the strategic goals of the institution and increase the educational capacity for local community members”.

While at WKU, Carter was integral in building bridges between the state community colleges and 4-year institutions within Kentucky. Notable accomplishments included the hosting of a Diversity and Transfer Student Visitation Day to discuss transfer admission policies and strategies to enhance the enrollment process. Dr. Carter was also responsible for guiding the establishment of a Transfer Advising Center and increased student support services for transfer students as well. She stated that she plans to leverage these previous experiences to advance the collaborative efforts between PCC and other institutions across the state.

Dr. Carter received her Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Social Studies and Language Arts from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Arts degree in Student Personnel from The Ohio State University. She received her Philosophy of Doctorate degree from the University of Maryland College Park in the College of Education. Carter currently resides in Durham, North Carolina with her husband, Randall L. Carter, who is an educator with the Durham County Public School System.

Leia Gaskin, Student Recruiter/Enrollment Specialist, Student DevelopmentLeia Gaskin, PCC’s newly appointed Student Recruiter/Enrollment Specialist, will work under the leadership of Dr. Joelle Davis Carter.

In 2013, Gaskin earned her BA in Psychology with a minor in Education from Guilford College. During her time in college, Leia was involved in service and volunteered for Latino Impact which is an after school program for Hispanic youth providing support for their families and helping with school assignments. Gaskin was also a part of the Greensboro music scene and performed at local events weekly. Through music, Leia has been able to meet more people in the community and bring individuals, other musicians, and artists together for shows in the area.

Following graduation, Gaskin started working for a local business in Durham, NC. As Director of Operations for the business, she worked under the owners and represented the company by becoming a member of organizations such as The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) and International Live Events Association (ILEA). Through showcases and customer/vendor relations, Leia was able to build upon her communications experience and develop strategic and creative ways to enhance the business. After working for the business for 3 years, Leia desired a position that combined her experience in Public Relations and her passion for helping others. The Student Recruiter position at PCC is the perfect fit and a way for Leia to further establish her purpose in this role and influence her new communities in both Person and Caswell Counties.

Photo: Dr. Joelle Davis Carter, Dean and Leia Gaskin, Student Recruiter/Enrollment Specialist

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