Student Success

“When I entered my bachelor's program as a psychology major in 2015, I was only sure that I wanted to work in mental health. Diagnosed with ADHD and generalized anxiety disorder, ensuring my academic success was a rigorous effort. My professors in psychology helped mold my desires into a strategic plan to get what I needed to be able to excel in my career. After graduating in 2019, I proceeded to gain my MA in Psychology in Education from Columbia University in New York City. Now, I have been blessed to be accepted into the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where I plan to study to become a psychiatrist.

“As an alumni of UNCP, I can confidently say that the only limits you have are the ones you place on yourself. My greatest advice is to seek the guidance of your professors and scour UNCP's website for the numerous resources and opportunities made available to their students.”
- Bianca Easterling, '19

“I am a 2012 graduate of UNC Pembroke and have served as an active duty Officer in the Army for the last twelve years. The psychology degree I received from UNC Pembroke provided me an extremely valuable knowledge base that has progressed my career in the Army far beyond what I would have initially assumed was possible. I have used concepts learned in nearly every course I took, from statistics to introduction to clinical counseling, to amplify the skillsets required to perform as an Army Officer. I would like to thank Dr. William Collier for humanizing his courses with his incredible sense of humor and for providing an example of how to lead with expertise and how to translate knowledge-based concepts into practical application. You and the faculty of UNC Pembroke have done more than you know to shape the future of this country.”
- Jonathan Falk, '12

“As a psychology major at UNC-Pembroke, you truly can go anywhere. I served as a tutor for Intro to Psychology and Cognitive Psychology while earning my undergraduate degree. I felt engaged and supported by professors who truly ensured I was prepared to enter a graduate program without missing a beat. I couldn't have done it without the support of Dr. Regan, Dr. Collier, and Dr. Tracy! All of whose classes quickly became by favorites! My Bachelor's in Psychology took me into a graduate program in Higher Education Administration, where I quickly found a passion for adult development. Today, I serve as the program manager for Early Talent at a chemical manufacturing company, where I can still use those developmental psychology skills in designing curriculum and programming for engineering and corporate interns.”
- Amber Jolly, '12

“I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development. I conduct research in the Early Language and Experience Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Melissa Koenig, focusing on cognitive development, social learning, and cognition. I earned my BS in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2018. My path to the University of Minnesota was shaped by the strong foundation I received at UNCP. I'm especially grateful to Dr. William Collier and Dr. Rachel Morrison for their mentorship and support along the way.”
- Norwood Glaspie, '18

JaSarah Baldwin is a UNCP graduate, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and in 2020 with a Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. JaSarah is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. She received a Play therapy certification from UNCP in 2023. JaSarah is currently an Outpatient Therapist working with adults and children. She is passionate about what she does as a therapist and in her community, as she is a member of a nonprofit organization named Triumph Team. JaSarah is the mother of two children, and she loves spending time with her family in her free time.

“While I didn't start my journey at UNCP, I transferred in 2014 and remember one of my first psychology classes was with Dr. Charlton. This is when I knew psychology was going to be my major. While at UNCP, I always felt like the psychology department was a family. During my time at UNCP, I was able to be one of Dr. Regan's research assistants my senior year as well as a teaching assistant to Dr. Allen. I even had Dr. Morrison as an amazing advisor who helped me a lot with taking the steps to apply for graduate school. After graduating in 2017, I returned to UNCP and in 2020 graduated with a Master of Arts in Education Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. Because of my love for UNCP I came back again and obtained my Play therapy certification in 2023. I am currently an Outpatient Therapist working with adults and children. I am passionate about what I do as a therapist and for my community as I am also a member of a nonprofit organization named Triumph Team. UNCP and its psychology department played a vital role in the person I am now, and I am forever grateful for my journey there.”
- JaSarah Baldwin, '17, '20

“I am a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Currently, I am a senior at UNCP, majoring in psychology. After graduating in May, I will move to Rhode Island to attend the University of Rhode Island in Kingston to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. As a minority woman living in Pembroke almost all of my life, I never knew that attaining a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology would ever be in the cards for me, much less a reality that I would be living. I am grateful and honored to have a loving support system with great friends and family who have helped me so much along my journey. It is also a pleasure to have such great mentors, Dr. Morrison and Dr. Regan; without them, I cannot say if I would have gotten into the program of my dreams. I say all this to tell you that you can do it! I'm not going to say it was easy because, trust me, it is not, but even the application process is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. Pursuing a degree in clinical psychology and working to heal myself and my indigenous communities is my passion and my life's work. That's strange coming from a 21-year-old, but it's true! Initially, I was going to become a Psychiatrist, and I am so happy I made the decision to become a Clinical Psychologist so I could actually talk to people. I am so happy to be writing this now, and I am grateful to be able to sit here and say that you can do it too!! Make sure to do what fulfills you most in this world, regardless of the form it may take!”
- Isabella Locklear

Kayla Benson graduated from UNC Pembroke in 2019 with a degree in psychology and additional studies in music. She found her love for research while working under the mentorship of Dr. Ashley Batts Allen, conducting research with hurricane survivors following Hurricane Florence in 2018. Shortly after her time at UNC Pembroke, she moved to Detroit, Michigan to pursue graduate studies in experimental psychology at Oakland University, studying post-traumatic growth under the direction of Dr. Kanako Taku. In 2023, Kayla began her career in clinical research, working at the patient level to test new medications for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as working one-on-one with patients to provide education for managing their health. When not at the clinic, Kayla enjoys hiking and exploring the Great Lake State with her girlfriend and their two dogs.

Kayla Benson, '19

“I graduated from UNCP in December of 2019 with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While at UNCP, I was vice-president of Psi Chi and had the opportunity to work in Dr. Charlton's lab. Under her tutelage, I discovered my love of experimental research. She truly set me up for success, as it was the research experience I gained in her lab that set me on my path. After graduation, I was accepted into the Experimental Psychology PhD program at East Tennessee State University under Dr. Eric W. Sellers. I work in the Brain Computer Interface Lab and use electroencephalogram (EEG) to research event-related potentials (ERPs). I just celebrated my first peer-reviewed publication in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews and won the Dr. Chris Dula Department of Psychology Excellence in Teaching Award for Teaching Associates. I feel so incredibly blessed to be where I am and doing what I love. I wouldn't be here without Dr. Charlton, Dr. Morrison, Dr. Regan, Dr. Smith and Dr. Allen.”
- Tiffany Bonnagio, '19

“My experience at UNCP has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey, particularly with the CAPSTONE and statistics courses and through other research opportunities.

“UNCP provided me with invaluable hands-on experience conducting research projects, which greatly prepared me for the rigor of graduate school. Through this program, I learned how to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present findings — a skill set that proved indispensable during my graduate studies and continues to benefit me in my career as a lecturer.

“Moreover, the psychology department equipped me with the quantitative and writing skills necessary for graduate-level research. Understanding statistical methods and data analysis techniques has been crucial in my academic pursuits, enabling me to critically evaluate research literature and conduct my own empirical studies.

“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Collier, Dr. Regan, and Dr. Batts-Allen for their unwavering support and their mentorship throughout my undergraduate years. Their guidance not only helped me excel academically but also fostered my growth as a researcher and professional. Their dedication to nurturing students' intellectual curiosity and scholarly endeavors has left a lasting impact on me.

“Building upon the strong foundation laid at UNCP, I recently completed my MA in Experimental Psychology at Appalachian State University. I am honored to serve as a lecturer at Appalachian State University, where I can impart the knowledge and skills I gained at UNCP to the next generation of students.

“I am proud to be a product of the psychology department at UNCP. I am confident that the education and support provided by this department continue to impact students' lives and careers positively.”
- Angela Napoli, '19

“I am a 2018 graduate of UNC Pembroke. UNCP taught me what ‘family’ means. As a first-generation college student, I found it challenging to pursue higher education due to barriers such as family support and cost. After graduating from Johnston Community College in 2016, I transferred to UNCP and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology in 2018. I knew I wanted to ultimately pursue a graduate program in Psychology, but never thought I would be able to do so. With the help of Dr. William Collier, I was able to actualize my dream and was accepted into a graduate program in experimental psychology at the University of Kentucky!

“Dr. Collier went above and beyond to provide mentorship in my academic and life journey. I began as a research assistant in his lab by collecting data for a research project on mindfulness. I went on to complete an independent research project with him after I graduated. These experiences in his lab allowed me to gain insight into how research studies are designed and implemented in a real-world setting. If it were not for Dr. Collier, I would not have gotten a Master's in Experimental Psychology from the University of Kentucky.

“The excellent mentorship I experienced at UNCP and University of Kentucky inspired me to pursue a career in data analytics. I mastered out of the PhD program, and I am currently a Senior Data Analyst at an education-related company. The rigorous training in psychological research design and statistics prepared me to implement research in a business setting to provide data-driven insights to stakeholders' questions.”
- Julie Shirah, '18

Jaelyn Wilson is a North Carolina native, born in Lumberton and raised in Fayetteville. She attended Massey Hill Classical High School in Cumberland County before beginning her undergraduate career at UNC Pembroke. While at UNC Pembroke, Jaelyn changed her major several times and eventually settled on double majoring in Music and Psychology. She became president of several on-campus organizations (including Psi Chi). She obtained many other leadership roles, including lead Peer Ambassador for the Honors College, influencing her aspiration to become a counselor. In Spring of 2023, she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Now, Jaelyn attends UNC Chapel Hill's School of Medicine Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Her track includes psychiatric disabilities, and her primary focus population is young adults but she is open to working with youth and families as well. Her Master's project includes conducting a literature review of burnout in counselors as well as developing a website to aid counselors experiencing burnout syndrome. Outside of her program, Jaelyn sings Soprano in the Deep River Singers professional choir that does yearly tours in Raleigh and Fayetteville. Though piano is not a central focus, Jaelyn volunteers as an accompanist at a middle school in Cumberland County. At this point in her life, Jaelyn is open to any possibility and is excited to provide mental health services. She will graduate in May of 2025. Due to her love and passion for learning, she is considering a PsyD in Clinical Psychology once she has a few years of counseling experience and full licensure.

Jaelyn Wilson, '23

“During my time at UNCP, I used the skills of a psychology major to become more vocal and gain more insight with my mental fortitude in the Army. I am a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army, where communication is key. An essential Professor who helped me to achieve a different perspective of the human psyche was Dr. Collier. I always remembered what he told me in the course of his work, that ‘it's not what you say but how you convey your message to each individual so that they understand.’ That brought a greater focus on comprehending my task and purpose while briefing my plans of action in the Army. This has allowed me to gain the skill sets to give purpose, direction and motivation to my soldiers.”
- Ericsson Cuthrell, '23