A management accountant with nearly a decade of senior-level experience, Sarina was already operating at the top of her field when she enrolled in 黑料专区鈥檚 MBA program with a financial fraud focus.

But her path has been anything but simple. Shortly after starting the program, Sarina鈥檚 family had a medical emergency, but she kept studying. 鈥淟ife happens,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd you have to learn how to pivot with it and not beat yourself up when it does.鈥�

That lesson, she says, is one Pfeiffer helped her learn. 鈥淲hen I first started, I was in that gray area 鈥� feeling guilty for wanting to be a career mom, for pursuing my ambitions while also being a mother. Through all those obstacles, Pfeiffer impacted me more personally than professionally. It helped me ground myself.鈥�

Sarina works 100% remotely, which made the program鈥檚 fully online structure an immediate fit. But what kept her was the substance of the coursework. A course on financial valuations helped her connect the accounting expertise she鈥檇 built over the years with the financial decision-making frameworks she was studying. 鈥淔inance and accounting don鈥檛 always talk to each other the way they should,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his helped me see where the bridge is.鈥�

For Sarina, the MBA has never been just a credential. It鈥檚 been a structure for becoming more – as a professional, as a consultant, and as a mother who refused to stop growing.

鈥淟ife still happens,鈥� she says. 鈥淵ou just run with it.

Whether you鈥檙e a seasoned professional ready to sharpen your leadership edge or simply someone who has been waiting for the right moment, Sarina鈥檚 story is a reminder that the right time is often right now. To learn more about 黑料专区鈥檚 MBA program and how it can fit your life and career goals, visit or reach out to our admissions team at gradadmissions@pfeiffer.edu.

鈥淜rak贸w is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also needed to see what was cooking when it came to OT in Europe.鈥�

Graham鈥檚 trip to Poland would not only benefit her professionally in 鈥渟pectacular鈥� fashion; it would also become extremely beneficial for her Pfeiffer students. Beginning May 29, they worked jointly for the second year in a row with their counterparts from the Royal Holloway University of London during a series of online workshops as part of OT for Adults and Geriatrics, a course that Graham teaches at Pfeiffer.

The collaboration鈥檚 formal name is 鈥淏ridging Borders: Intra-Professional International Collaboration in Occupational Therapy.鈥� It began to take root as soon as Graham got off the airplane in Poland and shared a taxi ride with Dr. Samita Kirve, a congress participant she quickly befriended.

is an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy at Royal Holloway. Before long, the two colleagues were talking about ways the students from their respective schools might work together.

鈥淚t was wonderful,鈥� Graham said. 鈥淲e had the same ideas about collaboration and about wanting the students to broaden their ideas about what it means to have a cultural sensitivity. It鈥檚 a big term that we have been tossing all over in health care right now.鈥�

Graham said that the first Pfeiffer-Royal Holloway collaboration was characterized by 鈥済reat discussions.鈥� The second collaboration featured three workshops. One was on how to become an OT, how to practice OT, and the differences in the American and UK healthcare systems. The second focused on differences in assessment tools and intervention approaches. And the third had students build an 鈥渁rtifact鈥� summarizing the big takeaways from the collaboration and what the students would like to see the next sessions cover in the future.

Dania Shoaf, an MSOT student who鈥檚 scheduled to graduate in August, praised the Pfeiffer-Holloway effort.

鈥淚 believe collaboration strengthens the knowledge within the professional team and quality of care given to patients,鈥� she said. 鈥淢aking professional connections allows us to learn from each other and appreciate different cultures and experiences.鈥�

Graham and Kirve plan to make a presentation on the Pfeiffer-Royal Holloway collaboration next August at the in Asheville, N.C. Graham hopes that the current collaboration will lay the groundwork for a program in which Pfeiffer students can study and work in the UK, and vice versa. 鈥淏eing from Poland, I traveled extensively in Europe,鈥� Graham said. 鈥淪o, I know how much value there is in traveling and getting to know other cultures and other systems. I would strongly recommend that our students take advantage of an opportunity to study abroad.鈥�

He and fellow students in one of several project task groups proposed ways that in Albermarle, N.C. might grow and enhance its operations, having been invited to do so by Connie Blalock, the cafe鈥檚 owner. Their suggestions, which often included AI programs, were informed by a visit to Connie鈥檚, a 17-year-old establishment about 20 minutes from Pfeiffer鈥檚 campus in Misenheimer, N.C., and by meeting with Blalock to learn more about how she had built up her business and about its current challenges and goals.

The students also prepared PowerPoint presentations, with budgets, which they ran by Dr. Raushan Gross, their Organizational Change professor, before going before Blalock to present them. Gross, an Associate Professor of Business Management and Leadership, often favors experiential learning.

鈥淒r. Gross is very good at teaching that way,鈥� Leister said. 鈥淲e got hands-on experience. Doing it hands-on and getting feedback, you learn more.鈥�

The partnership with Gross鈥檚 Organizational Change students and Blalock began to take hold after Gross approached Erica Church, the CEO/President of the , with the aim of forging closer relationships between his students and the county鈥檚 business community. Blalock鈥檚 business was floated as a way to get things started.

鈥淓rica really cemented the relationship that I had with Connie,鈥� Gross said. 鈥淪he got that relationship started through just us talking. I鈥檝e got to give a lot of credit to Erica for really bridging that gap.鈥�

At first, Gross envisioned Blalock merely talking about her business and communicating to the students the lessons she鈥檇 learned about running it.

Blalock had a different idea in mind, hoping to learn how the students might apply their know-how to the real-world scenarios of her business. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 feasible, I鈥檒l see if I can put it into action,鈥� Gross remembers Blalock telling him.

Blalock says Gross鈥檚 students were very interested in her business and 鈥渉ad some great ideas.鈥� She envisions implementing several of them, from shipping out orders of different types of non-perishable coffee beans to implementing a scheme that would enable customers to pick up their orders in a designated area of the store after paying for them online. She鈥檚 also keen to develop what rising senior Gabi Gama proposed, namely a more consistent and engaging social media strategy that resonates with college students.

Also under consideration is a group suggestion favored by Nkosinathi 鈥淭K鈥� Dlamini, a rising senior from South Africa who鈥檚 majoring in both Business Management & Leadership and Computer Information Systems. This would bring a food truck from Connie鈥檚 to baseball games and other outdoor events at Pfeiffer. 鈥淎 lot of people attend these events,鈥� Dlamini said. 鈥淎 food truck would raise Connie鈥檚 profile among them.鈥�

Leister has already added his work for Connie鈥檚 to his resume. He鈥檒l be able to tell prospective employers about some of the suggestions his group made. One that鈥檚 already happened was filling the ample open spaces at Connie鈥檚 with a couch and arm chairs; in this way, college students and other young people would come to view the cafe as a place to socialize or work on their laptops during lengthy visits.

Connie鈥檚 is known for making free meals available to members of Albemarle鈥檚 unhoused population. A proposal from Leister鈥檚 group would build on that with food drives in which, for example, the donor of five canned goods could receive a dollar鈥檚 credit toward a purchase of a cup of coffee.

Will Organizational Change students advise other businesses in the future? Gama, whose group proposed promoting Connie鈥檚 Coffee & Cafe in flyers placed in Pfeiffer鈥檚 Welcome Weekend packets (among several other suggestions), certainly hopes so.

 鈥淚 enjoyed this assignment,鈥� said Gama, a rising senior from Matthews, N.C. who鈥檚 majoring in Business Management & Leadership and in Strategic Communication & Social Media. 鈥淚t gave us real-world practical experience with the assistance of a professor whose guidance was really beneficial.鈥�

And Church is bullish about chamber businesses forging more collaborations with the Organizational Change students of Pfeiffer. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a wonderful program,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 hope we can continue to expand it. I look forward to working with Pfeiffer again this year to continue integrating their students into our business community.鈥�

In August 2025, just two days before her youngest daughter left for Appalachian State University, Marissa enrolled in 黑料专区’s MBA program as part of the Novant cohort, a specialized group of healthcare professionals pursuing advanced business education while working full-time. The timing, she admits, was anything but convenient.

“Not only was my daughter going to college, I was about to go out of town for my fortieth high school reunion,” Marissa laughs. “And then Dr. Luck asked if I wanted to start two weeks early to join the first cohort. What did I say? Yes, of course.”

That willingness to embrace change has defined Marissa’s path. Over the course of her career, she stepped away from clinical work for five years to raise her family and write human interest stories for a local Charlotte paper. She covered nonprofits, advocated for community causes, and discovered a deep love of storytelling before returning to healthcare with new purpose. Now, with her children grown and a leadership role she’s still growing into, the MBA felt like the natural next step.

“I’m doing this so I can be a better leader,” she says. “Everyone asks if I’m trying to open my own business. I’m not. I want to understand why decisions are made, and be better equipped to lead the people on my team.”

Her first course, Change Management, arrived at a moment when change was everywhere in her life: a new role, an empty nest, and the loss of her mother all converging at once. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Marissa found the coursework grounding. Frameworks like Kotter’s Eight Steps gave language and structure to experiences she was already living through.

“It gave us the science behind the strategy,” she reflects. “And suddenly I was seeing it everywhere, in my personal life and in how we manage initiatives at the hospital.”

Now several semesters in, Marissa looks forward to courses in data analytics and managerial accounting 鈥� yes, accounting. “I love numbers,” she says without hesitation. “I want to understand the ‘why’ behind the decisions being made at the top.” For Marissa, the Pfeiffer MBA has been about more than professional development. It’s a statement, to her team, her children, and herself, that learning has no expiration date. “I want to show my team and my children that you can go back to school at any age and get something real out of it,” she says. “This has truly been a gift.”

Whether you’re a seasoned professional ready to sharpen your leadership edge or simply someone who has been waiting for the right moment, Marissa’s story is a reminder that the right time is often right now. To learn more about 黑料专区’s MBA program and how it can fit your life and career goals, visit or reach out to our admissions team at gradadmissions@pfeiffer.edu. Your next chapter might be closer than you think.

Last Name	First Name	City	State
Allen	Joao	Concord	NC
Almond	Jerry	New London	NC
Altamirano	Maria	Mooresville	NC
Anderson	Madeline	Reidsville	NC
Andrews	Mason	Stokesdale	NC
Apostolou Salas	Fanny	Barquisimeto	..
Auman	Natalie	Jackson Springs	NC
Barefoot	Isaac	Garner	NC
Barker	Jacob	Gold Hill	NC
Barnes	Jon	Irmo	SC
Barnes	Hailey	Concord	NC
Bassett	Jenna	Salisbury	NC
Baucom	Onalese	Albemarle	NC
Beaver	Lucas	Thomasville	NC
Belk	Shelby	Marshville	NC
Bellantoni	Christian	Armonk	NY
Bentley	Mallory	Salisbury	NC
Bido	Lily	Coral Springs	FL
Blake	Jordan	Mount Pleasant	NC
Blankenship	Madison	Asheboro	NC
Blevins	Jake	Salisbury	NC
Boger	Lavender	Rockwell	NC
Bolz	Lily	Lexington	NC
Borst	Makayla	Salisbury	NC
Borst	Hayley	Salisbury	NC
Bowman	Abigail	Lenoir	NC
Branca	Quinlan	Mays Landing	NJ
Brandle	Jack	Charlotte	NC
Brandon	Loretta	Durham	NC
Bristol	Thomas	Rockwell	NC
Brown	Andrew	Metarie	LA
Brown	Jaylan	Asheboro	NC
Bruss	Andrew	Concord	NC
Buck	Cayman	Norwood	NC
Bulla	Mollie	Belews Creek	NC
Burgess	Mason	Edgemoor	SC
Burleigh	Sophie	Concord	NC
Burleson	Bricen	Kannapolis	NC
Butner	Ellen	Mebane	NC
Cabaniss-Ali	Lola	Mint Hill	NC
Cabrera Pena	Juan	York	SC
Campbell	Emily	Salisbury	NC
Cannon	Nevaeh	Clayton	NC
Cantini	Niccolo	Capannori (LU)	FC
Cantini	Tommaso	Capannori (LU)	FC
Caranna	Reese	Bend	OR
Carpenter	Reagan	Kannapolis	NC
Carroll	Mindy	High Point	NC
Carroll	Cian	Milford	CT
Carroll	Micah	Salisbury	NC
Caviness	Cohen	Asheboro	NC
Ciccone	Chase	Thomasville	NC
Clendenin	Calissa	Robbins	NC
Cline	Katelyn	Rockwell	NC
Coble	Mckinlee	New London	NC
Coleman	Alim	Harrisburg	NC
Collins	Kadynce	Salisbury	NC
Cooke	Taylor	Winston Salem	NC
Cooper	Charly	Bullock	NC
Cooper	Cameron	New London	NC
Costa de Freitas Balbi Kezen	Hugo	Rio de Janeiro
Cottone	Noah	Concord	NC
Couper	Ella	Harrisburg	NC
Cranford	Hailey	Denton	NC
Crespo	Pierre	Wendell	NC
Crump	Reece	Norwood	NC
顿鈥橝尘补迟辞	Lapo	Rimini	..
Dawkins	Omarion	Charlotte	NC
Deaton	Owen	Rockwell	NC
DeBerry	Mychal	Indian Trail	NC
Denoo	Landon	Fuquay Varina	NC
Dlamini	Nkosinathi	Pietermaritzburg	..
Dozier	Jahari	Charlotte	NC
Drake	Alyson	Concord	NC
Dry	Drake	Richfield	NC
Dualan	Aiden	Carver	MN
Duggan	Bridget	Kernersville	NC
Dula	Dylan	Granite Falls	NC
Duncan	Janyla	Kannapolis	NC
Dycus	Brody	Ashland	VA
Edwards	Mya	Salisbury	NC
Elkins	Caitlyn	Goldston	NC
Evans	Juanita	Aberdeen	NC
Faavesi	Anasty	Rockwell	NC
Faircloth	Savannah	Albemarle	NC
Faircloth	Kayleigh	Albemarle	NC
Faircloth	Skylar	Randleman	NC
Finley	Collin	Stedman	NC
Fisher	Chase	Salisbury	NC
Fletcher	Jeremiah	Brentwood	NY
Fletcher	Owen	Niceville	FL
Flinchum	Madeline	Franklinville	NC
Flores	Anthony	Decatur	GA
Flores Cruz	Sara	Albemarle	NC
Flores Perez	Crysty	Concord	NC
Flores Perez	Yasmin	Concord	NC
Ford	Ariyan	Concord	NC
Foxwell	David	Va Beach	VA
Foxwell	Lukas	Virginia Beach	VA
Francis	Ivye	Denton	NC
Furr	Addison	Albemarle	NC
Galarza Figueroa	Joana	Lexington	NC
Gama	Gabriela	Matthews	NC
Ganesh	Kimberly	Concord	NC
Garro	Drew	Raleigh	NC
Garver	Olivia	Clover	SC
Gatz	Aubrie	Locust	NC
Genao	Evan	Wake Forest	NC
Germain	Claire	Newport	NC
Gillikin	Christopher	Newport	NC
Goldstein	Mackenzie	Bedford	NH
Gonzalez	Ethan	Miramar	FL
Gosnell	Halie	Mount Holly	NC
Gram	Madison	Albemarle	NC
Grandchester	Esther	Raleigh	NC
Griffin	Hailey	Mars Hill	NC
Gunter	Kaileigh	Raleigh	NC
Gunter	Jenna	Concord	NC
Haeg	Brooklyn	Concord	NC
Hairston	Ava	Winston Salem	NC
Hansen	Jonathan	Fort Mill	SC
Harding	Jessica	Richfield	NC
Hartman	Madison	Harrisburg	NC
Heilig	Morgan	Liberty	NC
Henkel	Jacob	Ada	MI
Herman	Kirstyn	Taylorsville	NC
Hollar	Aidan	Taylorsville	NC
Honeycutt	Rylee	Clinton	NC
Hooker	Wesley	Savannah	GA
Hopkins	Tiger	Lewiston	ME
Howard	Victoria	Little River	SC
Howard	SaraKate	Siler City	NC
Huffman	Andrew	Salisbury	NC
Huneycutt	Lannah	Albemarle	NC
Hunt	Chance	Norwood	NC
Hurley	Devin	Troy	NC
Hussey	Kelsey	Bear Creek	NC
Ingenito	Haley	Ridgeland	SC
Iordache	Stefan	Bucharest	..
Isley	Hannah	Rockwell	NC
Isley	Riley	Rockwell	NC
Jaramillo	Jaime	Oakboro	NC
Javier	Joseph	Kannapolis	NC
Johnson	Joshua	Raleigh	NC
Johnson	Kohen	Kings Mountain	NC
Johnson	Morgan	Ramseur	NC
Jones	Joshua	Blainville	QC
Jordan	Anna	Taylorsville	NC
Kidd	Cayley	Bennett	NC
Klotz	Sage	Roanoke Rapids	NC
Krupa	John	Aldie	VA
LaFave	Emma	Jacksonville	NC
Lancaster	Jackson	Concord	NC
Landaverde	Benjamin	Kannapolis	NC
Landaverde	Elisa	Kannapolis	NC
Lane	Peyton	Williamston	NC
Laney	Kennedy	Albemarle	NC
Lauritzen	Jonathan	骋枚迟别产辞谤驳
Lawson	Jeannie	Archdale	NC
Leister	Anakin	Trinity	NC
Lemon	Jaiden	Swansboro	NC
Lentz	Katelyn	Salisbury	NC
Lester	Taylor	Albemarle	NC
Limbert	Seth	Mooresville	NC
Lomax	Madison	Mount Gilead	NC
Lowder	Tierra	Rockwell	NC
Lyons	Rahnier	Ocracoke	NC
Martin	Sara	Concord	NC
Mayhew	Coyt	Statesville	NC
Maynard	Clara	Richfield	NC
McCarthy	Kaylee	Stafford	VA
McDonald	Bethany	Kannapolis	NC
McGrath	Haedyn	Buford	GA
Mecimore	Ben	Oakboro	NC
Michael	Alexander	New Orleans	LA
Michael	Lettie	Lexington	NC
Middelthon	Johan	Davidson	NC
Miller	Lauren	Sailsbury	NC
Miller	Faith	Toccoa	GA
Minus	Jennifer	Dorchester	SC
Miranda Cruz	Jason	Charlotte	NC
Mishak	Hayden	Gold Hill	NC
Moon	Carter	Albemarle	NC
Moore	Rhonda	Salisbury	NC
Moore	Zachary	Indian Trail	NC
Moore	Kendyll	Mooresville	NC
Moore	Haylee	Rockwell	NC
Moran Sanchez	Jonathan	Stanfield	NC
Moretz	Sawyer	Concord	NC
Morgan	Freddie	Albemarle	NC
Morton	Makalyn	Locust	NC
Mosteller	Mason	Hildebran	NC
Mougin	Maya	Blue Ridge	VA
Mowrey	Meagan	Denver	NC
Nance	Ellasen	Cleveland	NC
Nash	McKynzy	Indian Trail	NC
Nelson	Grace	Sanford	NC
Nguyen	Quang	Chicago	IL
North	Tatum	King	NC
Olsen	Shane	Charlotte	NC
Oporto Lujan	Mateo
Osborne	Jacob	HIckory	NC
Owens	Robert	Thomasville	NC
Page	Kirstyn	King	NC
Palmer	Tryle	Unionville	NC
Pardue	Joshua	Siloam	NC
Parra-Cordero	Mia	Salisbury	NC
Perdue	Kyler	Asheboro	NC
Perry	Emma	Rockingham	NC
Petzel	Dawson	Godwin	NC
Powell	Cannon	Harrisburg	NC
Pratt	Ozzie	Wingate	NC
Profitt	Lindsey	Newton	NC
Quesenberry	Lydia	Mount Pleasant	NC
Rangolan	Ethan	Monroe	NC
Rauer	Laurin	Melle	..
Reeder	Rachel	Betsy Layne	KY
Reeder	Wyatt	New London	NC
Reese	Jackson	Bluffton	SC
Riley	Lucas	Thomasville	NC
Rinderle	Logan	Erie	PA
Rios Serrano	Diego	Durham	NC
Rocha	Jacob	St Petersburg	FL
Rodriguez	Saul	Concord	NC
Rodriguez	Genis	Les Franqueses del Valles
Safrit	Samuel	China Grove	NC
Saunders	Sara	Denton	NC
Scott	Marion	Mebane	NC
Shelton	Joseph	Reidsville	NC
Sides	Renick	China Grove	NC
Sides	Emmalyn	China Grove	NC
Siler	Isabella	Thomasville	NC
Simmons	Kamryn	Ellerbe	NC
Sloan	Zachary	Zebulon	NC
Smith	Joseph	Denton	NC
Smith	Zoe	Mount Pleasant	NC
Smith	Madison	Albemarle	NC
Soriano Torres	Dayanara	Concord	NC
Spangler	Gracie	Clinton	SC
Spencer	Khamani	Indian Trail	NC
Spencer	Kamryn	Indian Trail	NC
Steffel	Kaitlyn	N Forest Lake	MN
Stem	Larson	Advance	NC
Stennett	Kayleigh	Kannapolis	NC
Stewart	Landry	China Grove	NC
Stewart	Makenna	Madison	NC
Stewart	Drake	Simpsonville	SC
Sucarichi	Sean	Coral Springs	FL
Sullivan	Megan	Albemarle	NC
Swaim	Hailey	Thomasville	NC
Tardiff	Mason	Peterborough	ON
Tate	Madison	Lexington	NC
Tejeda Gonzalez	Kevin	Rock Hill	SC
Thomas	Jada	Charlotte	NC
Thompson	Bethany	Albemarle	NC
Tomlinson	Morgan	Gold Hill	NC
Trull	Zivah	Richfield	NC
Tucker	Katherine	Salisbury	NC
van Bergeijk	Aristide	Groningen
Vang	Skyler	Albemarle	NC
Vanhoy	Caroline	New London	NC
Varner	Madison	Trinity	NC
Vaughn	Heather	Graham	NC
Velazquez Perez	Mark	Salisbury	NC
Venable	Brayden	King	NC
Vinson	Neely	Salisbury	NC
Wagoner	Virginia	Misenheimer	NC
Washington	Zoe	New London	NC
Wellman	Jayden	Kannapolis	NC
West	Emily	Asheboro	NC
Whitehead	Carson	Ramseur	NC
Wingard	Nevaeh	Concord	NC
Wise	Meredith	Albemarle	NC
Wolfe	Austyn Grace	Winston Salem	NC
Wood	Robert	Dallas	NC
Wright	Molly	Harrisburg	NC
Wright	Jaiden	Leland	NC
Wyatt	Rachel	Stoneville	NC
Wyatt	Emma	Kannapolis	NC
Xie	You	Fayetteville	NC
Yopp	Caleb	Christiansbrg	VA
York	Matthew	Charlotte	NC
Yow	Geneva	Waxhaw	NC

鈥淓arly literacy is foundational to educational success, and rural communities face unique barriers in providing teachers with the training and resources they need,鈥� said Dr. Scott W. Bullard, president of 黑料专区. 鈥淭his investment allows Pfeiffer to respond to a critical regional need by supporting today鈥檚 educators while preparing the next generation of teachers to enter the classroom ready to meet the needs of early readers.鈥�

The new Literacy Training Center will focus on strengthening evidence-based reading instruction for kindergarten through fifth grade, addressing one of the strongest predictors of long-term student success: the ability to read proficiently by the end of third grade. The Center is designed to meet the distinct challenges faced by rural school districts, including limited access to sustained professional development and ongoing instructional support.

鈥淭his partnership represents an exciting opportunity for our district and the entire region. Strengthening literacy instruction remains one of our most important priorities, and this investment supports the kind of sustained, high-quality professional learning our teachers need to continue growing in their craft. Just as importantly, it strengthens our ability to recruit and retain high-quality educators who are committed to serving our communities. When we deepen literacy in all its forms, we open doors for our students 鈥� not only in school, but in life,鈥� said Stanly County Schools Chief Academic Officer Lynn Plummer.

Strengthening Teaching and Learning Across the Region

The Regional Literacy Training Center will provide hands-on, practical training grounded in the science of reading. For current teachers, the Center will offer workshops, coaching, and shared learning opportunities focused on classroom-ready strategies rather than one-time professional development sessions. This sustained approach will help educators build confidence, refine instruction, and implement consistent reading practices across schools and districts.

The Center will begin work with Stanly County in the first year, followed by Randolph and Montgomery counties in subsequent years. This model will allow participating districts to learn from one another while addressing challenges specific to rural communities.

Preparing Future Teachers for Rural Classrooms

In addition to supporting current educators, the Literacy Training Center will strengthen Pfeiffer鈥檚 undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs by embedding high-quality literacy instruction directly into coursework. Education students will receive enhanced preparation in early literacy strategies, ensuring they graduate with practical skills needed to teach reading effectively from day one.

The initiative also includes student scholarships for education majors who complete literacy-focused classroom experiences and commit to teaching in one of the partner counties for three years after graduation. This component is particularly impactful for Pfeiffer students, more than half of whom are Pell-eligible and many of whom are first-generation college students.

鈥淲ith this support, 黑料专区 is creating a practical, sustainable resource that benefits both educators and students,鈥� Bullard said. 鈥淏y investing in early literacy where the need is greatest, we are helping ensure that more children learn to read well, early, and for life.鈥�

鈥淎fter my first year here, I remember thinking, 鈥業 just really enjoy waking up and doing that,鈥欌�� he said recently during a break in his busy schedule. 鈥淚 like to learn about animals, about what life is, and, maybe, how to use those things to advance medical care.鈥�

Rauer鈥檚 enthusiasm for biology has manifested itself in a knack for research, which was highlighted at this year鈥檚 George Pfeiffer Research Symposium, a campus event showcasing the innovative research being conducted by Pfeiffer鈥檚 undergraduate science students in collaboration with faculty mentors.

Named in honor of George R. Pfeiffer, former university trustee and past president of the Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation, the 2026 event was expanded to include what Reichenberg called 鈥渙utstanding research from across the university,鈥� including Honors Program, Nursing, and Psychology students. All told, 60 students presented posters at the event.

鈥淭his was the largest symposium we have ever hosted and a true reflection of the breadth and quality of research at 黑料专区,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is also now part of our new Week of Falcon Achievement initiative.鈥�

The keynote address was provided by Dr. Ryan Girts, assistant professor of health & exercise science. He spoke on 鈥淟essons Learned as a Researcher: The Real Important Discoveries.鈥� The keynote also featured guest alumni speakers, including Josh Turner 鈥�25, Kaylee Ollis 鈥�25, and Julia Barbato 鈥�24, who shared how their undergraduate research experiences helped shape their careers.

Rauer is both a Milton Rose Research Fellow at Pfeiffer and a member of its Honors Program.

Broadly speaking, Rauer鈥檚 research has reflected his interest in learning more about how microplastics affect terrestrial invertebrates, as opposed to how they affect their aquatic counterparts, which has attracted more attention from researchers. Microplastics emerge from several sources, including tire runoff, synthetic fabric, and, of course, plastic waste.

Rauer鈥檚 symposium poster was titled 鈥淢icroplastic Exposure Reduces Innate Immune Function in Pill Bugs: A Phenol Oxidase Biomarker Study.鈥� It illuminated his development of a phenol oxidase enzyme assay in an Armadillidum vulgare (a terrestrial isopod more commonly known as the pill bug) to determine its immune and stress responses to microplastics in the environment. He explained that a pill bug is a detritivore, meaning it obtains nutrients by consuming detritus. It then excretes these nutrients, aiding processes such as plant or fungi growth.

鈥淓ssentially, we need these detritivores to do well,鈥� Rauer said. 鈥淲e need them to not be stressed so that the ecosystem can thrive, because all ecosystems are like a connective web basically. If you have parts of this web missing, that affects the whole system. When certain animals are not really healthy or if they are really stressed because of factors that are human-induced, like microplastics, that can have tremendous effects on all the other organisms.鈥�

As Rauer prepares to graduate and return to Europe, where he hopes to study bioengineering in a graduate program, he looks back on his time at Pfeiffer with gratitude for several reasons.

Scientific communication in English (including classroom instruction) is universal, posing challenges for fledgling scientists who are not native speakers of that language. Studying at Pfeiffer has given Rauer a leg up: 鈥淢y English has improved so much. I feel very comfortable reading and writing scientific papers. I鈥檓 not scared anymore.鈥�

Rauer also notes how much he benefitted from the one-on-one attention he received from Reichenberg and others; such mentoring not only enhanced his learning but also equipped him with skills he鈥檒l need to conduct research at the graduate level (e.g., making an oral presentation, writing a paper, and creating an effective poster).

Reichenberg isn鈥檛 surprised by Rauer鈥檚 success, noting that he 鈥渉as a genuine passion for science and a curiosity that drives him to explore new questions and challenges.鈥�

鈥淗e began his research career as a freshman working with nematodes and has since expanded his work to investigate microplastics, demonstrating impressive growth and adaptability. It has been a true pleasure watching him grow and adapt as a scientist.鈥�

Among the standout performances, Lola Cabaniss鈥慉li 鈥�26 placed sixth in the Future Business Executive event, which evaluates participants on leadership development, management concepts, and professional readiness. Vanessa Garcia Flores 鈥�26 earned a fourth鈥憄lace finish in Computer Applications, showcasing advanced technical proficiency and efficiency in business software tools. Kobin Hamilton 鈥�26 secured third place in Business Law, demonstrating strong analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of legal principles affecting modern business practices.

These achievements reflect 黑料专区鈥檚 commitment to experiential learning and student involvement in professional organizations. As a result of their state鈥憀evel success, all three students have qualified to advance to the FBLA鈥慍ollegiate National Leadership Conference, which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in June. At the national conference, they will compete against top collegiate FBLA members from across the country.

 鈥淲e are incredibly proud of these students and the dedication they demonstrated throughout the competition process,鈥� said Tina Preslar, club advisor for 黑料专区鈥檚 FBLA chapter. 鈥淭heir success is a testament to their hard work, academic preparation, and commitment to professional growth. We are excited to see them represent 黑料专区 on the national stage.鈥�

Keith Troutman 鈥�79 and Troutman Enterprises of Concord, NC, are sponsors of the Pfeiffer team鈥檚 national competition travel. Other community partners, alumni, and supporters who wish to invest in student leadership development and academic excellence are welcome to also serve as trip sponsors. Those interested in learning more about how to support 黑料专区鈥檚 FBLA chapter may contact Jo Ellen Newsome, VP for Institutional Advancement at joellen.newsome@pfeiffer.edu or 704-463-3222.

When he toured Pfeiffer as a prospective first-generation college student from nearby , Palmer met an admissions officer intent on demystifying the application process for him. As the first in his family to pursue a college degree, he was largely unfamiliar with the usual tasks required for admission, as were members of his family.

鈥淭here were so many different small steps,鈥� Palmer said, referring to everything from filling out a to uncovering scholarships. 鈥淭he admissions officer walked me and my family through all of them.鈥�

Palmer had not encountered anything like the help he received from Pfeiffer admissions during his visits to several other North Carolina colleges. That Pfeiffer had gone the extra mile for him figured prominently in his decision to attend the University.

Palmer also gravitated to higher ed administration as a result of the influence of Dr. Russ Sharples 鈥�75, an alumnus of Pfeiffer College. Sharples鈥� tenure as an administrator at Pfeiffer, where he served as VP of Student Development and Dean of Students from 2009 to 2016, overlapped with Palmer鈥檚 two-year stint as a science teacher in the public schools of Rowan (N.C.) County (2010-2012).

During his deanship, Sharples occasionally called Palmer with the aim of bringing him back to campus as an employee, having recognized that he possessed the skills and background to work effectively behind the scenes for the betterment of the University鈥檚 students.

One of those calls resulted in Palmer running a summer program called Pfeiffer Readiness Education Program (PREP).  PREP — the latest iteration of which will take place in June over 10 days on Pfeiffer鈥檚 campus in Misenheimer, N.C. — equips mainly first-generation freshmen with study, writing, and time-management skills as they take and earn credit for a course called English 101. PREP also engages its students in team-building activities and acquaints them with Pfeiffer鈥檚 resources.

When Palmer ran PREP over two summers during his time as a science teacher, he related well to the first-generation students who participated, because he was one himself. Under Palmer鈥檚 guidance, PREP leveled the playing field for first-generation students, whose metrics (e.g., GPAs, graduation and retention rates, and the pace at which they earn degrees) came to match those of their multigenerational peers.

Sharples was impressed. He placed another call to Palmer after he had resumed teaching middle schoolers during the regular school year.

鈥淒r. Sharples was very blunt,鈥� Palmer said. 鈥淗e said, 鈥業 need you to quit your job and I need you to come work at Pfeiffer.鈥欌��

Palmer鈥檚 response: 鈥淲hat day do I start?鈥�

Palmer closed out his stint in teaching and began working full-time at Pfeiffer the following summer as a Learning Assistance Coordinator, a post he鈥檇 hold until 2020, when he became Director of Learning and Academic Success (2020-2022). As Coordinator, he assumed two principal duties: running PREP and overseeing the peer tutoring program at Pfeiffer.

Peer tutoring remains a pillar in the offerings of Student Support and Success. Some 20 students, each certified by the , are paid to assist their peers for between five and seven hours a week. Peer tutors often pursue master鈥檚 degrees or attend professional schools after graduating from Pfeiffer, and tutoring is a way for them to retain material they will need for graduate-level studies.

鈥淲e normally tutor 100 to 125 students a semester,鈥� Palmer said. 鈥淲e have a tutor for nearly every class on campus.鈥�

Palmer鈥檚 work with the Student Support and Success Center also helps ensure that a Pfeiffer education remains accessible to students with disabilities or injuries. He ensures the completion of updates to important paperwork needed for foreign students to enter and leave the country legally. And he helps American students arrange study abroad experiences. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the Pfeiffer way for professors to prioritize student needs by offering them extra help after class or mentoring them,鈥� Palmer said. 鈥淪tudent Support and Success builds on that important part of our culture, and I am proud to be a part of that work.鈥�

The 2026 team included seniors Lola Cabaniss鈥慉li 鈥�26 and Laurin Rauer 鈥�26, junior Ayden Griffin 鈥�27, and sophomore Alim Coleman 鈥�28. Cabaniss鈥慉li and Rauer were the only returning competitors. The team was sponsored by Dr. Jesse McCartney and his wife, Kay.

The Falcons earned standout wins over High Point University, Livingstone College, and three鈥憈ime champion Queens University of Charlotte before falling in a close match to Barton College. For a program that had never experienced a round victory, beginning the day 3鈥�0 was nothing short of extraordinary.

Reflecting on their performance, Rauer said the team arrived with modest expectations after past disappointments.

鈥淲e were quite upset after previous efforts. We arrived with no real expectations鈥攏ot even making it to the semis,鈥� he said.

Cabaniss鈥慉li echoed that sentiment, sharing that her initial goal was simply to win one or two rounds. 鈥淕oing undefeated for most of the day was an incredible feeling,鈥� she said. Coleman added that he never imagined the team would advance so far.

As captain, Cabaniss鈥慉li emphasized the value of the team鈥檚 diverse perspectives. Each member played a distinct role: Rauer opened and closed presentations, Coleman handled the factual analysis, and Griffin added emotional resonance with personal examples. Coleman admitted memorization was challenging at times, but the team鈥檚 support helped him succeed:

鈥淭hey would push me in the right direction, and I鈥檇 be able to figure it out,鈥� he said.

Preparation was rigorous. The team practiced at least three times a week, reviewed each case in depth, and held mock rounds in advance of competition day.

For 15 years, the NCICU Ethics Bowl has challenged students to explore ethical questions tied to pressing societal issues. Students prepare for months, analyzing case studies and building arguments grounded in ethical theory. Unlike a debate, teams may argue the same side of an issue, and they are judged on preparation, clarity, and principled ethical reasoning.

The competition includes four rounds for all teams. Each match is judged by a panel of three volunteers from business, government, and the community, with a moderator ensuring fairness and timing. The four teams with the best records advance to the semifinals, and the winners compete in the final round.

Each team consists of four to six students led by a campus coordinator. Dozens of civic, corporate, nonprofit, and government leaders volunteer annually as judges and moderators.

Beyond competition results, team members said the experience broadened their horizons. Coleman noted how valuable it was to become comfortable with discomfort. Cabaniss鈥慉li highlighted the relationships she formed.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so diverse, and the networking with judges鈥攆rom LinkedIn connections to having dinner in another city with people I never thought I鈥檇 meet鈥攚as incredible,鈥� Cabaniss-Ali said.

Rauer added that speaking with professors, attorneys, and CEOs made the experience particularly meaningful.

The students were especially excited to receive congratulations from Tom West, son of former Pfeiffer president Dr. Cameron West. Now NCICU鈥檚 vice president for government relations and general counsel, West and the students spent time discussing wide鈥憆anging topics from AI to leadership to the future of public policy. Prior to joining NCICU, West was a partner at Poyner Spruill LLP for over 17 years and, prior to that, served North Carolina as an administrative law judge for 11 years.

The Falcons attribute their success to authenticity, honesty and teamwork. By supporting one another and embracing their individual strengths, they found a competitive edge.

Their professionalism also drew praise from Dr. Deborah Burris, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and team advisor.

鈥淚 have never seen four individuals come together so powerfully,鈥� she said, noting their dedication despite demanding schedules.

For a team once hoping simply to win a single round, the 2026 Ethics Bowl marks a turning point. The Falcons didn鈥檛 just show up, they proved they belong at the top.