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Ashleigh Yearde is the GEAR UP Success Coach at Pitt Community College under the division of Academic Advising. She assists first-generation students to break down barriers to meet their academic goals. It is truly her passion to serve students to meet their true potential. Ashleigh currently lives in North Carolina and is originally from Whitehall, Pennsylvania.

Presently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration: Education Leadership. She holds a master’s in Clinical Social Work (2018) from East Carolina University. Ashleigh has extensive knowledge in creating and implementing effective and individualized plans.

As the GEAR UP Student Success Coach at Sandhills Community College, Jeffrey manages a caseload of first-year students from target GEAR UP NC high schools. He is responsible for providing high-quality coaching sessions that contribute to their personal growth, development, and motivation to retain to their next academic year. Jeffrey believes that for students to become their overall best selves, they need to know that someone is in their corner instructing and “cheering” them on to greater success.

Before joining GEAR UP, Jeffrey served in various capacities within the Scotland County School district to include GEAR UP Program Coordinator, Middle School Exceptional Children, and Science teacher.  He holds an Associate in Arts degree from Sandhills Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University, and a Master of Science in Higher Education from Walden University.  He identifies as an African American male from humble beginnings and truly believes that “Education is the most powerful weapon that one can use to change the World.” ~Nelson Mandela~

Currently, Dana serves as the GEAR UP Success Coach at Elizabeth City State University where she has worked for 3 years in multiple capacities. In the Success Coach role, Dana engages the experience of first-year Elizabeth City State University students. In 2018, Dana became an alum of the institution when she earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Liberal Studies from UNC Wilmington. Dana is a first-generation college student which helps to fuel her passion for students fulfilling their purpose-driven goals. Dana has been a certified life coach for the last 15 years. Dana’s coaching philosophy is focused on person-centered attention, giving each student the space to express their thoughts and goals as she partners with the student to reach a greater reality.

Dylan Moore is currently the GEAR UP Success Coach at East Carolina University. As the GEAR UP Success Coach, Dylan’s’ focus is to help first generation college students navigate their college experience by connecting students with necessary resources and academic advising for student success. Prior to this role, Dylan was a high school science and AVID teacher at Farmville Central High School and served in this capacity for over 5 years. It is his goal to use his prior knowledge as a high school teacher to ensure that all GEAR UP students transition smoothly from high school into college.

Dylan is an alumnus of East Carolina University and a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He served as President and Vice President in his Fraternity where he learned a tremendous number of skills that directly translate to student success in today’s college environment. He learned even more in his tenure as a high school teacher and uses those tools in helping his GEAR UP students. Being a native of Eastern North Carolina, Dylan understands what it is like to grow up in a rural area and the importance of a college education.

Jaade Williams is the GEAR UP Success Coach located on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. On campus, she cultivates relationships between departments and helps to introduce campus resources to current and potential GEAR UP students. Before her role with GEAR UP, Jaade served as a Relationship Manager with Bellevue University where she recruited and enrolled students that wanted to continue their academic career to pursue their bachelor’s or master’s degree online. She also worked at Danville Community College where her duties included counseling students towards their intended majors and working with them through the admissions process. Jaade holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from Old Dominion University. She furthered her education by obtaining her Master of Science in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs from Kaplan University. Jaade comes from a single parent household where her mother worked and instilled the value of hard work and education. She brings that mindset and work ethic with her to every job she holds to ensure that she empowers students to be their own brilliant shade.

W. Scott Holloway is currently the GEAR UP Success Coach at The University of North Carolina Greensboro in the Division of Student Success. Before joining GEAR UP, he served as the Assistant Director for Academic Success Coaching at UNCG. He is a native of Miami, FL and has lived in Greensboro, NC most of his adult life. His specialization is providing optimum level support that helps students capitalize on opportunities that benefit them academically, personally, and professionally. He is strategic at helping students resolve obstacles that threaten to hinder their success. Scott firmly believes that each student has the right to develop to her/his fullest potential. He is committed to a holistic, individualized approach that is specific to addressing the unique needs of each student. As a former first-generation college student himself, his overarching goal as a GEAR UP Success Coach is to support first year college students from target high schools through high quality, high touch coaching, providing accountability, and facilitating successful personal development that ultimately leads to college graduation. Presently, Scott possesses degrees in Master of Speech Communication, Bachelor of Communication Studies, and Bachelor of Psychology.

Joel Lowry is the GEAR UP Success Coach at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Joel’s focus as a Success Coach at UNCP is to provide a smooth transition from the high school to the college atmosphere for the new generation of college students. He creates relationships with students and makes them feel welcome at the university. He also assists with on-campus events through the relationships he has built with various departments across campus. In 2022, Joel became an alum of the institution when he earned a B.A degree in History. After graduating Joel started teaching at South Robeson Middle School. He spent his days teaching social studies to grades 6,7, and 8. After school, Joel would spend time coaching the middle school teams alongside his co-workers. This taught Joel life lessons that benefitted him and his new position at UNCP. Being a local Native American from Pembroke, NC Joel understands what it takes to overcome obstacles. His goal is to help students overcome and outgrow obstacles, to help them succeed and thrive on UNCP’s campus.