Her Story
About Catherine
Dr. Catherine Edmonds has built her career around a simple principle: leadership should create opportunities for others. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands the transformative power of education and has devoted her career to strengthening institutions, expanding access, and preparing students and professionals to thrive in a changing world.
Her leadership journey has taken her from classrooms and school systems to state government and senior university leadership, including service as an interim chancellor and interim provost. Across each role, she has focused on building strong teams, creating pathways for student and institutional success, and connecting education more intentionally to workforce and community needs.
Today, Dr. Edmonds continues that work through N.C. A&T’s Forever Learning Initiative and the First-Generation Professionals™ framework. She is especially passionate about helping individuals develop the confidence, professional fluency, networks, and leadership readiness needed to succeed and create opportunities for those who follow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Catherine
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Higher Education is an extraordinary profession because of the opportunity to change lives. You may never know the full impact you have on a student, just as some of the people who shaped my journey may never know the impact they had on me. When you are privileged to sit in a leadership seat, use it intentionally. Open doors, remove barriers, create opportunities, and leave the institution better for the students who come after you. That is both the responsibility and the reward of this work.
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