Jasmine Coleman selected for statewide initiative to expand educational opportunity

Jasmine Coleman, director of Academic and Military Outreach at UNC Pembroke, has been selected for the seventh cohort of ElevateNC: Higher Education, a statewide leadership initiative focused on expanding educational opportunity and increasing postsecondary educational attainment in North Carolina.

The program brings together leaders from higher education, government and community organizations to develop strategies that help more North Carolinians earn college degrees and credentials. The initiative supports the state’s goal of having 2 million residents hold a postsecondary credential by 2030.

Coleman, a veteran whose work at UNCP focuses on expanding educational pathways for military-connected students, brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the statewide initiative.

“I was born and raised in North Carolina, completed my education in North Carolina, and when I saw the overarching goal of the program, I was excited,” Coleman said. “Education is something that has made a huge difference in my life.”

At UNCP, Coleman oversees programs supporting active-duty service members, veterans and other military-connected students pursuing higher education. Her work includes streamlining credit transfer processes, expanding flexible academic pathways and coordinating transition support with military installations and veteran organizations.

One area of particular interest is credit for prior learning, which allows eligible students to receive academic credit for knowledge and experience gained through military service or professional careers.

“We want to make sure we are not forcing individuals who have a wealth and depth of experience to have to start over,” Coleman said. “So, being able to give people credit for what they already know is something that we as a state need to look at across the board.”

Coleman also hopes to contribute to discussions about the challenges facing rural and underserved communities, including limited broadband access and the need for flexible learning options for adult students balancing education, employment and family responsibilities.

“Being able to meet students where they are is the thing that we need to be focused on,” she said.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, who previously participated in the program, said Coleman’s selection reflects her leadership and commitment to professional growth.

“Having participated in this program myself, I know firsthand the value of these conversations and the partnerships they support,” Cummings said. “Jasmine’s selection reflects her leadership and continued dedication to growth. We are proud to see her selected for this distinguished opportunity and look forward to the knowledge and insights she will bring back to UNCP.”

For Coleman, the experience offers an opportunity to strengthen partnerships across North Carolina while identifying new approaches to helping students overcome barriers to earning a degree.

“I see the UNCP mission being interwoven into what ElevateNC’s goals are,” she said. “I look forward to using my experiences from my time here at the university and learning how to work well with others, to collaborate, to innovate and to make things happen.”