Audrey J. Jaeger, Ph.D., is the W. Dallas Herring Professor of Community College Education at NC State’s College of Education and the founding executive director of the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Jaeger’s commitment to the accessibility and attainment of high-quality postsecondary education for each and every student is a natural expansion of her decades of research that explores community colleges, leadership, faculty development, and college transfer in higher education. Contributing to the growing body of research about student outcomes and institutional effectiveness, her work advances student success by bringing actionable data to leaders and policymakers in North Carolina and beyond. In 2022, Jaeger was awarded NC State’s Holladay Medal – the highest honor given by NC State and the Board of Trustees, recognizing outstanding and sustained contributions to the university through achievements in research, teaching, or extension and engagement.

In her 20+ years as a faculty member at NC State, Jaeger has embraced the College of Education’s historic mission to serve North Carolina’s community colleges. Jaeger founded the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. As executive director, Jaeger works with community college leaders to improve student outcomes and drive institutional change through learner-centered strategies and evidence-based decisions.

Jaeger has delivered more than 220 presentations, authored more than 80 articles and book chapters, and has secured over $43 million dollars in grants. She has received numerous awards for her research, engagement, and service. At NC State, she is a member of the Academy of Outstanding Teachers, the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension and Engagement, and the Research Leadership Academy. In 2017, her scholarship and academic contributions earned her entrance into The Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship.

Prior to NC State, Jaeger held student and academic affairs administrative positions at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service and at Bucknell University (PA). She also worked previously as an adjunct faculty member at Baruch College (CUNY). Her Ph.D. is from New York University.