Six new faculty join Cato College

Cato College welcomes six new faculty for the new semester from all across the country. Their experience and accolades add to the prestige and practical knowledge students gain from being an EduNiner, whether undergraduate or graduate and across all disciplines. We are proud to add these six bright lights to our team!

Where do you call home?

“Home is always where my people are. I was born in North Jersey, raised in Easton, PA, and came of age across Philadelphia, the DMV [DC-Maryland-Virginia area], and Atlanta. So home, to me, is spread across all those places.”

Where has your educational journey taken you prior to arriving here?

Griffin did her undergraduate work at Penn State, double majoring in English and African and African-American Studies. She then completed an M.Ed. at University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education before pursuing her doctoral degree, earning a Ph.D. from University of Maryland – College Park.

While she pursued her own education, she also taught middle and high school English, and later worked in teacher education and literacy in D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

Why did you choose Charlotte?

Griffin saw Charlotte as somewhere where she “could bring [her] full self as a researcher, teacher, and creative.” She said she could envision her research about Black female identity and history in education succeeding here through both scholarship and community partnership, given the city’s cultural and historical richness and the college’s focus on urban education.

What would you call your three proudest professional accomplishments? How about personal?

The personal is professional for Griffin – she shared that her proudest moments include:

• Earning the 2025 Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Co-editing All About Black Girl Love in Education (Routledge)
• Publishing research that’s deeply meaningful to her in top-tier journals

What are your top 3–5 research interests? Do you have any ongoing grants, fellowships, or other funded projects that you’ll bring with you to Charlotte?

“My research sits at the intersection of Black girlhood studies, critical literacies, digital media, and teacher education. I’m especially interested in how Black girls use storytelling and creativity to advocate for educational justice. I’ll be bringing my NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship to UNC Charlotte for my project, ‘Storying Change: Black Girls’ Digital Narratives as Educational Advocacy,’ which involves youth co-researchers in a creative, justice-oriented research process.”

What do you want students to know about you before they sit down in your class?

“I care deeply about learning spaces that feel bold, joyful, and brave. I’m not interested in perfection, but I am interested in truth, growth, curiosity, and care. If you bring your full self to class, I will too.”

What do you want colleagues to know before they first shake your hand?

“I’m collaborative by nature, creatively driven, and energized by ideas and relationships. I value integrity, joy, humor, and a shared commitment to students and community.”

What are you most looking forward to when you arrive on campus?

“Meeting brilliant students, working alongside thoughtful colleagues, and building new connections that feel purposeful and human.”

Where do you call home?

Hawkins was born and raised in California, and moved to Stonecrest, Georgia in 2007.

Where has your educational journey taken you prior to arriving here?

She went pre-law for her undergraduate work at Chapman University in California before pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling – Pupil Personal Services from California State University Long Beach. She then completed both an Ed.S. in School Counseling from Argosy University and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from University of Georgia.

Why did you choose Charlotte?

“I chose UNC Charlotte because its vision and approach not only align with my values, but also provide a platform where I can contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow as an educator and advocate,” Hawkins said. She was drawn to the university’s commitment to community and saw the intentional outreach efforts across multiple units. She added, “This mirror my belief that counseling extends beyond the classroom or office and into the broader community, where lasting change can take root.”

She also connected strongly to the university’s emphasis on multiculturalism and inclusivity – “Creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued is essential in counselor education, and I appreciate that this is an institutional priority.”

What would you call your three proudest professional accomplishments? How about personal?

Professionally, Hawkins has been awarded both for her research and her practice. Her proudest accomplishments include:

• Her research study, “ Bringing Out The Brilliance in Black Adolescent Girls”
  • “The results from my study affirm that self-esteem among Black girls is not merely an individual trait; social, cultural, and structural conditions profoundly shape it. Moreover, they demonstrate that when Black girls are equipped with tools for critical reflection, supported in their identity development, and surrounded by affirming relationships, they are more likely to experience the kind of self-esteem that supports academic persistence, emotional resilience, and liberatory decision-making in their lives.”
• Becoming a Dr. Patty Diversity Fellow
  • Hawkins was one of 10 US women selected for a national diversity fellowship program launched by Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), a national nonprofit organization focused on the health, safety, education, and empowerment of girls, headquartered in Columbus, OH and named in memory of Dr. Patricia F.R. Cunningham II, a champion for girls, equity, access, and social change.
• Receiving the National Board of Certified Counselors’ Propelling Mental Health, Powering the Future: School Counseling Award

“Personally, my three greatest accomplishments are my three children, Zariah, my daughter, who is 25, an architect, and the person I wish I were at 25, and my 23-year-old twin boys, Ezekiel and Zachary Hawkins, who are the bravest and most resilient young men I know.”

What are your top 3–5 research interests? Do you have any ongoing grants, fellowships, or other funded projects that you’ll bring with you to Charlotte?

“My clinical and research interests center on culturally affirming practices, equity in education, and the psychosocial development of Black adolescent girls.”

What do you want students to know about you before they sit down in your class?

“I am honored to walk alongside them as they grow into their identity as counselors and change agents. My philosophy of teaching is transformative. I believe that every student can learn, and that I can learn from each student. In our learning space, students will be encouraged to think critically, reflect deeply, and bring their whole selves into the room. My role is to be supportive, accepting, and open to all voices and perspectives. Students will notice a culturally responsive approach in our work through relevant literature, expressive arts, and guest speakers who reflect the world we serve. My lessons draw from my training in play therapy and expressive arts and my lived experiences as a school counselor and advocate.”

What do you want colleagues to know before they first shake your hand?

“Connection and community are important to me. I love to collaborate, and I welcome the opportunity to learn from each and every one of them.”

What are you most looking forward to when you arrive on campus?

“I am looking forward to starting my journey as a counselor educator at an amazing institution and calling UNC Charlotte home.”

Where do you call home?

McCurdy hails from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Where has your educational journey taken you prior to arriving here?

She received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Florida State University before attending Asbury Theological Seminary for her master’s in intercultural studies. University of Central Florida then became her academic home, where she completed both an Ed.S. and a Ph.D., focused on science education. McCurdy said, “I tell people that if there was a degree beyond a Ph.D., I’d probably aspire to pursue that as well!”

Throughout her own educational pursuits, she also taught middle and high school science in Palm Beach County and Seminole County in Florida for almost 15 years. She then became an assistant professor at Georgia Southern University before ultimately making her way to Charlotte.

Why did you choose Charlotte?

McCurdy said that Charlotte stood out for its commitment to excellence and fairness in classroom, research, and service settings. “Over the last several months since the initial interview, it’s become very evident to me that these values are a part of the fabric of the faculty, staff, and students with whom I’ve had the privilege of interacting.”

What would you call your three proudest professional accomplishments? How about personal?

“There are more than three for sure,” she said, “but these are the ones that stand out.”

Professional

• The communication and emails she receives from students about how her teaching or guidance helped them pursue their academic and professional goals. “These are always helpful reminders of my why for teaching.”
• Her most recent publication “The Science Relevancy Bridge: Connecting Intersectionality and Science Identity in Science Learning Experiences” in  Journal of Research in Science Teaching. She believes this research could be significant in shaping the science learning experiences of ethnically and culturally diverse learners in ways that integrate their voices, backgrounds and experiences.
• As the Graduate Student Forum President for the Association of Science Teacher Educators (ASTE), McCurdy led her team in organizing ASTE’s first virtual summer mini-conference, “Mini-in-May”. Since this time, the ASTE Graduate Forum has continued this event every year. It is good to know that upcoming science education graduate students can continue building community with each other while gleaning insights from mentors and scholars in the field during the summer, not only during conference events.

Personal

• “Within a few minutes of getting to know me, it will be clear to anyone that my children are my treasures. My husband and my kiddos are so important to me. They keep me grounded, laughing, humble, hopeful, and entertained!”
• McCurdy’s faith is also a major part of her life and work. She has expounded on her relationship with faith/religion and science through the organization Biologos in various ways, including writing articles, being a guest speaker on the podcast Language of God, and helping to launch Biologos’ Integrated Science Curriculum.
• Beginning and sustaining a garden during the pandemic was also a significant personal accomplishment for McCurdy. Despite her love for life sciences and the natural world, she has not had much of a green thumb, so starting a garden, prepping the soil, tending to the plants regularly and seeing growth was a big accomplishment for her. She hopes to restart her garden anew in Charlotte.

What are your top 3–5 research interests? Do you have any ongoing grants, fellowships, or other funded projects that you’ll bring with you to Charlotte?

McCurdy’s research interests include culturally relevant & responsive science education, equity and intersectionality in STEM learning, science identity development, Indigenous ways of knowing, and empathy in STEM learning experiences. She is awaiting news on a few grants she may bring to the college, so stay tuned!

What do you want students to know about you before they sit down in your class?

She wants her students to watch Abbott Elementary, because she references it often! She says its scenes are good examples of real-life teaching scenarios, which helps her give students a better understanding of what being in the classroom might really look like.

On a more serious note, McCurdy said, “I want my students to know that I am very passionate about teaching and learning, and that I truly believe that the teaching profession is a very worthy, meaningful, and critical profession. From this passion, is my desire to help them become effective, authentic, and responsive teachers or teacher educators for all learners. I would also want them to know that I am very approachable, very relatable, easy to talk to, and I want them to succeed in the course, in their program and beyond. So while I may have high expectations or challenge them to step outside of their academic comfort zone a bit, I will be supporting and encouraging them along the way.”

What do you want colleagues to know before they first shake your hand?

“I am generally an extrovert, so I enjoy talking and laughing with my colleagues about work or life in general. I really like to collaborate and think of innovative and efficient ways of tackling a task, project, or idea. And they may want to know that I may randomly show up to work with some baked goods that I’ve made to share!”

What are you most looking forward to when you arrive on campus?

“Aside from setting up my office, I am most looking forward to interacting with my new colleagues, learning the ins and outs of the office environment, and familiarizing myself with Charlotte’s beautiful campus.”

Where do you call home?

Mushunje was born and raised in Zimbabwe.

Where has your educational journey taken you prior to arriving here?

She went to The Ohio State University for her undergraduate degree, earning a bachelor’s in psychology. She then went to University of Cincinnati for her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling before returning to Ohio State for her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Why did you choose Charlotte?

Mushunje saw Charlotte’s commitment to justice and service in both the local and global communities and had to be part of it.

What would you call your three proudest professional accomplishments? How about personal?

Professional

• Received a grant that funded my dissertation
• Recognized as an Emerging Leader by North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES)
• Published 7 journal articles during my doctoral studies.

Personal

• Becoming the first person in my family to earn all 3 of my college degrees
• Studying abroad
• Delivering more than 30 conference presentations since 2018

What are your top 3–5 research interests? Do you have any ongoing grants, fellowships, or other funded projects that you’ll bring with you to Charlotte?

“My top research interests include mental health help-seeking patterns, social determinants of health, African mental health, and gerontological counseling.”

What do you want students to know about you before they sit down in your class?

“My pedagogical approach is rooted in empowerment and constructivism, as I believe students need to be championed as they create meaning for themselves.”

What do you want colleagues to know before they first shake your hand?

“I value inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, and I am always excited to make new connections.”

What are you most looking forward to when you arrive on campus?

“I plan to bask in the beautiful campus landscape because I love being outdoors and in nature.”

Where do you call home?

“South Korea will always be home – I was born and raised there and have deep roots in Seoul. In the United States, Tallahassee, Florida has become my second home, where I fell in love with the vibrant community, beautiful weather, stunning nature, and genuinely welcoming people.”

Where has your educational journey taken you prior to arriving here?

Na earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in South Korea in elementary education, with specializations in computer science education and mathematics education. He spent ten years as a public school teacher in Seoul, but even as his time in the classroom gave him invaluable firsthand experience, it also made him curious about further integrating technology into the classroom. That curiosity led him to Florida State University, where he completed a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies.

Why did you choose Charlotte?

Na put it simply: “The people made all the difference!” From the moment he stepped on campus, he could feel the warmth and dedication of the campus community. “I could immediately envision myself as part of this collaborative team, where colleagues genuinely support one another’s growth and success,” he said. He’s eager to take part in the vibrant, multidisciplinary community our college fosters, contribute the professional growth of both students and colleagues, and conduct research with real-world impact on education.

What would you call your three proudest professional accomplishments? How about personal?

Professional

• Emerging Technology Award from the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) conference
  • Na’s decade-long passion for programming has led to developing educational software for teachers and students, and this work was recognized last year when he received this award from one of the premier international forums in the field.
• Published several research papers in top-tier educational technology journals last year
  • Focused on making technology integration more affordable and accessible for real classroom environments
• This faculty position at UNC Charlotte
  • Na says it represents the culmination of years of preparation and dedication!

He added, “On a personal level, nothing compares to marrying my wonderful wife and having the joy of raising our energetic 4-year-old daughter. Being a husband and father has enriched my life beyond measure and continues to inspire my work in education.”

What are your top 3-5 research interests? Do you have any ongoing grants, fellowships, or other funded projects that you’ll bring with you to Charlotte?

“My research centers on three interconnected areas: STEM education, technology integration in classrooms, and advancing educational software development. Specifically, I investigate how to meaningfully leverage technology to enhance STEM learning experiences, particularly in K-12 classroom settings. This work naturally leads to my focus on advancing educational software – we need current, pedagogically sound, and context-specific tools to truly transform learning environments. My approach for this thus involves designing, developing, and evaluating educational software that incorporates emerging technologies like generative AI, augmented/virtual reality, data mining, and learning analytics.”

What do you want students to know about you before they sit down in your class?

“I bring enthusiasm, humor, and genuine care for student growth to every class. As someone who spent ten years in K-12 classrooms and several years at FSU teaching grad students, I understand the challenges educators face and can relate to the experiences my students bring. I’m naturally curious and love exploring new ideas together, and I’m committed to supporting each student’s professional and personal development!”

What do you want colleagues to know before they first shake your hand?

“I’m passionate about technology but equally committed to collaboration across disciplines. I believe the best innovations happen when we bring together diverse perspectives and expertise. Outside of work, I’m an avid nature enthusiast and DIY project lover – I find that hands-on creativity often sparks the best research ideas.”

What are you most looking forward to when you arrive on campus?

“I’m most excited about those informal moments – grabbing coffee with colleagues, having spontaneous conversations with students around campus, and experiencing the daily energy and rhythm of university life.”

Where do you call home?

“Florida will always be home to me—it’s where I grew up and where my family still resides, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Texas was my most recent home, and it is where my in-laws live, so it has also become dear to me. But now, I am so excited to have a new home! My wife and I moved here with our three pets and are eager to make Charlotte just as special to us.”

Where has your educational journey taken you prior to arriving here?

Thompson completed both a bachelor’s and master’s at University of Central Florida, with his bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in clinical mental health counseling and a specialization in play therapy. He then moved to Texas to complete a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at University of North Texas.

Why did you choose Charlotte?

Thompson said he took one look at both the campus and city of Charlotte and knew it was the place for him. “I fell in love with Counseling program and the department faculty during my first interview. They were all so brilliant, kind, and welcoming.”

What would you call your three proudest professional accomplishments? How about personal?

The personal and professional often blend for Thompson. He shared, “One of my proudest professional accomplishments include being accepted into the 2023 NBCC Minority Fellowship Program (Doctoral) where I joined an incredible group of professionals working to expand counseling access and equity for underserved populations. Further, as a first-generation college student, graduating with my doctoral degree was always a lifelong goal of mine and is still one of my greatest accomplishments both personally and professionally.”

What are your top 3-5 research interests? Do you have any ongoing grants, fellowships, or other funded projects that you’ll bring with you to Charlotte?

“My research interests include youth mental health, scale development/validation, and inclusive educational practices.”

What do you want students to know about you before they sit down in your class?

“I really love connecting with students and want them to know that I care about more than just their learning in class. Students have entire lives outside of the classroom so I know they are bringing in pieces of that with them, including their hobbies, their families, their goals, and life challenges that they are trying to overcome. I hope I can be a resource for those things as well, in addition to the subject matter in class.”

What do you want colleagues to know before they first shake your hand?

“I thrive when I am part of a collaborative team, and I hope my colleagues feel like they can rely on me, and I’m excited to foster those relationships both on and off campus.”

What are you most looking forward to when you arrive on campus?

“All the greenery! I am so excited to take walks on campus in-between my meeting times and soak up the sun.”