Friday Institute Director Callie Edwards Receives Graduate Student Mentorship Award from NC State African American Cultural Center

Callie Edwards, director of the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation’s Program Evaluation and Education Research (PEER) Group and director of strategic initiatives, has been awarded the NC State African American Cultural Center (AACC)’s Graduate Student Mentorship Award.

The Graduate Student Mentorship Award is given annually to an NC State faculty or staff member who provides excellent mentorship and/or advising for current graduate students in any field. The criteria for this award is a display of commitment to helping students find success and gratification in their chosen path of study as well as nurturing students’ personal and professional development. Edwards was one of four nominees for her award, which is just one of three that NC State faculty can receive from the AACC.

Edwards was honored April 13 during the AAACC’s Ebony Harlem Awards. Ebony Harlem is an annual event that honors and recognizes the contributions of undergraduate and graduate students on campus who are connected to the AACC. It also celebrates the contributions, work and mentorship of staff and faculty who support students each year.

“This award is deeply meaningful to me because mentorship is a core part of who I am,” said Edwards. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had amazing mentors in my life, and it’s a part of my purpose to pay it forward.” 

Edwards is an adjunct faculty member in the NC State College of Education where she holds affiliate graduate faculty status. In this role, she teaches graduate-level courses and participates in the development and advising of graduate students. 

Since 2021, Edwards has served on 15 student dissertation committees at NC State University, providing expert guidance in research design, qualitative analysis and scholarly writing. She consistently receives outstanding teaching evaluations from graduate students for fostering inclusive learning environments, supporting applied research skill-building and integrating real-world examples into instruction. 

In addition to her university teaching, Edwards brings her mentoring expertise into her private coaching practice through The Life of a Scholar, LLC, where she has supported doctoral candidates nationwide in completing their dissertations since 2015.

“My work as a faculty member and coach reflects my deep commitment to graduate education and my belief that mentoring is central to developing the next generation of scholars, leaders and changemakers,” said Edwards.

Edwards is also known for her work mentoring undergraduate students during the Program Evaluation and Educational Research (PEER) Internship Program for Undergraduate Students, which she launched in 2020.

“I truly believe that investing in undergraduate and graduate students is essential to building the future of educational research,” said Edwards. “It’s one of the most meaningful ways we can ensure the field continues to grow in innovative ways. We are preparing for an unknown future, and current students are our future leaders.”