Employee Spotlight: Mary Elizabeth McIntosh

Upward Bound Director Mary Elizabeth McIntosh is originally from Wilmington, NC. She attended New Hanover and Hoggard high schools during a redistricting transition period when Ashley High School was coming into existence.

Mary Elizabeth has worked in higher education for over 15 years. Currently, she serves as the Director of Upward Bound, a grant program funded by the Department of Education at CFCC. Mary Elizabeth’s role involves working with high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and those whose parents lack a bachelor’s degree. The objective is to enhance the likelihood of participants successfully finishing high school and pursuing and completing postsecondary education.

Upward Bound offers Pender County students activities such as ACT prep, study sessions, and college tours. Mary Elizabeth and her team also incorporate casual social events to keep the students interested.

Since the program started at CFCC, Mary Elizabeth has taken students on trips to the planetarium at UNC, toured the Battleship North Carolina followed by a Friendsgiving meal, and participated in a gingerbread building competition. Her dedication to providing enriching experiences has earned the admiration of CFCC Math instructor Susan Holleman.

“Mary Elizabeth has successfully recruited a cohort of young college-bound students,” Holleman shared. “For students who may be the first ever to attend college in their family, she has provided them with fun and enriching activities. Mary Elizabeth is also exposing these young and eager students to different career options and vocational programs here at CFCC as well.”

At home, Mary Elizabeth keeps busy with her family which includes her husband, their active baby, and also their very energetic Australian Shepherd. Mary Elizabeth was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule to share her CFCC experience with us.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?

I started working at CFCC in 2019, but I took classes as a Huskins student (pre-CCP) in high school many years before. The classes I took 20 years ago gave me the confidence to continue at the four-year. When I started my previous role as Project Director for Title III, it was a new grant and role, which was similar to my prior experience. Most of my previous roles have been fast-paced and revolved around creating structure around new ideas. I am lucky that my current role as the Director of the new Upward Bound grant continues that!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The students are what I enjoy most about my work. In student services, it has been most fulfilling when students return to share about our impact on them. I’m always surprised when even the shortest conversations or the smallest email nudges change someone’s trajectory for the better.

With Upward Bound, we begin working with students while they are in high school. I love hearing about their goals and dreams. I’m excited to help them along their journey and see where they land in the future. With the program being new, we have some leeway within the grant to create events around the current student needs.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU DO?

Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with my family. We enjoy going on family walks together. My son is one of the little Sea Devils at the childcare center on campus. I also enjoy traveling, being a part of a book club, and being near the water.

WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR EDUCATION AND/OR CAREER PATH?

First and foremost, my mother, who is a retired educator, has always been my biggest influence. She is the most caring and empathetic person I know. She also manages to have more energy than most people who are far younger. I am still trying to figure out her secret!

As far as professional mentors, I have been fortunate to have supervisors who really took the time to get to know me, provide feedback, and assist me with enhancing my skills. During my programs at NC State and UNCW, I have also been fortunate to have amazing mentors in my corner. Whenever there were opportunities for additional training, professional development, or advancement, they supported me 100%. When working through a tough problem, I still ask myself, what would they do in this situation?

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

I’m not sure if it’s direct advice I’ve been given, but I believe in the importance of empathy. It always rings true professionally and personally. I think about this in challenging student situations. You never really know what may be happening behind the scenes. Empathy has the power to solve many problems.

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I used to be an archery instructor certified for a summer camp I worked at. It was a long time ago, so I won’t be teaching archery again any time soon!

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

My undergraduate degrees are in English and German from Salem College in Winston-Salem. I have a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from NC State University. In 2021, I completed my Community College Leadership certificate from UNCW. I am working on my doctorate in Community College Leadership from NC State.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

I enjoy being part of professional organizations and looking for new ways to grow. Currently, I am in NC TRIO, the Junior League of Wilmington, and Phi Kappa Phi through NC State.