Reed Joins DASA Leadership

Kesha Reed is the newest addition to the Division of Academic and Student Affairs leadership team. 

Reed has 25 years of experience as an educator, including K-12 and higher education in both student and academic affairs. She is a student-centered leader who prides herself on serving all students, but ensures that her work is especially impactful for underserved student populations to include students of color, students with disabilities, low income and first-generation college students. Reed’s research focus includes the impact of student engagement for underrepresented student populations.

Most recently, Reed served as interim associate dean in the University College at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). She provided leadership and supervision to the First-Year Experience program, Sophomore Success initiatives, tutoring and supplemental instruction, Writing Studio, Undergraduate Teaching Fellows, the University Testing Center and the Aspiring Eagles Academy. She also supervised the graduate assistants’ onboarding and training and led assessment efforts for the department. Additionally, Reed managed a University College Title III Budget of $1.4 million annually. Reed is the former director of Student Disability Services at NCCU, where she provided leadership to the campus to ensure that all students are provided equal access in an inclusive environment. Her commitment to access and removing barriers for students is evident in her policy development and the campus-wide initiatives she led during her 14 year tenure at NCCU.

As associate vice chancellor and associate dean at NC State, Reed will oversee Academic Advising Programs and Services, the Exploratory Studies program, the Academic Success Center, the Office of Advising Technology, the Disabilities Resource Office and the Career Development Center. The new portfolio will align advising support, increase collaboration across Division of Academic and Student Affairs units and with campus partners, and develop and implement innovative strategies to advance the success of our students. 

Reed earned her B.S. degree in elementary education from Alabama A&M University, her M.A. in school counseling from NCCU and her Ed.D. in educational leadership from East Carolina University. She brings passion, enthusiasm and breadth of knowledge of both academic affairs and student affairs into the new role.

“This is an exciting time to join the Division of Academic and Student Affairs as they celebrate 10 years as a division,” Reed said. “I am grateful for the visionary leadership of Dr. Doneka Scott and I look forward to joining the Wolfpack. I am eager to support the new strategic plan developed by DASA as it aligns with the Wolfpack 2030 Strategic Plan. I believe that service to others is my life’s work, and my goal is ensuring that our team provides intentional engagement that supports holistic student success. By fostering a sense of belonging while embedding high-impact practices, I am confident that every NC State student will continue to thrive.”