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Dr. Jeffrey Allen, dean of Student Retention and Success at Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Allen recently received his Doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. His dissertation focused on African-American males enrolled in a community college who were persisting towards degree completion.

“Many times, the literature talks about the barriers or what is preventing African-American males from being successful,” said Allen. “I wanted to flip it and look at it from a standpoint of why are they being successful so we can use that information to make others successful.”

According to Allen, the results showed that the most successful of the study group were those who “had a goal and were focus-driven” and those that “knew the college supported them.”

Supporting college students in achieving their goals, whether it be to transfer to a four-year university after completing a two-year degree at VGCC or finding employment after graduation, is part of Allen’s role as dean.

Allen, who has served in various roles at VGCC since 2012, currently oversees an area that includes advising, counseling, male success initiative, student activities, athletics, testing and tutoring.

Along with other VGCC departments, Allen and staff are currently focusing much of their efforts on “educating, inspiring and supporting” students through the coronavirus crisis.

With VGCC’s classes switching to an online format mid-way through the spring semester and all upcoming summer classes scheduled as online sessions, the change has been an adjustment for all involved, Allen said.

“One of the things VGCC has done very well is put out resources for students to make them feel as comfortable as possible and supported during this crisis,” Allen continued. “VGCC has done an excellent job – the faculty, staff and various departments – in making sure students have what they need.”

To hear the interview with Allen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.