Nahel Awadallah – Spring 2026 Graduate
Name:
Nahel Awadallah
Major/Degree Program:
EdD – Educational Leadership
Previous Degree(s):
B.S. Molecular Biology; M.S. Microbiology
Hometown/Current City:
Rocky Mount, NC
Hobbies/Interests:
Travel
What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?
One of my favorite memories is when a professor said to us on the first day of class, “You’ll see many red lines and comments on your writing,” and then stated, “Those red marks are love”. At the time, I smiled because, as an instructor myself, I’ve seen many students who don’t like receiving a lot of feedback. But she was right. The comments helped guide us to make improvements over time. I can attest that my first paper came back with too much love.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I went through my early schooling in a Palestinian village near Jerusalem, which was a challenging environment. Our schools were underfunded, the teachers were underpaid, and we had limited resources. There was only one building that housed the elementary, middle, and high schools. Despite these difficulties, my teachers displayed remarkable resilience and genuine care for our learning. Although I was born in Brooklyn, New York, my father wanted me to experience it to gain a broader perspective. This experience shaped my values and motivated me to become an educator. As an academic leader, I am dedicated to providing students with quality educational opportunities and solid institutional support systems.
Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?
All of my professors had a positive impact on my journey. Overall, I have found Dr. Crystal Chambers to be the most influential. In addition to supporting me in an academic capacity, she challenged me to venture outside my niche. Dr. Chambers was able to motivate me to develop a skill set that I thought I already had in the area of quantitative research (i.e., statistical analysis) as well as qualitative research and experimental design. The level of support and development she gave me greatly contributed to both my personal and professional development. She provided me with detailed feedback, met with me to address any issues or concerns, and responded quickly to my emails. This is a testament to Dr. Chambers’ commitment to student success. She embodies the mission and goals of East Carolina University as an educator and a leader.
What’s next after graduation?
After more than 24 years of teaching in the North Carolina Community College System, I am now pursuing leadership positions to drive institutional change. My goals include crafting and implementing educational policies, developing innovative teaching methods using instructional technology, and promoting distance education. I strongly believe that distance education should be regarded as equal to face-to-face instruction. I intend to advocate for the establishment of a fully online state community college and/or contribute to leading an innovative online program within the system.
What advice would you give to future College of Education students?
Future students should prioritize developing effective time management skills early on to balance academic responsibilities with professional obligations. Students need to view feedback as an opportunity to improve. Additionally, building meaningful professional relationships is essential, as these factors play a critical role in achieving success in the program and in advancing one’s career in the long run.
How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step)?
The College of Education has given me the preparation to be successful in the classroom and design an intentional learning experience for all students. It has also provided me with the knowledge to design and implement research-based intervention strategies focused on student success and retention. The program has enabled me to move beyond providing instruction; it taught me to design an intentional learning experience and use institutional assessments to enhance institutional support systems.