Urban Future Faculty Fellows

Brandy Hailey

Future Faculty Fellow
bmorri52@charlotte.edu
| College of Education

Brandy Hailey is a visionary educational leader, consultant, and coach dedicated to transforming systems, people, and possibilities. With over a decade of experience driving school and organizational success through innovative leadership, curriculum design, and strategic development, she currently serves as a Middle School Principal and Chief Operating Officer for 100+ Professional Black Women. Pursuing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Urban Education at UNC Charlotte, Brandy’s research and practice center on equity, empowerment, and sustainable impact. Through her consulting and coaching work, she partners with leaders and organizations to cultivate clarity, confidence, and measurable growth. Known for her authenticity, strategic vision, and results-driven approach, Brandy inspires collaboration and investment in meaningful change. Outside of her professional pursuits, she’s a devoted mom of two amazing teens who leads with faith, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of transformation.

Brittany Jones

Future Faculty Fellow
bjone191@charlotte.edu
| College of Education

Brittany Jones is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Curriculum and Instruction program with a concentration in Urban Education. Her research focuses on sustaining and engaging African American students in STEM, addressing the ongoing underrepresentation in these fields. Brittany is an elementary educator with seven years of teaching experience. She is a proud graduate of High Point University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education with a concentration in STEM. Originally from Connecticut, Brittany credits her early educational experiences for inspiring her passion for teaching. Through her work, she strives to cultivate a lifelong love of learning in students and hopes to impact the future of elementary education through higher education teaching and curriculum development.

Keyonu Rivera

Future Faculty Fellow
kriver21@charlotte.edu
| College of Education

Keyonu M. Rivera, EDS, is an Accountability Facilitator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, specializing in urban education, anti-racism, and culturally responsive curricula. She holds a Master’s in Urban Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and an Education Specialist (EDS) degree from the University of Phoenix, along with a Master’s in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She earned her Bachelor's degree in English and African American Studies from Shaw University. With extensive leadership experience across schools such as Turning Point Academy, Westover High School, and Piedmont High School. Keyonu focuses on improving student outcomes through innovative programs, standardized assessment training, and fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. Her active participation in national and international conferences underscores her commitment to transforming educational experiences for African American males and underrepresented students.

Na’Cole Wilson

Future Faculty Fellow
nwilso44@charlotte.edu
| College of Education

Na’Cole Wilson currently serves as the Associate Director of Academic Advising in the College of Health and Human Services at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She completed a B.B.A. in Marketing from Kennesaw State University, an M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University, and a Certificate in Learning and Development from UNC Charlotte. Additionally, Na’Cole has over 17 years of higher education experience extending across the areas of Admissions, Academic Advising, Continuing Education, Community Engagement, and Undergraduate Teaching. Her enthusiasm for teaching, mentoring, and serving varied student populations resulted in her returning to school to pursue a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Urban Education concentration) at UNC Charlotte. Following completion of her doctoral degree, Na’Cole is interested in joining the professoriate and conducting research in the following areas: Retaining Marginalized Students in Higher Education, Black Women’s Experiences in Higher Education, and Examining Effective Programs to Reduce Inequities in Higher Education.