Stephanie Jones is first graduate of parenting education master's program
Just a year after it was officially approved and opened to students, a joint parenting education program between N.C. State University and UNC-Greensboro awarded its first degree in spring 2007. Stephanie Jones is the first graduate to earn a master of science degree in human development and family studies, with a concentration in family life and parent education, from both universities.
Jones began work on the degree requirements in fall 2003, when the first class was offered, before the degree was formally approved. A former parent educator with North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County, she commuted three and four hours from her home to N.C. State and UNCG to complete the degree.
Faculty members in the program recognized Jones as the first graduate with a "Trailblazer Award" presented in April.
Jones is the mother of four daughters ages 15, 12, 10 and 2. Her youngest child was born after her first semester as a graduate student. Jones's mother helped her stay in school by driving her and her infant daughter to classes.
"We've all earned this degree," Jones said of her family.
In addition to her duties as mother and graduate student, Jones served as a part-time teaching assistant for a human development and family studies class at N.C. State. She also has worked with Dr. Karen DeBord, professor and child development specialist in the Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences, on a grant-sponsored program aimed at youth school success and workforce preparedness among youth in Wake and Brunswick counties.
DeBord recently announced a new graduate certificate in program development for family life education, which Jones will help administer next year. The 12-hour graduate certificate includes three required courses and one elective course. The certificate program is designed for those with an interest in developing family life education programs, DeBord said, and is also a good way to get a taste for graduate school.
- Natalie Hampton
Post-graduation, Jones (left) will continue working with DeBord (right).
Faculty members in the program recognized Jones as the first graduate with a "Trailblazer Award" presented in April.
Jones is the mother of four daughters ages 15, 12, 10 and 2. Her youngest child was born after her first semester as a graduate student. Jones's mother helped her stay in school by driving her and her infant daughter to classes.
"We've all earned this degree," Jones said of her family.
In addition to her duties as mother and graduate student, Jones served as a part-time teaching assistant for a human development and family studies class at N.C. State. She also has worked with Dr. Karen DeBord, professor and child development specialist in the Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences, on a grant-sponsored program aimed at youth school success and workforce preparedness among youth in Wake and Brunswick counties.
DeBord recently announced a new graduate certificate in program development for family life education, which Jones will help administer next year. The 12-hour graduate certificate includes three required courses and one elective course. The certificate program is designed for those with an interest in developing family life education programs, DeBord said, and is also a good way to get a taste for graduate school.
- Natalie Hampton