Student Spotlight: Dawn Graham
Reared in a Wolfpack family in Mt Airy, North Carolina, Dawn Graham grew up in Winston-Salem. Her mother received three degrees from NC State and her son has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. She will graduate from NC State in May 2022 with a Master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management. A firm believer in lifelong learning with a passion for education and teaching, Graham wants to help families learn together.
Education Was the Natural Choice
“I come from a line of educators,” explains Graham. ” My mother is also a teacher and retired from Wake County Public Schools. My daughter-in-law is also a teacher in Wake County. The greatest resource we have in NC is our children and I’m proud to be part of a family that has dedicated their lives to educating the children in our state.”
Most recently a coordinator and educator for the academically and intellectually gifted students program at Wake County Public Schools, Graham provided differentiation for identified students in math and language arts in grades 6-8 at two middle schools. She also assisted faculty with adding enrichment to their lessons for gifted students.
“I applied for the PRTSM program at NC State because I want to combine my experience in education with community resources such as museums, historical sites, zoos, aquariums, parks and other other recreational sites,” explains Graham. “I’d like to manage and direct educational programs for the whole family and communities at large.”
Praise for Professors in Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management
“In the PRTSM program, I am learning how all the different parts of a program fit together to best serve the participants. I have learned so much from the wonderful professors in the program. Dr. Lee and Dr. Vukomanovic are especially knowledgeable in their field. I have also had tremendous assistance from Dr. Seekamp and Dr. Knollenberg,” says Graham. “They each provided me with resources and guidance for research even though I was not in their classes. Some of the hidden treasures at NC State include support staff. Erin Adair is the master of everything I have ever needed. She is quick with a solution for whatever a student may need. I could not do this without her expert assistance.”
Graham earned her undergraduate degree in education, focused on middle grades with disciplines in English and history at High Point University (HPU). After graduating from HPU, she pursued National Board certification as well as certification to mentor new teachers and to teach academically and intellectually gifted students. She has also taught in Johnston and Stokes county public schools.
Upon graduation, Graham will also have graduate certificates in Leadership and Volunteer Management from NC State’s program for Youth, Family, and Community Sciences and Sport and Entertainment Venue Management from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management.