My name is Chris Mauk. I graduated from UNCP as a NC Teaching Fellow with my degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching since. I have experience teaching in 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade, and have taught in both Richmond and Scotland Counties. I am currently a 3rd grade math and science teacher at Washington Street School in Richmond County. In addition to being a public school teacher, my wife and I are blessed and honored to serve as Student/Young Adult pastors at Lighthouse Nation in Laurinburg, NC.

North Carolina Teaching Fellow-Graduated in 2008

BA in History: SSE and MSA, 13 both from UNCP

Doctorate in Educational Leadership: Ed. Administration from UNCW (Defended in September, graduate on December 16)

I am currently serving my 15th year in education, all in the Public Schools of Robeson County.  I served as an HS History teacher at South Robeson High for 4 years, 4 fours as assistant principal at Purnell Swett High, principal at Pembroke Middle for 6 years, and in my first year as principal at PSRC Early College High School.

I have been married for 15 years and have three daughters.  Ellarey is 14, Kamdyn is 4, and McKinley is 2.

My name is Elizabeth High, and I am the Dean of Student Learning and Innovation at Southeastern Community College. I attended Campbell University as an undergraduate and NC State University as a graduate student where I obtained my Master of Arts degree in English. I began my career in higher education at Southeastern Community College as an English instructor in the late 1990s. Since then, in addition to teaching, I have held several administrative roles including Academic Skills Lab Coordinator, Division Chair, and now Dean. 

In my role as Dean, I provide oversight for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in Teacher Preparation. I am passionate about "grow-your-own-teachers," residency licensure, and Teaching Fellows programs that will help our state recruit and retain quality teachers for our children. I am thrilled to be involved in the partnerships that are being built between community colleges such as SCC and senior institutions like UNC-P to facilitate this vital work. 

As both a North Carolina Teaching Fellow (ASU, ‘95) and a UNCP alumnus (‘08), I am honored to serve on the committee and deeply appreciate the opportunities that both the program and UNCP bring to our region. I began my career in education as a teacher and coach in Richmond County Schools in 1997 and remained there until 2008 when an opportunity to pursue administration became available in Scotland County Schools. After 15 years of administrative experience as an assistant principal, interim athletic director, and principal I transitioned to district leadership in March 2023 as the district’s Transportation Director. My wife – also a North Carolina Teaching Fellow (Meredith, ‘99) and an educator in Scotland County Schools – call Laurinburg home.