Student Advisor, Scholarship Founder, Mother and Graduate Student

relentless graduate student is demonstrating what it truly means to soar higher.

Kiera Alston is in the final stretch of her graduate journey, looking ahead to commencement in May 2024. Alston is not just a graduate student, she is a devoted mother, student advocate and an innovator bringing positive change to graduate studies.

Born in Covington, Tennessee, Alston's undergraduate journey began at the University of Tennessee, where she double majored in psychology and child and family studies. After earning a master’s degree in general psychology at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Alston wants to practice psychology in a school or clinical environment and pursue a doctorate.

As the president of the Graduate Student Association (GSA), Alston dedicates herself to promoting the organization, recruiting students and advocating for the rights and needs of graduate students.

For one semester starting in May 2023, Alston was the only member of the GSA. She recruited two other officers and led a revision of the bylaws, so every graduate student automatically became a member of the organization.

Alston also works as an admissions specialist in the department of Graduate Studies, supporting new applicants as they embark on their graduate journey.

At the start of her graduate studies, she ran into daycare provider issues for her 8-year-old son, especially having no family in North Carolina. For this reason, Alston created the Single Parent Scholarship, supporting graduate students who balance being a single parent with their

Scholarship, which provides need-based financial assistance for graduate students.

Balancing being a student, employee and a parent, Alston relies on faith, daily meditation and a well-structured schedule. She spends a minimum of two hours each day on her thesis research, emphasizing progression over perfection.

Alston’s resilience and commitment to her various roles are grounded in the belief that it takes a village to achieve anything worthwhile. She advocates for seeking help when needed, emphasizing the importance of personal time for oneself.

Reflecting on her experience at NCCU, Alston expresses gratitude for the unique support she's found in the HBCU community. Having graduated from a predominantly white institution, the level of care and support she receives at NCCU is unparalleled. During a sudden illness while at an out-of-state conference, Alston was overwhelmed by the genuine concern shown by her professors both during and after treatment.

As she approaches graduation, Alston's journey stands as a testament to resilience, community support and the transformative power of education

’BY NICOLE HODGES

Kiera Alston created the SINGLE PARENT SCHOLARSHIP , supporting graduate students who balance being a single parent with their studies. She also started the EAGLE UPLIFT SCHOLARSHIP , which provides need-based financial assistance for graduate students.