Audrey Martin-McCoy joined the SERVE Center as a Specialist for State Projects in January 2021 and began work as Interim Associate Director for Federal Partnerships in the spring of 2023. She works with the Federal Programs Office for the NC Department of Public Instruction and also on various initiatives in the Region 6 Comprehensive Center (RC6) focusing on creating positive outcomes for students and schools. Her background involves directing educational programs and innovative projects and she remains steadfast in serving and supporting educators. She began her professional career as a high school social studies teacher and has nearly 25 years in the field of education. In her previous role as Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment at Mars Hill University, she helped lead decennial accreditation reaffirmation efforts and corrected non-compliance issues identified by the regional accrediting agency. Audrey’s previous professional experience also includes work with Wake County Public School System, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and the Office of the North Carolina State Board of Education.

Audrey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a Master of Education in Adult and Community College Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research and Policy Analysis, both earned from North Carolina State University.

Audrey recognizes the transformational impact of education particularly for those from historically underrepresented and underserved populations. She seeks to investigate factors contributing to academic success and connections to program and policy implementation. Audrey believes this study will better inform practice and help unravel and remove structural obstacles that impede achievement for all students. She has served in multiple liaison roles promoting diplomacy and collaborative decision-making to foster positive relationships with diverse stakeholders. She sincerely enjoys bringing people together to share ideas and create new pathways to solve problems.

Audrey is married to Jonathan McCoy, a fellow educator and Director of the Center of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and instructor of history at Mars Hill University.