In the spring semester of 2022, Dr. Rebecca Burry and Dr. Kimberly Nava Eggett became the first doctoral candidates to complete a co-dissertation entitled, “Leveraging Instructional Technology and Asset-Based Pedagogy for Equitable Representation in Technology Opportunities”.
“In the spirit of continued collaboration, we use our podcasting platform to talk about our journey, where we are individually headed while nurturing our passion work, and how we can continue to learn from one another,” shared Nava Eggett.
Recently, they both began new jobs: Burry as an instructional designer and technologist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and Nava Eggett as the director of the Center for Diversity Education at University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA).
Burry manages instructional innovation projects, namely adaptive learning projects, from initiation through design, development, and implementation.
“I collaborate with faculty and other instructional staff through the development of content, curriculum structure, and instructional technique,” Burry added.
In her position as the director of the Center for Diversity Education, Nava Eggett is charged with providing inclusive educational resources and programming to area K-12 districts and the greater community through UNCA and community partnerships.
Impacting Education in Their Communities
Burry and Nava Eggett are impacting education in their communities.
Dr. Rebecca Burry celebrating her new position at UNCC. Photo submitted.
“Over the past year, I worked with educational leaders from across the state of North Carolina to update the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan for the state to address how to integrate technology in the K-12 environment and identify resources needed to carry out the plan,” shared Burry.
“At UNC Charlotte I am able to share my knowledge and expertise in integrating technology and instructional design,” she added.
Dr. Kimberly Nava Eggett in her office at UNCA. Photo submitted.
As director of the Center for Diversity Education, Nava Eggett hopes to reestablish K-12 and community partnerships as well as be a hub for diversity and inclusion resources for her area.
“With my background in racial equity work as well as a K-5 educator and instructional technology facilitator, I hope to provide timely and meaningful resources for our area schools and community,” shared Nava Eggett.
“The more our students and community can learn about our local history, historically marginalized voices, their own identity, and the diverse cultures that exist around them, the more we can start a conversation that can move toward equitable action,” she noted.
Educational Journey
Both Burry and Nava Eggett are two-time Appalachian State university graduates.
Burry earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Arts in instructional technology and an Ed.D. in educational leadership with a concentration in instructional technology from App State.
Burry is very grateful for all of the learning and support that she received at App State. “I am the leader I am today due to the experience and knowledge I gained throughout my graduate and doctoral programs. I am forever a proud Mountaineer!”
Nava Eggett earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and licensure in elementary education and Spanish education from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, during which she was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. She earned her Master of Arts in instructional technology, a graduate certificate in instructional technology leadership, and Ed.D. in educational leadership with a concentration in instructional technology from App State.
In 2022, Nava Eggett received the North Carolina Technology in Education Society Impact Award, which recognizes a significant positive impact on technology use in the applicant's educational community.
Rebecca Burry and Kimberly Nava Eggett
