Carolyn Worley '17
Administrative Assistant to the Student Center Director
Students at CU go to Carolyn Worley for help with their student ID, when they want to join or start an organization on campus, if they need to hang a poster or flyer, or even if they just need a listening ear. Carolyn says she wants to make a student’s college experience the best years of their lives. Carolyn has worked on campus since 2004, and in her time here as an employee of several different departments and as a student, she has gained valuable knowledge of the university that makes her an important resource for students. “Each position has allowed me to develop a new set of skills,” Carolyn says. “I enjoy learning and pushing to be the best version of myself.” In 2017, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Concord and this year, she will graduate with her Masters of Health Promotion.
Staff
Allen Smith '05
Senior Admissions Counselor
A former Concord University graduate, Allen Smith works to bring new students to CU. Allen spends a lot of time on the road visiting high schools and attending college fairs. When he is on campus, Allen is organizing campus visitations and helping families navigate the enrollment process. From scholarships and financial aid, to finding the right program of study, Allen and all our admission counselors are here for prospective CU students.
“Concord feels like home.”
Staff
Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator
When Dr. Pendergast was finishing her Ph.D. in Social Work Education at the University of South Carolina, she dreamed of teaching at a school like Concord. “I have wanted to live in the mountains for as long as I can remember,” she says. In 2007, she accepted a tenure-track position at CU and has found a home here. “The campus community is welcoming and accepting,” she says. Before completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Pendergast was a practicing social worker, valuable experience she shares with her students. “When I speak with students about social work, I explain that this is the best job and worst job you can have,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to see how people can change their lives, and it can be discouraging when these changes do not come.” Dr. Pendergast is dedicated to preparing her students for the realities they’ll face after graduation, and says she enjoys “being a small part of their journey.”
Faculty