Meet Regena Brown
Regena Brown ’99, director of retention and graduation, first joined Niner Nation as an undergraduate student. After earning a master’s degree in higher education administration, she returned to the University. During the last 15 years, Brown has worked in multiple student affairs and academic affairs offices and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership. Learn more about her Charlotte journey and what she enjoys doing in her free time.
What initially drew you to study psychology as an undergraduate?
Like many people, I considered myself a “people person,” and thought the major would be a good fit. After taking my first industrial-organizational psychology course, I discovered a pathway I didn’t know existed. I absolutely loved the courses, and the faculty were very engaging. Kim Buch was my faculty advisor and taught my senior seminar (now called senior capstone). She brought discipline to life.
What inspired you to return to UNC Charlotte and serve in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions?
When I lived in the Triad area, I was heavily involved in the local alumni association chapter, eventually becoming the chair. I loved organizing events that brought alumni and prospective students together. After speaking with administrators about their career paths, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in higher education administration. During my final semester, I had an unexpected encounter with Craig Fulton, the former director of undergraduate admissions who recruited me to attend the University for my bachelor’s degree. At the end of the conversation, Craig recruited me to work in undergraduate admissions.
What’s one book that’s had a lasting impact on you, and why?
I recently finished reading “She Memes Well” by Quinta Brunson. A quote from the book that has impacted me is, “The way you speak to yourself matters the most.” In a course I am teaching this semester, we have had multiple discussions about mindset. Our mindset is largely shaped by what we say to ourselves. I have started to closely monitor random thoughts like “I am so tired” because simply saying that, if it’s not true, it will become true. I will unconsciously give myself permission to respond to my tiredness when I could have needed to walk after sitting in front of my computer for hours.
If you could time travel to your days as an undergraduate, what advice would you give yourself?
Study abroad, Regena! I was a very involved and engaged student. However, I did not plan ahead to include studying abroad. Given the global society that we live in, I believe that it is far more important than most students realize to experience visiting or living in another country.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve written recently, whether it’s personal or professional?
I am currently a doctoral student in the educational leadership program, and I am preparing to defend my proposal. Therefore, I have been extensively researching student success and student self-efficacy for chapters one and two of my dissertation.
If you had a free day to spend however you like, what would your perfect day look like from start to finish?
My perfect day includes spending time with family and friends, enjoying coffee, savoring good food, taking my dog for a walk, engaging with students and colleagues, reading or listening to an audiobook and going to bed early.