Charlotte Whitehead is graduating from Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement with a Bachelor of Science in human resources administration and talent development.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s in instructional design and technology at Mercer while continuing my professional work in higher education, where I’m expanding my impact in faculty development, inclusive course design and technology-enhanced learning.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor was Dr. Jacqueline S. Stephen because she modeled exactly what effective teaching looks like. As a nontraditional student, I appreciated how she respected my professional experience while still challenging me academically. She consistently connected theory to real-world applications, making the learning immediately relevant to my professional work. What stood out most was her intentional course design; everything had a clear purpose. I found myself learning just as much from how she structured the course as from the content itself. She really influenced how I think about teaching and instructional design, and that’s something I carry into my work every day.
What is one of your favorite Mercer memories?
One of my favorite Mercer memories was presenting at the Association for Talent Development Atlanta Conference and Exposition alongside Dr. Stephen and my fellow student, Chantia Daniels. It was a full-circle moment, taking what we learned in the classroom and sharing it with industry professionals. As a nontraditional student, that experience was especially meaningful because it reinforced that I belonged in both academic and professional spaces. It also strengthened my confidence as a presenter and collaborator. Being able to contribute to a professional conference alongside such strong colleagues was both affirming and energizing. That experience really captured what my Mercer journey has been about: growth, connection and applying what I’ve learned in real-world settings.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes were Dr. Stephen’s instructional design courses (HRAD 365 and HRAD 375) because they brought everything together for me. What made them stand out was their intentional design. We weren’t just learning about frameworks like ADDIE and Universal Design for Learning; we were actively applying them to real-world projects. I could immediately connect the coursework to my professional role, which made the learning feel both practical and impactful. I also found myself paying close attention to how she structured the courses with clear objectives, meaningful assignments and engaging discussions. As someone who works in faculty development, I was learning just as much from her teaching approach as I was from the content itself. They were classes where you could see your growth in real time, and it really shaped how I approach teaching and instructional design in my own work.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is simple: don’t wait until you feel ready — start anyway. There will be moments when you’re juggling work, life and school and wondering, “What did I sign up for?” (Trust me, we’ve all had that moment.) But lean into it; that’s where the growth happens. Connect what you’re learning to your real life whenever you can. It makes everything click faster and makes those late-night assignments feel a little more worth it. Also, ask questions. Speak up. Your voice matters — yes, even if you’re the one double-checking the syllabus for the third time just to be sure. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Progress over perfection — because some weeks “done” is the real win. Stay consistent, stay curious and remember — you belong here. Now go ahead and act like it.
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