Geleana D. Alston

Geleana D. Alston serves as Inaugural Associate Dean for Research and Community Engagement and Professor in the Department of Leadership Studies and Adult Education at North Carolina A&T State University's College of Education. Her leadership integrates academic research with community partnerships to advance educational equity.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Adult, Professional, and Community Education from Texas State University (2014)
• M.S. in Adult Education from North Carolina A&T State University (2010)
• B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science from East Carolina University (2005)

Dr. Alston's research examines sociocultural dynamics of women, minorities, and disenfranchised groups in adult learning through feminist and equity-focused lenses. Her work explores cross-cultural mentoring, civic engagement, and political efficacy among Black adults, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and reduced inequalities. She employs grounded theory methodologies to analyze power structures in educational settings.

Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals concentrated focus on mentoring frameworks in adult education, literacy development in marginalized communities, and agricultural leadership training. These works consistently address intersectional identity factors and systemic barriers in learning environments.

Dr. Alston has secured over $13 million in research funding as principal investigator or evaluator from federal agencies, the UNC System, and corporate foundations. She serves as Co-Editor in Chief for New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education and has held editorial roles since 2016, including Associate Editor and Editorial Review Board Member for major journals in the field.