Marsha Boyd Pharr

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR TRIO Programs
CONTACT INFO

Marsha Boyd Pharr has provided supervision for the Talent Search Program since its inception in 1992 and began providing leadership and supervision for the Upward Bound Program in 1998. A native North Carolinian, Ms. Pharr has dedicated her entire career to serving students in this state. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of Education as a Consultant for the NC Department of Public Instruction, Career Counselor at North Carolina Central University and currently as the Director of TRIO Programs at NC State University. She is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Masters of Education Degree from North Carolina State University. The philosophy of TRIO—providing equal access to higher education—is a passion which sustains her career path.

Roshaunda Breeden

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR TRIO TALENT SEARCH
CONTACT INFO

Roshaunda Breeden earned her Masters of Education in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia and two Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Africana Studies from NC State University. She has previous work experience in advising, diversity programming, and admissions at NC State University, North Carolina Central University, and Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She is excited to serve the Talent Search program to help increase the number of low-income and first-generation students that attend college. She is married to her college sweetheart and spends her free time reading, watching documentaries on Netflix, and taking Zumba classes. Her favorite quote is ““Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Ms. Breeden serves Wendell Middle School and East Wake High School. 

TALENT SEARCH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
CONTACT INFO

La’Toya Reed is a native of North Carolina and a graduate of Saint Augustine’s College. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration. A TRIO-SSS Alumna, Mrs. Reed has spent 6 years working with the Saint Augustine’s University Talent Search and Student Support Services programs, and is dedicated to supporting equal access to a quality education here at NC State. Ms. Reed serves Zebulon Middle School, Knightdale High School, and all non-target schools.

TALENT SEARCH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
CONTACT INFO

Frances De Los Santos graduated from NC State University with her Bachelor’s in Women’s and Gender Studies. Prior to working at TRIO, she was an NC State College Adviser where got her first taste of work in college access. Ms. De Los Santos is a first-generation citizen and college graduate, and is passionate about serving the Talent Search program to help students achieve their goals. She enjoys attending free yoga classes, binge watching shows on Netflix, and is a lover of pizza and The Office. Ms. De Los Santos serves Selma Middle School, Smithfield Middle School, Smithfield Selma High School, and North Johnston High School.

Julie Freeman

BUSINESS OFFICER
CONTACT INFO

Julie Freeman is a native of New York City and received a B.S. Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Saint Augustine’s College. She has served the NC State University community for over 16 years. During her tenure at the university she joined the Division of Student Affairs in 1995 with the Upward Bound Program. As the Assistant to the Director of TRIO Programs, she provides leadership with the clerical staff as well as budget and database management for the office. Her proficiency in the use of the most popular TRIO Student Database System has afforded the opportunity to serve as a trainer and consultant for TRIO Programs nationally. Ms. Freeman also serves the community at large as a substance abuse counselor and group facilitator with the NC Behavioral Health Services.