Our Mission
To build pathways for adult learners to earn high-quality, workforce-aligned degrees and credentials from North Carolina’s public universities.
Our Vision
To make North Carolina’s public universities the top choice for adult learners and to amplify the UNC System’s role as a national leader in higher education innovation, access, and student success.
The Challenge
North Carolina aspires to a future where 2 million adults earn a degree or high-quality credential by 2030, a milestone essential for the state’s long-term economic prosperity and competitiveness. Yet today, more than 1 million working adults hold some college credit but no degree.
Many had to pause their education when life intervened and now seek a flexible learning environment designed for their unique needs. At the same time, universities, traditionally built to serve younger students, require specialized tools, technology, and sustained support to effectively build and scale programs for this vital demographic.
Recognizing these intertwined challenges—from time and financial pressures for learners to infrastructure needs for institutions—the UNC System set out to create a statewide solution.
A Bold Vision
In 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly made a bold investment, establishing Project Kitty Hawk as a non-profit affiliate of the UNC System.
This new model empowers universities to expand access and reach more adult learners without navigating the complexities alone. We partner directly with UNC System institutions, providing comprehensive, end-to-end services that include strategic marketing, instructional design, robust technology, and dedicated student support.
Through this collaborative approach, universities can confidently scale high-quality, flexible, and workforce-aligned online programs—paving the way toward North Carolina’s 2 million by 2030 goal.
BIO
Andrew leads the overall strategic vision of the organization. Before joining Project Kitty Hawk, Andrew was the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Policy at the UNC System Office where he oversaw the implementation of the system’s strategic plan. Andrew has also served as a resident scholar in education policy studies and was the founding director of the Center on Higher Education Reform at the American Enterprise Institute, AEI. Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College, and he holds a master’s degree and PhD in political science from the University of California, Berkeley.
BIO
Raé leads the company’s financial strategy and regulatory compliance, ensuring sustainability and alignment with its mission. With more than 25 years of executive finance experience, she has guided both established enterprises and start-ups through innovative and transformative growth. Her career includes leadership roles across global corporations, nonprofits, private enterprises, and multiple City Treasurer appointments nationwide. Raé holds a Bachelor’s in Public Administration and Finance from St. Cloud State University and an MBA from Capella University.
BIO
Anna ensures PKH’s university partners are set up to grow enrollment of working adults through continual collaboration. Previously, Anna served in multiple positions within the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and was also a faculty member at Wake Technical Community College. Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hamilton College, and an MBA from Harvard University.
BIO
Chris leads PKH’s enterprise-wide technology strategy, aligning digital capabilities with the mission to expand higher education access for adult learners. He previously served as PKH’s Vice President of Operations, building the core teams and processes that supported the launch of online programs across multiple UNC institutions. Prior to PKH, Chris held senior leadership roles at Southern New Hampshire University, the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and in Massachusetts state government. He holds a doctorate in education from Southern New Hampshire University, a master’s in public administration from Suffolk University, and a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University.
BIO
Katie leads business development and data analytics for PKH, helping the organization maximize impact and improve outcomes. Katie began her career as a middle school English teacher before moving into the policy space where she focused on education finance as a researcher at Georgetown University. Prior to joining PKH, Katie spent five years as a management consultant specializing in higher education transformation and financial sustainability. Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in education from UNLV, and a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.
