Dr. Anne Aichele serves as NCWU’s Director of the COMPASS Center and Assistant Professor of Education. In this role, she oversees the COMPASS Center — Career & Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success and leads key initiatives including the First-Year Experience program, academic support services, and intervention strategies aimed at improving student retention and degree completion for traditional undergraduates.

Dr. Aichele brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and K–12 student affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education from George Mason University, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from NC State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College.

Before joining NCWU, Dr. Aichele served as Head of Student Leadership and Engagement at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, where she led orientation programs, advised student government, and managed over 35 student organizations. She previously directed the Office of Student Leadership and Learning at Marymount University, where she developed first-year curricula and led leadership development and assessment initiatives. Her earlier roles include supporting students with disabilities and teaching academic success courses at NC State.

Known for her inclusive approach, data-informed strategies, and passion for holistic student development, Dr. Aichele is dedicated to empowering students and fostering a culture of success.

Dr. Anne Aichele serves as NCWU’s Director of the COMPASS Center and Assistant Professor of Education. In this role, she oversees the COMPASS Center — Career & Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success and leads key initiatives including the First-Year Experience program, academic support services, and intervention strategies aimed at improving student retention and degree completion for traditional undergraduates.

Dr. Aichele brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and K–12 student affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education from George Mason University, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from NC State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College.

Before joining NCWU, Dr. Aichele served as Head of Student Leadership and Engagement at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, where she led orientation programs, advised student government, and managed over 35 student organizations. She previously directed the Office of Student Leadership and Learning at Marymount University, where she developed first-year curricula and led leadership development and assessment initiatives. Her earlier roles include supporting students with disabilities and teaching academic success courses at NC State.

Known for her inclusive approach, data-informed strategies, and passion for holistic student development, Dr. Aichele is dedicated to empowering students and fostering a culture of success.