The Adult Learner Lab transforms research into actionable insights that strengthen policies, practices and systems serving adult learners. Our briefs, publications and tools are co‑created with practitioners, ensuring that every deliverable reflects real campus contexts, lived experiences, and the practical realities of implementation. Through rigorous research methods and collaborative design, the ALL produces evidence that leaders can use to drive meaningful, scalable improvement for adult learners.

2026

• VanZoest, E. R., King, J. T., & Newhouse, K. N. S. (2026). “It’s Just Not in the Cards”: Barriers Hindering Re-Enrollment Among Adult Learners. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 1–7.
  https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2026.2701181
• Lubera, A., Deal, S.A., Jaeger, Audrey J., Nichols, H. (Working Paper). “Be Great in 8” Impact of Compressed Courses on Academic Outcomes. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, N.C.
• VanZoest, E. R., King, J., Harry, D. T., Deal, S., Lewis-Sessoms, M., Burris, K., Spencer, N. & Jaeger, A. J. (2026). Adult Learner Guidebook: A Guide to Recruiting and Supporting Adult Learners in Community Colleges (3rd ed.). Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, NC.
• VanZoest, E. & Deal, S. A. (2026). Supporting Community College Students in Workforce Development and Continuing Education Programs. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, NC.

2025

• VanZoest, E. R., Deal, S.A., Loss, J., & Jaeger, A. J. (2025). North Carolina Reconnect: A Four Year Review. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, NC
• Wisely, J. (2025). From Sacrifice to Success: Supporting Military Spouses in Higher Education Transitions. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Raleigh, NC.

2024

• VanZoest, E.R., Harry, D.T., Lewis-Sessoms, M., King, J., & Jaeger, A.J. (2024). Faculty perspectives guide for adult learner success: How faculty support adult learners in North Carolina community colleges. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• Burris, K., & VanZoest, E.R. (2024). Innovative Advising Techniques: How NC Reconnect colleges meet the advising needs of adult learners. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• Call, J.R. & Harry, D.T. (2024). The power of partnerships in NC Reconnect colleges. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• VanZoest, E.R., Jaeger, A.J., & Coello, S. (2024). NC Reconnect Kickoff Events: How NC Reconnect college leaders kickstart their adult learner efforts. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.

2023

• VanZoest, E.R., Harry, D.T., Lewis-Sessoms, M., Jaeger, A.J., & Thomas, E. (2023). Adult Learner Guidebook: A Guide to Recruit and Retain Adult Learners at North Carolina Community Colleges. (2nd Ed.). Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• Thomas, E. & Jaeger, A.J. (2023). Getting Strategic About Investing: How NC Reconnect Colleges Used Funding to Maximize Re-Engagement Efforts, Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• Thomas, E. & Jaeger, A.J. (2023). Incorporating NC Reconnect: Enhancing NC Reconnect Efforts Brief, Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• Thomas, E. & Jaeger, A.J. (2023). Launching NC Reconnect: Five Key Leadership Decisions to Consider.Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• Thomas, E. & Jaeger, A.J. (2023). Recruiting Adult Learners through NC Reconnect. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.
• VanZoest E.R., Harry D.T., & Breeden, R.L. (2023). Equity in Action: Reconnecting Adult Learners to Community Colleges in North Carolina. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.

2021

• Nichols, H.N. & Barger, R. (2021). Policy Brief Series: Adult Learners. Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, Raleigh, NC.

Supplemental Artifacts

• Sustaining Momentum to Support Adult Learners in North Carolina Discussion Guide