The Pivot: U’Ronda Higgs helps students succeed on their path through the Gillings School

1. What’s your role in public health?

I’m an assistant director for academic advising at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. In my role, I lead a dedicated team of advisors who support students throughout their academic journeys while fostering a culture of well-being and balance. I also work as an academic coordinator, which allows me to help undergraduate and graduate students navigate their time in Gillings.

One of the things that I’m very passionate about is wellness, because my background is in mental health counseling and disability services. So, I try to incorporate aspects of wellness support into all interactions with students. My role is to guide, advocate and affirm each student’s place in their program, ensuring they know they belong here, and we’re glad they’re here.

Coming to Gillings is honestly, literally one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career.

2. Can you describe your focus area in one sentence?

I focus on nurturing future public health leaders by providing compassionate advising and promoting wellness practices that sustain both personal and professional growth.

When you’re talking about wellness, that could be physical wellness, that could be mental health, that could be diet. My area of focus is a little bit of all those things. If a student comes to me, and I notice, for example, a food insecurity issue or a financial issue, those are mental health issues as well. Students coming to me are all navigating personal challenges, all of which are connected to mental health and have the potential to deteriorate mental health if they fester. So, my goal is to connect students to resources that help them address their challenges at the forefront.

3. What brought you to public health?

I was drawn to public health when I realized that supporting students goes beyond guiding educational paths or shaping careers; it’s about nurturing whole, healthy individuals. I found my purpose in serving as the bridge between education, support and wellness.

I began my career working with K–12 students and transitioned into counseling within the non-profit sector. From there, I moved into the field of transitional educational services for students with disabilities. This role allowed me to advocate for clients and coordinate the support services they would need as they prepared to attend college in different regions. I worked closely with colleges to make sure each student had the necessary accommodations and resources in place.

When I came to North Carolina from New York, I worked at Barton College and then at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at N.C. State University. One day, a friend of mine, Johnston King, gave me a call and told me about an open position at Gillings. He told me it would be a place where I can do what I love in a way I need to do it. And he was right, exactly right. Coming to Gillings is honestly, literally one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career.

I didn’t understand public health until I got here. I didn’t understand the intersectionality of everything that I’d been doing prior to working in a formal school of public health. I didn’t know that public health was making sure that my students who had disabilities had access to certain levels of education or the ability to navigate a campus without different hurdles. I didn’t understand that the advocacy part was also a form of public health. It wasn’t until I got here that I was able to connect the dots while talking to students and faculty. It made me realize, “Wait a minute; I’ve been doing this all along.”

4. Can you describe a time where you have pivoted in your public health career?

During my time at N.C. State, I realized students needed me for more than just academic planning and guidance. They needed someone to advocate for their well-being, too. That’s when I leaned into wellness work and helped with initiatives that centered holistic student support. It was a pivot from traditional advising to being more intentional about care and creating safe spaces for students to be their full selves. I incorporate those same practices into my work here at Gillings.

All of the things I’ve been doing professionally up to this point have equipped me to be here. I’ve been able to find the next version of myself, without abandoning what matters.

It’s almost like the solution to a math problem!

5. Who are you when you’re at home?

I am a connector. I’m a problem solver. A lot of what you see here, within Gillings, reflects who I am outside of here, too. I am the go-to person for a lot of things, and I’m honored about that, because I come from a big family. To have individuals that I looked up to through the years, now contacting me for advice about things and helping them navigate situations, is an honor that I don’t take lightly.

At home, I am Elizabeth’s mom, a wife, daughter and trusted friend. I am the source of laughter and peace for many. I am a writer, storyteller and listener.

I live for the magic of live music, plays, laughter and meaningful moments with the people I love. Whether I’m exploring new places, dancing at a concert, or gathering with family and friends, I cherish every chance to make memories. Each day is about connecting, finding joy and honoring the stories that make us who we are. One of my greatest passions is preserving those memories, digging into my family’s history and finding creative ways to document our journey. You realize that life isn’t just about what you achieve but who you do it with and what you leave behind.