A Message From Our New Director, Dr. Lorraine Taylor

I am delighted to be the new Director of the Center for Family and Community Engagement (CFACE), a position that affords me the opportunity to serve families and communities across the state of North Carolina and to connect with faculty, students and staff here at NC State. 

As a university research center, CFACE has a rich history of connecting with families and communities in an effort to promote health and well-being. Much of the Center’s work has focused on child welfare and the child welfare system, providing professional training and support across North Carolina. As we move forward, CFACE will continue this work and will explore new topics as we build new interdisciplinary partnerships. Our mission is building safe, healthy, and productive families and communities together. Together starts with connecting, so please reach out and become part of the CFACE team.

Although I’m new to the Wolfpack, I’m no stranger to family and community engagement. Beginning my academic journey as a Psychology major and Political Science minor, I discovered my interest in understanding how some children thrive despite various family, community and social “risk factors.” Continuing to earn my Master’s and PhD at the University of Virginia in Developmental Psychology, I was introduced to Ecological Systems Theory (EST), which described the individual and social systems that impact children and families. The EST framework continues to guide my research and engagement activities and allows for me to focus on the strengths that allow challenges to be overcome and full potential to be met. 

I look forward to applying this research and engagement experience to the Center as the new director. I’m excited to see how our Center grows and thrives as we enter a new chapter. 

Warm regards, 
Lorraine

Email: lctaylo3@ncsu.edu