Education
- Ph.D. 2017 – Old Dominion University, Education Leadership – Higher Education
- M.A. 2010 – The George Washington University, Human Resource Development
- B.S. 2006 – Christopher Newport University, Business Management
Areas of Expertise
- Adult Learning
- Equity
- Higher Education Administration & Leadership
- Human Resource Development
- Organizational Theory
- Postsecondary Student Success
- Qualitative Research
Background
Dr. Tiffany Wiggins is a scholar-practitioner whose career has been rooted in advancing equity and belonging in higher education and the workplace. She began her career supporting college student success and leadership development, which sparked her enduring interest in organizational culture, mentorship, and the experiences of historically marginalized communities — particularly Black women. With over a decade of experience across student affairs, academic affairs, and educational consulting, Dr. Wiggins brings a deeply interdisciplinary approach to her work. Her research and teaching explore themes of identity, wellness, and community, grounded in a commitment to cultivating inclusive learning environments and transformative leadership practices. Prior to joining the faculty at UNC, Dr. Wiggins served as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration at North Carolina Central University, Senior Program Success Manager at Mentor Collective, Director of Student Success in the College of Education at North Carolina State University, and Assistant Director of Student Transition & Family Programs at Old Dominion University. Through both her academic and consulting roles, she remains passionate about bridging theory and practice to reimagine systems that truly support all learners.
Research
Dr. Tiffany Wiggins’s research centers on the lived experiences and dynamic identities of marginalized communities in academic and professional settings. Her work explores how mentorship, organizational culture, and wellness intersect with identity, leadership, and belonging — particularly for those navigating systems not designed with them in mind. Using primarily qualitative methods, Dr. Wiggins conducts research in academic institutions, organizations, and community-based contexts to examine how individuals build supportive networks and thrive in complex environments. Her recent work includes the conceptual development of mentorship ecosystems and villaging as a framework for communal care and collective success, especially among Black women. She is also interested in translating research into practice through consulting, coaching, curriculum design, and public scholarship.