"Making a good life is more important than making a good living."
-Dean N. Y. Gulley

Despite growing up in very humble conditions and with parents who did not have bachelors degrees or push me into a college education, I did have a legacy from prior generations that allowed me to see a future well-beyond my childhood. Dr. Needham Yancey Gulley (1855-1945) was my great-grandfather, for whom I am named. He was, among other things, the founder of the law school at Wake Forest College (University) and served as Dean and faculty for more than 40 years. The statement above is one of his philosophies I share and it informs much of what I do, personally and professionally.

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Needham Yancey
Gulley

Yancey (he/him/his) is an associate professor and program director in the higher education student affairs program at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. As an educator, activist, writer, and friend, he works to center the voices and experiences of those from non-dominant communities and to foster critical thought and action for social justice.

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Areas of Professional Practice

As a higher education professional and faculty member, my practice is traditionally divided into three areas: teaching, scholarship, and service. Below are links to more information about each of these areas. 
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Teaching

My teaching ranges the spectrum of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral courses, as well as significant guest lecturing across multiple institutions.

Scholarship

My scholarship is rooted in explorations of non-dominant populations in higher education and diversity of institutional type.

Service

My service engagements are across all levels of the institution, as well commitments to professional organizations and community partners.