North Carolina Central University’s motto, “Truth and Service," and Soaring to New Height’s "in action" extend far beyond the classroom and campus. That commitment to service is reflected in the NCCU Eagles who are lending their leadership, professional expertise, and voices to the Durham County Department of Social Services (DSS) Board.
The Board includes four leaders with strong connections to NCCU: Commissioner Stephen Valentine (faculty), Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman (faculty), Dione Moore (faculty), and Jacqueline Beatty-Smith (alumni). Together, their service represents the important connection between the University and the Durham community.
A Shared Commitment to Durham
The Durham County Department of Social Services partners with federal, state, and local entities to provide and promote access to quality services for Durham residents. Its mission emphasizes protecting vulnerable populations, preserving dignity, fostering independence, and cultivating a safe and empowered community.
These principles closely align with the values of social work and NCCU’s longstanding commitment to preparing professionals who lead, advocate, and serve their communities.
Meet the Eagles at the Table
Commissioner Stephen Valentine: Public Service and Legal Leadership
Commissioner Stephen Valentine, director of the Veterans Law Clinic and supervising attorney at the NCCU School of Law, contributes a legal, civic, and public-service perspective to the DSS Board.
His leadership demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of addressing community needs. Many of the challenges confronting individuals and families involve the intersection of social services, public policy, legal systems, economic stability, and access to community resources.
Valentine’s service reflects the value of bringing multiple professional perspectives to the table when making decisions that affect Durham residents.
Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman: Social Work Leadership and Community Advocacy
Monique Holsey-Hyman, Ed.D., M.S.W., LCSW-R, LCAS-A, CSWM, associate professor in NCCU’s Department of Social Work, has been reappointed to the Durham County Department of Social Services Board and serves as vice chair.
Holsey-Hyman brings extensive experience in social work education, clinical practice, student success, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement to her Board service. Her work reflects a commitment to strengthening systems that support children, families, and communities while ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to resources and opportunities.
Her continued service also provides an important connection between social work education and the real-world systems and policies that influence the lives of Durham residents.
Dione Moore: Connecting Social Work Education and Practice
Dione Moore, director of field education and clinical lecturer in NCCU’s Department of Social Work, brings an important social work education and field practice perspective to the DSS Board.
Through her leadership in field education, Moore helps prepare B.S.W. and M.S.W. students to translate classroom knowledge into professional social work practice. Her experience building relationships among students, community agencies, field instructors, and social service organizations provides a valuable perspective on workforce development and the preparation of future social workers.
Her Board service demonstrates how social work education, community partnerships, and public service can work together to strengthen the human services workforce.
Jacqueline Beatty-Smith: An Eagle Continuing the Tradition of Service
Jacqueline Beatty-Smith, an NCCU alumna, represents another important connection between the university and the Durham County DSS Board.
Her service demonstrates that being an Eagle extends beyond graduation. NCCU alumni continue to contribute their experience, leadership, and commitment to organizations and communities throughout Durham and beyond.
Beatty-Smith’s involvement on the DSS Board reinforces the important role community members and alumni can play in supporting systems designed to promote the safety, dignity, independence, and well-being of residents.
Eagles Leading Beyond the Nest
Having Eagles at the table matters. The representation of NCCU faculty, professional leaders, and alumni on the Durham County DSS Board demonstrates how universities and communities can remain connected through service. Each leader brings a different professional perspective, but they share a commitment to strengthening Durham and supporting its residents.
Their service also provides an example for NCCU students preparing to enter social work, law, public service, education, and other professions. Leadership does not occur only through a professional title or position. It also occurs when individuals choose to bring their knowledge and experience into spaces where policies are shaped, community needs are discussed, and decisions affecting people’s lives are made.
For NCCU, this is Soaring to New Heights: Truth and Service in Action.
Through the service of Commissioner Stephen Valentine, Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman, Dione Moore, and Jacqueline Beatty-Smith, Eagles have a seat at the table, and they are using that seat to help strengthen the Durham community.
