Whitley is a fourth year doctoral student in the Higher Education program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina Central University. Whitley has been a higher education professional for over five years. She has been a clinical mental health counselor and substance use counselor for over seven years. She identifies as a Black Feminist Researcher and her current research interests include exploring racial trauma within college and universities using critical methodologies. In addition, she brings an intersectional framework to the work she does within higher education settings. She has expertise in the areas of mental health, substance misuse, and racial trauma within college communities. In addition she owns a private practice in Durham, NC and is currently providing telehealth therapy. Other important identities: #oldestchild #realitytvexpert #aries pronouns, she/her/hers