About Us
Our State Staff
This text briefly introduces your values to your visitors and tells them what sets you apart from the competition.
Nancye Gai
State Director, Access to Achievement
Nancye previously served as the System Office’s IDD Pilot Project Coordinator. Prior to accepting that role, she was the Assistant State Director for Title II, College and Career Readiness. Before joining the System Office staff in 2011, Nancye founded and served as President of the national nonprofit literacy organization Motheread, Inc. which provided curriculum and training for school systems, community colleges, social service, and nonprofit educational agencies across the country and overseas. Her innovation in developing programs and systems has been recognized on the state and national levels, culminating in her being awarded the National Humanities Medal. Although officially retired in late 2021, Nancye’s commitment to serving marginalized students led her to accept the role of IDD Special Project Coordinator the following year. Nancye holds an undergraduate degree in English from Duke university and a master’s degree in Reading Education from UNC-Greensboro. She has completed advanced coursework in adult education and serving students with developmental disabilities.
Vickie Vinson
Associate Director, Professional Development and Implementation
Vickie previously served as Adult Basic Education Coordinator at Catawba Valley Community College, where she transitioned the compensatory education program into a vocationally focused program known as the ABE Academy. In 2022, Ms. Vinson was asked to take on the role as Lead Pilot College Coordinator for the IDD Training Program Pilot. In 2024, when that Pilot grew into the Access to Achievement initiative, Ms. Vinson joined the NC Community College System Office staff to assume her current role. Prior to her employment at CVCC, Mrs. Vinson was employed at the Alexander County Partnership for Children where she served as the Family Support Specialist and later on, the Childcare Resource and Referral Coordinator. She also has many years of experience in the medical field in both administrative and numerous clerical roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and resides in Taylorsville, NC.
Lindsay Tipton, Associate Director of Pathways and Partnerships
Associate Director, Pathways and Partnerships
Before serving in her current role, Lindsay worked as the Director of Career Pathways for the Title II Program at the System Office. Her prior experience included directing YouthBuild, a federally funded grant program at Central Carolina Community College as well as working with individuals with disabilities in a variety of capacities. She eagerly joined the Access to Achievement team as a way to combine her passions and experiences to better the opportunities for students with IDD across North Carolina. Lindsay holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY and a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from Appalachian State University. In her spare time, she enjoys adventures with her husband and 3 children, cooking or just curling up with a good book.
Ariel O’Quinn, Administrative Assistant
Administrative Professional
Ariel began in her current role in May of this year. Before joining the NC Community College System Office, she worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of College & Career Readiness at Catawba Valley Community College. Ariel holds an associate’s degree in business administration from Catawba Valley Community College. As someone with a developmental disability, she is glad to contribute to a program that supports individuals with learning challenges.