Julie Carballo

Julie Carballo is the founding director of Cardinal First, North Central's program for the almost 40% of NC students who are first-generation college students (defined as neither parent having a four-year degree).

She also spearheads programming for military-affiliated students (student veterans and ROTC cadets).  From 2021-2023, she provided leadership for the launch of the College's Transfer Student Center and related initiatives.  One-third of all NC sophomores, juniors and seniors found their home here as transfer students.

Julie's passion is being an advocate and an ally for students along their journey to a college degree. 

Since 2018, she's served on the Advocacy Group for NASPA's Center for First-generation Student Success Advocacy Group and currently serves as an Expert Facilitator  mentoring for other institutions committed to advancing outcomes for, and improving experience of, first-generation students at their institution.

Originally from Davenport, Iowa, she earned her undergraduate degree from Loras College with majors in education and special education; Julie began her career teaching and coaching at the high school level.  She went on to earn graduate degrees in School Administration and Transitional Programming for Adolescents with Disabilities.

Prior to her current role, Julie was a faculty member in the Department of Education for 17 years where she designed and taught all courses related to teaching students with disabilities and she spearheaded the implementation of the special education minor (LBS endorsement) at North Central.

• Teaching Children with Special Learning Needs in the General Education Classroom (EDN330)
• Characteristics of Students with High Incidence Disabilities (EDN430)
• Methods of Teaching Students with High Incidence Disabilities (EDN432)
• Psychological Diagnosis & Assessment (EDN434)
• Teaching Methods for Students with Disabilities (EDN436).