Leaders show up where they are most needed. And Dr. Mark McCallum is no exception.

McCallum currently serves as Director of Academic Initiatives and Professor of Biology at Pfeiffer, where he has taught for 30 years and is the University’s longest serving full-time faculty member. From his early days at Pfeiffer to now, he has offered students solid instruction, sound advice, and an unwavering commitment to their success. In doing so, he has earned their respect and that of his colleagues.

Not one to limit his gifts and knowledge to Pfeiffer, McCallum will serve as the 2024–2025 President of the North Carolina Academy of Science’s (NCAS) Board of Directors. His involvement with NCAS spans more than a decade, including previous service as a junior board member and President-Elect in 2023–2024 as he prepared to step into his role as Board President. He has also served as Managing Editor of the Journal of the North Carolina Academy of Science since 2016. The journal features research conducted primarily in the state of North Carolina. McCallum will serve as Managing Editor through 2025.

He believes deeply in the work of the NCAS, which seeks “to encourage the advancement of science within the state of North Carolina by promotion of scientific research and by the fostering of education in the sciences.”  NCAS is a unique membership organization with three branches, or Academies. The organization serves young scientists in grades 6–12 through its Student Academy; college students through its Collegiate Academy; and career scientists and practitioners through its Senior Academy.

McCallum believes NCAS brings something to the state of North Carolina that no other organization offers. Not only does it serve a wide age span, NCAS also brings together all types of scientists – physical, biological, chemical, and more. Unlike other membership organizations, NCAS is not limited by a focus on one area of science. The organization also convenes scientists representing institutions of higher education of all sizes, from large public institutions like East Carolina University to smaller universities like Pfeiffer.

As President, McCallum’s role will be to lead the Board in setting the organization’s priorities and direction for the academic year ahead. Its key goals are to elevate the NCAS organizational profile via a stronger social media presence and to increase its fundraising levels to offer more research grants for undergraduate and graduate students. McCallum often works with colleagues to find innovative ways for the NCAS Board to partner with Pfeiffer, and he has recently been doing so to help address the organization’s social media presence goal. For example, Dr. Susan Luck’s spring and summer capstone course—MBA 799: Strategic Management and Leadership—is helping McCallum evaluate the NCAS website and improve its social media impact, as well as helping NCAS find partners to help advance its mission and goals.

Prioritizing student research through NCAS is also especially close to McCallum’s heart. Since Fall 2001, he has worked closely with Pfeiffer’s students through the University’s Milton Rose Scholars Program. The program offers rigorous and thoughtful research opportunities, and McCallum guides and mentors students as they lead research on topics of interest. He and his colleagues support Milton Rose Scholars in presenting their research at conferences. Similarly, McCallum finds great value in supporting NCAS student research opportunities and works with fellow NCAS board members to increase the number and level of research grants benefiting college students at all member institutions.

McCallum describes his NCAS involvement as a good experience, one that allows him to interact with the North Carolina scientific community in a meaningful way. He notes, “I especially appreciate that NCAS provides a place for young scientists to present to the scientific community in a way that is highly supportive and encouraging, and less intense and intimidating than first experiences can be.”

McCallum says that NCAS provides fertile ground that encourages young people to pursue research. Students are able to work with seasoned scientists, who are role models like McCallum, and see firsthand what’s happening elsewhere. Many Pfeiffer students have also participated in the Collegiate Academy’s experience on career planning for college students in the sciences.

McCallum also enjoys serving NCAS with fellow Pfeiffer colleague Dr. Laura Reichenberg, who is President-Elect of the Board for 2024–2025.

“Dr. McCallum is a passionate NCAS member and encouraged me to join in 2016,” says Reichenberg, as she reflects on his leadership. She adds, “Since then, I have had the privilege of serving alongside him in various roles, observing his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the organization. As President, his initiatives to enhance the organization’s brand and fundraising are poised to drive NCAS toward a more successful future.”