From SCC to ECU and back again, Nobles returns as new psychology instructor

Southeastern Community College welcomed Dr. Matthew Nobles as a new psychology instructor for the fall 2026 semester. A Tabor City native and SCC alumnus, Nobles returned to the college where his higher education journey began. His appointment marked a full-circle moment as he transitioned from student and ambassador to instructor. Nobles’ experiences as an SCC student inspired him to return and give back to the college community. 

“I chose to work at SCC to not only give back to the community that prepared me for my future, but to genuinely help support the aspirations of all students who I have the opportunity to teach,” Nobles said. 

Nobles earned an associate of arts degree from SCC in 2018 before continuing his education at East Carolina University. He completed a bachelor of arts degree in 2020, followed by a master of arts in industrial and organizational psychology in 2023. He completed his doctorate in occupational health psychology from ECU in 2026. Prior to joining SCC, Nobles worked as a graduate instructor from 2024-25 and a graduate research instructor from 2023-25 at ECU. 

At SCC, Nobles teaches General Psychology and Developmental Psychology. He explained that General Psychology introduces students to psychology as a science, while Developmental Psychology examines the biological, psychological and social factors that influence human development throughout life. 

A typical day for Nobles includes collaborating with colleagues, assisting students and preparing engaging classroom experiences. He said he enjoys creating lessons that encourage students to actively participate in the learning process. 

“My favorite part of the job so far is getting to work on improving the learning experience for all my students by creatively designing interactive and fun material,” Nobles said. 

Nobles said he became an instructor because he wanted to improve the learning experience for future students. His teaching philosophy centers on active participation and encouraging students to engage with course content in meaningful ways. 

“I became an instructor to improve the learning experience for future students in ways that I wish I was taught,” Nobles explained. “I strive to add learning activities which challenge students to get up and actively contribute to their learning experience in every lesson I have the pleasure of teaching.” 

Before joining SCC’s faculty, Nobles built connections with the college as both a student and an ambassador from 2016-18. He said those experiences helped shape his educational and professional goals while providing encouragement from instructors who challenged him to succeed. 

As an instructor, Nobles hopes to increase student engagement while helping students recognize the relevance of psychology in their daily lives. 

“I hope to improve student engagement in psychology classes to demonstrate both the importance and enjoyment of psychology as a subject,” Nobles said. “Additionally, I hope that I can impact the lives of my students the same way my SCC instructors did for me by not only teaching me but encouraging me to strive for excellence even outside of the classroom.” 

Nobles’ interest in psychology began during high school and grew into a passion for understanding human behavior and relationships. He said studying psychology provided answers to questions about how people think, interact and develop throughout their lives. 

Outside of work, Nobles enjoys traveling, trying new foods and exploring the outdoors with his wife, Kaycei Pait Nobles, and their dog, Touka. He is a member of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 

As he begins his first semester at SCC, Nobles is looking forward to helping students discover the value of psychology while creating engaging learning experiences that support their academic success.