n.c. A&T
spring 2019
Aggies sweep
MeAC trACk
And Field
first class | insight and inspiration | town & gown | the power of “do”
N.C. A&T Magazine
Board of TrusTees Chairman
Timothy O. King ’76
ChanCellor
Harold L. Martin Sr. ’74
Chief of sTaff
Erin Hill Hart (Interim)
assoCiaTe ViCe ChanCellor
for uniVersiTy relaTions
Todd H. Simmons
ediTor
Sandra M. Brown
ProduCTion
Donna M. W. Gibbs, Graphic Design
Village Printing, Printing Services
WriTers
Tonya D. Dixon ’04
Brian M. Holloway ’97
Jordan M. Howse
James R. Stewart Jr. ’08
PhoToGraPhers
Natalie “Naee” Anderson ’18
Ezekiel K. Best/Best Perspectives
Kevin L. Dorsey (Cover; Athletics)
Chris English/Tigermoth Creative
David Hardy (Back Cover)
Erin Mizzelle (Athletics)
N.C. A&T Magazine is published biannually by
the Office of University Relations for alumni
and friends of the university.
A ggies All editorial correspondence should be directed
to the editor at the address/email below.
ediTorial offiCes
N.C. A&T Magazine
Office of University Relations
1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411
Phone: 336-256-0863
Email: smbrown@ncat.edu
Postage Paid at Greensboro, NC
PosTmasTer
Send address changes to:
Advancement Services
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
(N.C.A&T) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools Commission on Colleges. | N.C. A&T does not
discriminate against any person on the basis of age, color,
Spring 2019 biology graduate disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin,
samira roBerTs is recognized race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any
for her commission as a second other basis protected by law. | N.C. A&T is an AA/EEO and ADA
lieutenant in the United States Army. compliant institution.
N.C. A&T Magazine
Board of TrusTees Chairman
Timothy O. King ’76
ChanCellor
Harold L. Martin Sr. ’74
Chief of sTaff
Erin Hill Hart (Interim)
assoCiaTe ViCe ChanCellor
for uniVersiTy relaTions
Todd H. Simmons
ediTor
Sandra M. Brown
ProduCTion
Donna M. W. Gibbs, Graphic Design
Village Printing, Printing Services
WriTers
Tonya D. Dixon ’04
Brian M. Holloway ’97
Jordan M. Howse
James R. Stewart Jr. ’08
PhoToGraPhers
Natalie “Naee” Anderson ’18
Ezekiel K. Best/Best Perspectives
Kevin L. Dorsey (Cover; Athletics)
Chris English/Tigermoth Creative
David Hardy (Back Cover)
Erin Mizzelle (Athletics)
N.C. A&T Magazine is published biannually by
the Office of University Relations for alumni
and friends of the university.
A ggies All editorial correspondence should be directed
to the editor at the address/email below.
ediTorial offiCes
N.C. A&T Magazine
Office of University Relations
1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411
Phone: 336-256-0863
Email: smbrown@ncat.edu
Postage Paid at Greensboro, NC
PosTmasTer
Send address changes to:
Advancement Services
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
(N.C.A&T) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools Commission on Colleges. | N.C. A&T does not
discriminate against any person on the basis of age, color,
Spring 2019 biology graduate disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin,
samira roBerTs is recognized race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any
for her commission as a second other basis protected by law. | N.C. A&T is an AA/EEO and ADA
lieutenant in the United States Army. compliant institution.
table of contents
n.c. A&T
magazine
Features 21
firsT Class
First Class 21
Class of 1899 marks 120 years
Spiritual Expression 34
Fellowship Gospel Choir celebrates 50 years
Insight and Inspiration 36
Personal and professional goals the emphasis
of 2018-19 Chancellor’s Town Hall and
Speaker Series
40
Town & Gown 40
University and community celebrate the arts ToWn & GoWn
36 The Power of “DO” 44
Capital campaign allows the university to
do more good for more people
Alumnus follows his passion to teach
insiGhT and insPiraTion Home Grown 54
underserved youth and families in North Carolina
departments
Campus Highlights 4 In Memoriam 59 COVER: N.C. A&T senior student-athlete Kayla WhiTe. On Feb. 8,
White finished the indoor 200 meters sprint at the Tyson Invitational
Athletics 24 People Behind the Scholarships 60 in 22.82 seconds, making her the indoor 200m fastest woman in the
world. In May, her time of 10.96 won the MEAC outdoor 100m moved
Alumni Notes 56 her to no. 1 in the nation and the fifth fastest time ever recorded for a
collegiate athlete. 44
The PoWer of “do”
2 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 3
table of contents
n.c. A&T
magazine
Features 21
firsT Class
First Class 21
Class of 1899 marks 120 years
Spiritual Expression 34
Fellowship Gospel Choir celebrates 50 years
Insight and Inspiration 36
Personal and professional goals the emphasis
of 2018-19 Chancellor’s Town Hall and
Speaker Series
40
Town & Gown 40
University and community celebrate the arts ToWn & GoWn
36 The Power of “DO” 44
Capital campaign allows the university to
do more good for more people
Alumnus follows his passion to teach
insiGhT and insPiraTion Home Grown 54
underserved youth and families in North Carolina
departments
Campus Highlights 4 In Memoriam 59 COVER: N.C. A&T senior student-athlete Kayla WhiTe. On Feb. 8,
White finished the indoor 200 meters sprint at the Tyson Invitational
Athletics 24 People Behind the Scholarships 60 in 22.82 seconds, making her the indoor 200m fastest woman in the
world. In May, her time of 10.96 won the MEAC outdoor 100m moved
Alumni Notes 56 her to no. 1 in the nation and the fifth fastest time ever recorded for a
collegiate athlete. 44
The PoWer of “do”
2 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 3
caMpUs highlights
partnerships resUlt in caMpUs pantry
making news to coMbat hUnger and food insecUrity
The Office of Student Development, N.C. A&T Student
Government Association and several other campus entities
also worked together to establish the university’s first-ever
campus food and personal care item pantry for students—
The Aggie Source, which officially opened Feb. 5.
N.C. A&T PArTiCiPATes iN UNC sysTem
“One of the most important parts of our agenda was to
Donor-aDviseD FunD Program make sure every student on our campus had access to
all material needs. The creation of The Aggie Source was
exactly what we envisioned,” said Delaney Vandergrift,
2018-19 SGA president.
Through a new University “It is important for us north carolina agricUltUral and technical
of North Carolina System to offer our alumni and state University is the first historically The Aggie Source is mission-focused to support students,
partnership with TIAA constituents flexibility black college or University to offer a by alleviating the stress associated with short-term food
Charitable, North Carolina and innovative programs leading-edge, branded donor-advised fund insecurity and other financial constraints, through the
Agricultural and Technical to meet their charitable (daf) program to alumni and friends. collection and distribution of food and personal care items.
State University is the first giving needs,” said
historically black college Kenneth Sigmon, vice Primarily instituted, facilitated and run by students, the
or university to offer a chancellor for university All growth is tax-free, of the donor-advised pantry operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2–6 p.m.,
leading-edge, branded advancement. “The which may allow for larger fund. Each university has and is available to all currently registered students who
donor-advised fund (DAF) TIAA fund will provide gifts over time. In addition, unique needs, and this is N.C. A&T Miss Senior 2018-19 and Food Lion MVP can apply via an online application.
program to alumni additional opportunities all contributions may be one more way to enhance Ambassador, Nicole Gregory inside The Aggie Source.
and friends. beyond traditional means eligible for an immediate giving opportunities for The food and nutritional science student’s royal court “The pantry serves as another opportunity to assist
through various tax benefit. Further, our supporters.” campaign, “Feed the Future,” ignited a drive within her students with food and personal care items,” said Arturo
With this partnership, secure options.” when donors contribute and the university. M. Cummings, Ph.D., associate director for student
cash, securities and other long-term appreciated Currently, three other development. “The Aggie Source is not just a source
highly appreciated assets A donor-advised fund securities or real estate, UNC System universities for food, but [is also] a vehicle to engage, educate and
may be placed into the works like a personal fund no capital gains taxes are participating in the Food insecurity on college campuses is becoming more empower our students, campus and community.”
Aggie Charitable Giving dedicated to charitable are applied and the full initiative: East Carolina and more prevalent, so last fall North Carolina A&T
Fund (ACGF). Donors giving. In lieu of writing fair market value of University, North Carolina joined forces with Food Lion Feeds and North Carolina The self-sustainable pantry accepts shelf stable food
may elect to make an multiple checks to the securities could be State University and Campus Compact for a “Collegiate Challenge” to address donations such as canned fruits and meats, prepackaged
immediate gift to North individual charities, donors available for giving. the University of North hunger and food insecurity in the local East Greensboro meals, cup of noodles, peanut butter and jelly, breads
Carolina A&T and other have the option to place Carolina at Pembroke. community and throughout the state. and other non-perishable as well as personal care items.
charities or to invest assets into one giving “Our donors are interested The fund program is Monetary donations are also accepted.
for additional tax-free fund while maintaining in donor-advised funds open to all of the UNC The university used the challenge as a kickoff to The
growth. Philanthropists distribution discretion to help them fulfill their System institutions. Aggie Source, a student-run campus food pantry that The Aggie Source is located at 205 Nocho Street, suite
may remain anonymous into a wide range of philanthropic goals,” said now serves the campus. 115. Additional information can be obtained by emailing
and/or establish a investment options, Timothy A. Minor, vice TIAA Charitable is an aggiesource@ncat.edu or by calling 336-285-4453.
systematic way to including a suite of funds president for university independent public Organizers launched the challenge on Sept. 26,
support the causes that explicitly incorporate advancement for the UNC charity dedicated to disseminating information about the competition as well
they care about. environmental, social and System. “This system-wide encouraging philanthropy as the new food pantry and collecting non-perishable
governance criteria in offering provides access by helping donors items that were donated to a regional food bank. A
their investment that allows each of our make the most of their portion of the kickoff benefited those affected by
decision-making. 17 individual institutions generosity. Hurricane Florence.
to offer its own version
4 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 5
caMpUs highlights
partnerships resUlt in caMpUs pantry
making news to coMbat hUnger and food insecUrity
The Office of Student Development, N.C. A&T Student
Government Association and several other campus entities
also worked together to establish the university’s first-ever
campus food and personal care item pantry for students—
The Aggie Source, which officially opened Feb. 5.
N.C. A&T PArTiCiPATes iN UNC sysTem
“One of the most important parts of our agenda was to
Donor-aDviseD FunD Program make sure every student on our campus had access to
all material needs. The creation of The Aggie Source was
exactly what we envisioned,” said Delaney Vandergrift,
2018-19 SGA president.
Through a new University “It is important for us north carolina agricUltUral and technical
of North Carolina System to offer our alumni and state University is the first historically The Aggie Source is mission-focused to support students,
partnership with TIAA constituents flexibility black college or University to offer a by alleviating the stress associated with short-term food
Charitable, North Carolina and innovative programs leading-edge, branded donor-advised fund insecurity and other financial constraints, through the
Agricultural and Technical to meet their charitable (daf) program to alumni and friends. collection and distribution of food and personal care items.
State University is the first giving needs,” said
historically black college Kenneth Sigmon, vice Primarily instituted, facilitated and run by students, the
or university to offer a chancellor for university All growth is tax-free, of the donor-advised pantry operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2–6 p.m.,
leading-edge, branded advancement. “The which may allow for larger fund. Each university has and is available to all currently registered students who
donor-advised fund (DAF) TIAA fund will provide gifts over time. In addition, unique needs, and this is N.C. A&T Miss Senior 2018-19 and Food Lion MVP can apply via an online application.
program to alumni additional opportunities all contributions may be one more way to enhance Ambassador, Nicole Gregory inside The Aggie Source.
and friends. beyond traditional means eligible for an immediate giving opportunities for The food and nutritional science student’s royal court “The pantry serves as another opportunity to assist
through various tax benefit. Further, our supporters.” campaign, “Feed the Future,” ignited a drive within her students with food and personal care items,” said Arturo
With this partnership, secure options.” when donors contribute and the university. M. Cummings, Ph.D., associate director for student
cash, securities and other long-term appreciated Currently, three other development. “The Aggie Source is not just a source
highly appreciated assets A donor-advised fund securities or real estate, UNC System universities for food, but [is also] a vehicle to engage, educate and
may be placed into the works like a personal fund no capital gains taxes are participating in the Food insecurity on college campuses is becoming more empower our students, campus and community.”
Aggie Charitable Giving dedicated to charitable are applied and the full initiative: East Carolina and more prevalent, so last fall North Carolina A&T
Fund (ACGF). Donors giving. In lieu of writing fair market value of University, North Carolina joined forces with Food Lion Feeds and North Carolina The self-sustainable pantry accepts shelf stable food
may elect to make an multiple checks to the securities could be State University and Campus Compact for a “Collegiate Challenge” to address donations such as canned fruits and meats, prepackaged
immediate gift to North individual charities, donors available for giving. the University of North hunger and food insecurity in the local East Greensboro meals, cup of noodles, peanut butter and jelly, breads
Carolina A&T and other have the option to place Carolina at Pembroke. community and throughout the state. and other non-perishable as well as personal care items.
charities or to invest assets into one giving “Our donors are interested The fund program is Monetary donations are also accepted.
for additional tax-free fund while maintaining in donor-advised funds open to all of the UNC The university used the challenge as a kickoff to The
growth. Philanthropists distribution discretion to help them fulfill their System institutions. Aggie Source, a student-run campus food pantry that The Aggie Source is located at 205 Nocho Street, suite
may remain anonymous into a wide range of philanthropic goals,” said now serves the campus. 115. Additional information can be obtained by emailing
and/or establish a investment options, Timothy A. Minor, vice TIAA Charitable is an aggiesource@ncat.edu or by calling 336-285-4453.
systematic way to including a suite of funds president for university independent public Organizers launched the challenge on Sept. 26,
support the causes that explicitly incorporate advancement for the UNC charity dedicated to disseminating information about the competition as well
they care about. environmental, social and System. “This system-wide encouraging philanthropy as the new food pantry and collecting non-perishable
governance criteria in offering provides access by helping donors items that were donated to a regional food bank. A
their investment that allows each of our make the most of their portion of the kickoff benefited those affected by
decision-making. 17 individual institutions generosity. Hurricane Florence.
to offer its own version
4 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 5
caMpUs highlights
n.C. a&t surpasses unC system’s strategiC plan goals
As part of its ongoing commitment A&T’s own strategic plan was updated A&T also exceeded five-year goals
to preeminence, North Carolina A&T in 2018. “A&T Preeminence: Taking the in achievement gaps in overall degree
has exceeded all of the goals outlined Momentum to 2023” includes multiple efficiency among male students and
in the University of North Carolina targets aligned with the system’s low-income student completion.
System’s strategic plan, including “Higher Expectations” plan, including Other variables measured include
several “stretch goals” that are not five-year graduation rates, diversity “critical workforce,” where the
due until 2021. goals and more. university graduated 844 students
in STEM and nursing disciplines,
“Higher Expectations,” the UNC Like the UNC System, A&T has topped and research productivity, in which
System’s strategic plan for 2017-2022, not only its first-year goal for students A&T faculty generated nearly $64.3
provides a roadmap of priorities for graduating in five years but exceeded million in contracts and grants in
its 17 campuses to focus on access, its five-year goal. fiscal year 2017.
student success, affordability and
efficiency, economic impact and
diversity. N.C. A&T surpassed all
its goals within the plan, including
benchmarks for low-income and
rural enrollments. Nursing School Celebrates 65 Years
Most prominently, A&T had goals to
enroll 4,775 low-income students For 65 years, the School of Nursing has called Noble Hall home.
and 2,299 rural students in 2017-18 In commemoration, the unit held a homecoming celebration
but exceeded its five-year goals by luncheon and $65,000 scholarship fundraiser, “65 Years of Aggie
enrolling 5,152 low-income students Nursing: Improving Lives and Embracing Communities.” The event
Rendering of the Engineering Research and 2,514 rural students. The former took place at Proximity Hotel in Greensboro.
and Innovation Complex at N.C. A&T total exceeded a 2021 goal of 5,048,
and the latter a 2021 goal of 2,422. The celebration provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect
grounD Broken For A&T also beat its first-year goals with one another as well as raise critical dollars for the nursing
program. Included in the festivities were a silent auction,
engineering ComPlex of graduating 943 low-income commemorative photograph and ceremony honoring past and
students and 440 rural students,
with 1,008 low-income students present Aggie nurses.
and 470 rural students.
Last October, the only thing that stood in the way of industry and create job opportunities that directly “Our nurses leave this campus prepared to improve lives and
the start of construction on the Engineering Research benefit the entire community as companies seek to “A&T’s enrollment management impact communities across the world,” said. Terry Ward, Ph.D,
and Innovation Complex (ERIC) at North Carolina A&T meet the global demands of the future. process is strongly focused and director of the School of Nursing and associate dean in the
was the original Hayes-Taylor YMCA. enables us to achieve strategic goals College of Health and Human Sciences. “We are fortunate to have
A&T is already a national leader in engineering around the kinds of students we seek Aggie nurses who make an indelible impact and represent this
At 2 p.m., Oct. 29, university officials and community education, producing more African-American to attract and enroll,” said Provost great university every day in a variety of roles within healthcare.
members gathered to raze the building created in the graduates at the undergraduate and master’s levels and Executive Vice Chancellor for We challenge all nurses to pay it forward.”
late 1930s for African Americans in Greensboro and than any other campus in the country. Academic Affairs Beryl McEwen.
break ground on a catalyst for short- and long-term “Identifying specific goals in areas A portion of the proceeds generated by tickets sales is being used
economic growth and development. Connect NC was the state’s first bond since 2000 of strong importance to our to support the needs of future nursing students including, tuition,
when voters approved a $3.1-billion measure for university, to the UNC System and exam and lab fees and other financial burdens unmet by grants
In the 2016 primary election, North Carolina voters construction on UNC System and community college to the state overall helps us to point and state-sponsored dollars. Alumni and attendees also had the
approved the $2-billion Connect NC bond that campuses. Traditionally, bond referendums are our resources in the right direction option to sponsor a student.
included a $90-million provision for N.C. A&T. financed by tax increases. Connect NC came at a to achieve them. We look forward
The ERIC will deepen the university’s engineering time when the state was experiencing strong revenue to continuing our impressive growth
instruction and research capacities, help the growth and ample debt service capacity. in these and other key areas in the
university foster partnerships with local and regional
next five years and beyond.”
6 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 7
caMpUs highlights
n.C. a&t surpasses unC system’s strategiC plan goals
As part of its ongoing commitment A&T’s own strategic plan was updated A&T also exceeded five-year goals
to preeminence, North Carolina A&T in 2018. “A&T Preeminence: Taking the in achievement gaps in overall degree
has exceeded all of the goals outlined Momentum to 2023” includes multiple efficiency among male students and
in the University of North Carolina targets aligned with the system’s low-income student completion.
System’s strategic plan, including “Higher Expectations” plan, including Other variables measured include
several “stretch goals” that are not five-year graduation rates, diversity “critical workforce,” where the
due until 2021. goals and more. university graduated 844 students
in STEM and nursing disciplines,
“Higher Expectations,” the UNC Like the UNC System, A&T has topped and research productivity, in which
System’s strategic plan for 2017-2022, not only its first-year goal for students A&T faculty generated nearly $64.3
provides a roadmap of priorities for graduating in five years but exceeded million in contracts and grants in
its 17 campuses to focus on access, its five-year goal. fiscal year 2017.
student success, affordability and
efficiency, economic impact and
diversity. N.C. A&T surpassed all
its goals within the plan, including
benchmarks for low-income and
rural enrollments. Nursing School Celebrates 65 Years
Most prominently, A&T had goals to
enroll 4,775 low-income students For 65 years, the School of Nursing has called Noble Hall home.
and 2,299 rural students in 2017-18 In commemoration, the unit held a homecoming celebration
but exceeded its five-year goals by luncheon and $65,000 scholarship fundraiser, “65 Years of Aggie
enrolling 5,152 low-income students Nursing: Improving Lives and Embracing Communities.” The event
Rendering of the Engineering Research and 2,514 rural students. The former took place at Proximity Hotel in Greensboro.
and Innovation Complex at N.C. A&T total exceeded a 2021 goal of 5,048,
and the latter a 2021 goal of 2,422. The celebration provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect
grounD Broken For A&T also beat its first-year goals with one another as well as raise critical dollars for the nursing
program. Included in the festivities were a silent auction,
engineering ComPlex of graduating 943 low-income commemorative photograph and ceremony honoring past and
students and 440 rural students,
with 1,008 low-income students present Aggie nurses.
and 470 rural students.
Last October, the only thing that stood in the way of industry and create job opportunities that directly “Our nurses leave this campus prepared to improve lives and
the start of construction on the Engineering Research benefit the entire community as companies seek to “A&T’s enrollment management impact communities across the world,” said. Terry Ward, Ph.D,
and Innovation Complex (ERIC) at North Carolina A&T meet the global demands of the future. process is strongly focused and director of the School of Nursing and associate dean in the
was the original Hayes-Taylor YMCA. enables us to achieve strategic goals College of Health and Human Sciences. “We are fortunate to have
A&T is already a national leader in engineering around the kinds of students we seek Aggie nurses who make an indelible impact and represent this
At 2 p.m., Oct. 29, university officials and community education, producing more African-American to attract and enroll,” said Provost great university every day in a variety of roles within healthcare.
members gathered to raze the building created in the graduates at the undergraduate and master’s levels and Executive Vice Chancellor for We challenge all nurses to pay it forward.”
late 1930s for African Americans in Greensboro and than any other campus in the country. Academic Affairs Beryl McEwen.
break ground on a catalyst for short- and long-term “Identifying specific goals in areas A portion of the proceeds generated by tickets sales is being used
economic growth and development. Connect NC was the state’s first bond since 2000 of strong importance to our to support the needs of future nursing students including, tuition,
when voters approved a $3.1-billion measure for university, to the UNC System and exam and lab fees and other financial burdens unmet by grants
In the 2016 primary election, North Carolina voters construction on UNC System and community college to the state overall helps us to point and state-sponsored dollars. Alumni and attendees also had the
approved the $2-billion Connect NC bond that campuses. Traditionally, bond referendums are our resources in the right direction option to sponsor a student.
included a $90-million provision for N.C. A&T. financed by tax increases. Connect NC came at a to achieve them. We look forward
The ERIC will deepen the university’s engineering time when the state was experiencing strong revenue to continuing our impressive growth
instruction and research capacities, help the growth and ample debt service capacity. in these and other key areas in the
university foster partnerships with local and regional
next five years and beyond.”
6 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 7
caMpUs highlights
n.C. a&t is nsa ‘featured sChool’
North Carolina A&T The collaboration advance the frontiers of Currently, NSA hires more
has partnered with the between NSA and A&T is this important discipline.” A&T grads than any other
National Security Agency highlighted on NSA.gov, A&T has been a National agency in the intelligence
(NSA) for over 20 years. To IntelligenceCareers.gov Center of Excellence community; nearly 70 A&T
celebrate this partnership, and on social media. (CAE) for eight years, alumni work at the agency.
NSA named N.C. A&T a promoting higher education
Featured School. “We are so excited to be and research in the critical “Academic partnerships
chosen as a Featured area of cyber defense. The are so vital to national
The Featured School School. Partnerships school is also one of 16 security that NSA invests
Series highlights colleges such as this demonstrate colleges and universities more than $100 million
and universities that our commitment to across the country in NSA’s annually in support
help develop the talent improving lives through hiring and recruitment of academic partner
and tools needed to innovations in research Campus Ambassador programs, including
meet national security and discovery,” said Beryl Program, which serves educational grants,
challenges. McEwen, provost and to build and strengthen research and recruitment
executive vice chancellor relationships with select efforts,” said Barnes.
“N.C. A&T contributes for academic affairs at universities. Further, A&T
to the diversity of our A&T. “The university’s hosted two GenCyber NSA aims to introduce a
workforce and provides longstanding commitment Camps in 2018 sponsored new featured school every
degree programs that to computer science by NSA and the National few months, highlighting
are comprehensive, and to cybersecurity has Science Foundation, schools designated as
multidisciplinary and made significant career providing free summer CAE that have a depth and
relevant to our mission,” opportunities available cybersecurity experiences breadth of engagement
Nayriah Johnson, M.S. in Biology, 2019 said George C. Barnes, for so many exceptional for students and teachers with NSA.
deputy director of NSA. students and helped to at the K-12 level.
aWis anD n.C. a&T—
aDvoCaTes For Women in sTem
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS), the leading help them succeed in their mission to achieve full equity
association that advocates for women in STEM, recently and participation of women in all disciplines of STEM. In
formed an institutional partnership with North Carolina A&T. October 2018, AWIS presented a workshop focused on
leadership advancement and strategies for collaborating aggie plUs prograM annoUnced
As an institutional partner, AWIS will collaborate with with industry advocates and allies.
the university’s ADVANCE Institutional Transformation North Carolina A&T and Forsyth Technical To participate, students must earn an associate’s
(IT) project, which is designed to address the systemic “Our goal is to take a holistic approach to help remove the Community College are collaborating on a transfer degree, select transferable courses and consult with
underrepresentation of women within the ranks of higher systemic challenges and barriers that impede women from bridge program to provide Forsyth students a advisors to ensure that they are making progress
education faculty. advancing in their STEM career whether in a classroom, lab, seamless transition to the university. toward their chosen course of study and education
office setting or in the field,” said AWIS CEO Sandy Robert. requirements at A&T. Participants must also maintain
“As an academic and research leader in STEM, N.C. A&T is “We are excited about this partnership with North Carolina The Aggie Plus Program will provide transfer a 2.0 cumulative GPA at Forsyth Tech or better on
committed to the achievement and success of students, as A&T for its commitment to diversity and being the top students targeted advising from an Aggie Plus all transferable coursework and transfer to A&T to
well as faculty,” said Sherrice Allen, Ph.D, project director for producer of African American engineers across all levels.” advisor at Forsyth Tech and N.C. A&T, priority review complete their undergraduate degree.
ADVANCE-IT. “We are excited about this partnership with in the university’s admissions process, an Aggie
AWIS and even more excited to know that our female faculty AWIS is a global network with 80 grassroots chapters and Plus program orientation session at Forsyth Tech at All prospective Aggie Plus participants will need
members in STEM will be exposed to more opportunities affiliates connecting more than 100,000 professionals in the beginning of each fall term and an Aggie Plus to submit the online commitment form and submit
and equitable access throughout the STEM profession.” STEM with members, allies and supporters worldwide. program visit day at A&T during the spring term. proof of admission to Forsyth Tech.
Since its founding in 1971, it has been the leading advocate
Through the partnership, AWIS will provide faculty with for women in STEM to achieve business growth, social
professional development and leadership training to change and innovation.
8 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 9
caMpUs highlights
n.C. a&t is nsa ‘featured sChool’
North Carolina A&T The collaboration advance the frontiers of Currently, NSA hires more
has partnered with the between NSA and A&T is this important discipline.” A&T grads than any other
National Security Agency highlighted on NSA.gov, A&T has been a National agency in the intelligence
(NSA) for over 20 years. To IntelligenceCareers.gov Center of Excellence community; nearly 70 A&T
celebrate this partnership, and on social media. (CAE) for eight years, alumni work at the agency.
NSA named N.C. A&T a promoting higher education
Featured School. “We are so excited to be and research in the critical “Academic partnerships
chosen as a Featured area of cyber defense. The are so vital to national
The Featured School School. Partnerships school is also one of 16 security that NSA invests
Series highlights colleges such as this demonstrate colleges and universities more than $100 million
and universities that our commitment to across the country in NSA’s annually in support
help develop the talent improving lives through hiring and recruitment of academic partner
and tools needed to innovations in research Campus Ambassador programs, including
meet national security and discovery,” said Beryl Program, which serves educational grants,
challenges. McEwen, provost and to build and strengthen research and recruitment
executive vice chancellor relationships with select efforts,” said Barnes.
“N.C. A&T contributes for academic affairs at universities. Further, A&T
to the diversity of our A&T. “The university’s hosted two GenCyber NSA aims to introduce a
workforce and provides longstanding commitment Camps in 2018 sponsored new featured school every
degree programs that to computer science by NSA and the National few months, highlighting
are comprehensive, and to cybersecurity has Science Foundation, schools designated as
multidisciplinary and made significant career providing free summer CAE that have a depth and
relevant to our mission,” opportunities available cybersecurity experiences breadth of engagement
Nayriah Johnson, M.S. in Biology, 2019 said George C. Barnes, for so many exceptional for students and teachers with NSA.
deputy director of NSA. students and helped to at the K-12 level.
aWis anD n.C. a&T—
aDvoCaTes For Women in sTem
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS), the leading help them succeed in their mission to achieve full equity
association that advocates for women in STEM, recently and participation of women in all disciplines of STEM. In
formed an institutional partnership with North Carolina A&T. October 2018, AWIS presented a workshop focused on
leadership advancement and strategies for collaborating aggie plUs prograM annoUnced
As an institutional partner, AWIS will collaborate with with industry advocates and allies.
the university’s ADVANCE Institutional Transformation North Carolina A&T and Forsyth Technical To participate, students must earn an associate’s
(IT) project, which is designed to address the systemic “Our goal is to take a holistic approach to help remove the Community College are collaborating on a transfer degree, select transferable courses and consult with
underrepresentation of women within the ranks of higher systemic challenges and barriers that impede women from bridge program to provide Forsyth students a advisors to ensure that they are making progress
education faculty. advancing in their STEM career whether in a classroom, lab, seamless transition to the university. toward their chosen course of study and education
office setting or in the field,” said AWIS CEO Sandy Robert. requirements at A&T. Participants must also maintain
“As an academic and research leader in STEM, N.C. A&T is “We are excited about this partnership with North Carolina The Aggie Plus Program will provide transfer a 2.0 cumulative GPA at Forsyth Tech or better on
committed to the achievement and success of students, as A&T for its commitment to diversity and being the top students targeted advising from an Aggie Plus all transferable coursework and transfer to A&T to
well as faculty,” said Sherrice Allen, Ph.D, project director for producer of African American engineers across all levels.” advisor at Forsyth Tech and N.C. A&T, priority review complete their undergraduate degree.
ADVANCE-IT. “We are excited about this partnership with in the university’s admissions process, an Aggie
AWIS and even more excited to know that our female faculty AWIS is a global network with 80 grassroots chapters and Plus program orientation session at Forsyth Tech at All prospective Aggie Plus participants will need
members in STEM will be exposed to more opportunities affiliates connecting more than 100,000 professionals in the beginning of each fall term and an Aggie Plus to submit the online commitment form and submit
and equitable access throughout the STEM profession.” STEM with members, allies and supporters worldwide. program visit day at A&T during the spring term. proof of admission to Forsyth Tech.
Since its founding in 1971, it has been the leading advocate
Through the partnership, AWIS will provide faculty with for women in STEM to achieve business growth, social
professional development and leadership training to change and innovation.
8 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 9
caMpUs highlights
“ the opportunities to grow mutually beneficial
relationships between technology concerns and
our colleges and universities are real and rapidly
expanding. ” — CHanCellor Harold l. Martin Sr.
Soon thereafter, Khalifa In 2015, he received the
opened Zaki Oriental Order of the Long Leaf Pine,
Rugs, offering the nation’s one of the most prestigious
largest selection of fine awards presented by the ChanCellor, alumna
handmade rugs. governor of North Carolina,
the BB&T Distinguished ParTiCiPaTe on sxsW Panel
Since then, Khalifa has Citizen of the Year and the
emerged as a generous civic High Point Chamber of
leader and philanthropist Commerce Small Business On March 10, North Carolina A&T college students. Despite being
in North Carolina and his Advocate of the Year. He Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. historically underfunded, HBCUs
native country. He and his was also chosen as one of participated in a panel discussion continue to produce 42 percent
wife, Rashida Wawda, have the top 50 Asian Americans at South by Southwest (SXSW), the of black engineers and 47 percent
supported a free health care in Business in the United internationally recognized annual of black women engineers. That is
clinic for indigent patients States by the Asian presentation of entertainment why the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus
in Burlington, as well as American Business community festivals and technology exists in Congress and it is why the
economic development and Development Center. industry events in Austin, Texas. Bipartisan HBCU Caucus @ SXSW is
opportunity within the city, so important.”
including donating one of his The Human Rights Medal The Bipartisan HBCU Caucus @ those opportunities with the
former business locations for was established to honor SXSW, a four-part panel series, Martin joined Adams along with innovators and creators who make
use by various organizations. the courageous, non-violent brought together members of Lyft Chief Diversity and Inclusion this such a special annual event.”
acts of the A&T Four – Congress, industry giants and Officer Nilka Thomas and VICE The panel discussion was a part of
leaders of historically black colleges
News Washington, D.C., Bureau
khaliFa reCeives In late 2018, Khalifa Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair and universities (HBCUs) for in- Chief Shawna Thomas for the conference’s Tech Industry &
announced he would sell his Jr.), Franklin McCain, Joseph depth conversations examining the “HBCUs: A Key to Tech Diversity.” Enterprise Track and is one of four
human righTs meDal High Point business location McNeil and David Richmond role HBCUs play in building a more Among other topics, panelists panels organized as an outgrowth
with its remaining inventory – who sat down at a local diverse and inclusive tech workforce. discussed the Bipartisan HBCU of the HBCU Bipartisan Caucus
Business leader, and donate the millions Woolworth’s all-white lunch Caucus’s “Partnership Challenge,” Diversity in Tech Summit hosted
humanitarian and long-time in proceeds to a Pakistani counter, igniting a national The day included multiple sessions a landmark initiative that brings by Adams last August at A&T.
High Point, North Carolina, organization in support movement. on diversity in technology fields, together industry, government That event drew more than 200
resident Zaki Khalifa is of programs addressing including a keynote panel featuring and historically black colleges representatives of the tech industry,
the recipient of the 2019 poverty. Further, he would The award is given annually Martin and N.C. A&T alumna, U.S. and universities to craft universal state and national government and
Human Rights Medal, North move to Lahore, Pakistan, by N.C. A&T to recognize Rep. Alma Adams. best practices to recruit and retain HBCU campuses to Greensboro for
Carolina A&T’s highest and spend eight months individuals who have diverse talent in tech. two days of discussions, planning
honor. He received the of the year volunteering endeavored to correct Adams, who is founder and co-chair and networking.
award during the 59th Sit-In as a teacher in the schools social injustice and have of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, said, “With the growth of the technology
Anniversary Breakfast. his business donation will significantly contributed to “HBCUs matter—there is no black sector comes significant needs for The Tech Industry & Enterprise Track
support. The moves are part the betterment of the world. tech without them. My colleagues employees with the high-quality focuses on the forward-thinking
Born, raised and educated of his plan to donate 80 and I are proud to take this message, STEM education necessary for innovation of today and what is
in Pakistan, Khalifa percent of his net worth MacArthur Genius Grant alongside our nation’s top HBCUs, those positions, and that has projected to be trending tomorrow.
immigrated to the United to charity. awardee and national co- to Austin, Texas, during the first-ever strong implications for many of Executives and leaders from diverse
States at the age of chair of the Poor People’s Bipartisan HBCU Caucus @ SXSW. our campuses,” said Martin. “The industries are set to discuss the
30 to explore business Khalifa has also demon- Campaign, Rev. Dr. William opportunities to grow mutually evolving landscape of technology
opportunities. A professor strated a willingness to J. Barber II was the keynote “HBCUs contribute nearly $15 billion beneficial relationships between driven services.
and friend suggested stand against discrimination. speaker at this year’s annually to our economy and have technology concerns and our
High Point’s international He often speaks publicly on commemorative program. provided pathways of opportunity colleges and universities are real and
furniture market would diversity, advocating for to millions of Americans, many rapidly expanding. SXSW is an ideal
be a perfect home for his tolerance, acceptance and of whom are first generation opportunity for dialogue around
planned rug business. assimilation among people
of different cultures.
10 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 11
caMpUs highlights
“ the opportunities to grow mutually beneficial
relationships between technology concerns and
our colleges and universities are real and rapidly
expanding. ” — CHanCellor Harold l. Martin Sr.
Soon thereafter, Khalifa In 2015, he received the
opened Zaki Oriental Order of the Long Leaf Pine,
Rugs, offering the nation’s one of the most prestigious
largest selection of fine awards presented by the ChanCellor, alumna
handmade rugs. governor of North Carolina,
the BB&T Distinguished ParTiCiPaTe on sxsW Panel
Since then, Khalifa has Citizen of the Year and the
emerged as a generous civic High Point Chamber of
leader and philanthropist Commerce Small Business On March 10, North Carolina A&T college students. Despite being
in North Carolina and his Advocate of the Year. He Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. historically underfunded, HBCUs
native country. He and his was also chosen as one of participated in a panel discussion continue to produce 42 percent
wife, Rashida Wawda, have the top 50 Asian Americans at South by Southwest (SXSW), the of black engineers and 47 percent
supported a free health care in Business in the United internationally recognized annual of black women engineers. That is
clinic for indigent patients States by the Asian presentation of entertainment why the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus
in Burlington, as well as American Business community festivals and technology exists in Congress and it is why the
economic development and Development Center. industry events in Austin, Texas. Bipartisan HBCU Caucus @ SXSW is
opportunity within the city, so important.”
including donating one of his The Human Rights Medal The Bipartisan HBCU Caucus @ those opportunities with the
former business locations for was established to honor SXSW, a four-part panel series, Martin joined Adams along with innovators and creators who make
use by various organizations. the courageous, non-violent brought together members of Lyft Chief Diversity and Inclusion this such a special annual event.”
acts of the A&T Four – Congress, industry giants and Officer Nilka Thomas and VICE The panel discussion was a part of
leaders of historically black colleges
News Washington, D.C., Bureau
khaliFa reCeives In late 2018, Khalifa Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair and universities (HBCUs) for in- Chief Shawna Thomas for the conference’s Tech Industry &
announced he would sell his Jr.), Franklin McCain, Joseph depth conversations examining the “HBCUs: A Key to Tech Diversity.” Enterprise Track and is one of four
human righTs meDal High Point business location McNeil and David Richmond role HBCUs play in building a more Among other topics, panelists panels organized as an outgrowth
with its remaining inventory – who sat down at a local diverse and inclusive tech workforce. discussed the Bipartisan HBCU of the HBCU Bipartisan Caucus
Business leader, and donate the millions Woolworth’s all-white lunch Caucus’s “Partnership Challenge,” Diversity in Tech Summit hosted
humanitarian and long-time in proceeds to a Pakistani counter, igniting a national The day included multiple sessions a landmark initiative that brings by Adams last August at A&T.
High Point, North Carolina, organization in support movement. on diversity in technology fields, together industry, government That event drew more than 200
resident Zaki Khalifa is of programs addressing including a keynote panel featuring and historically black colleges representatives of the tech industry,
the recipient of the 2019 poverty. Further, he would The award is given annually Martin and N.C. A&T alumna, U.S. and universities to craft universal state and national government and
Human Rights Medal, North move to Lahore, Pakistan, by N.C. A&T to recognize Rep. Alma Adams. best practices to recruit and retain HBCU campuses to Greensboro for
Carolina A&T’s highest and spend eight months individuals who have diverse talent in tech. two days of discussions, planning
honor. He received the of the year volunteering endeavored to correct Adams, who is founder and co-chair and networking.
award during the 59th Sit-In as a teacher in the schools social injustice and have of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, said, “With the growth of the technology
Anniversary Breakfast. his business donation will significantly contributed to “HBCUs matter—there is no black sector comes significant needs for The Tech Industry & Enterprise Track
support. The moves are part the betterment of the world. tech without them. My colleagues employees with the high-quality focuses on the forward-thinking
Born, raised and educated of his plan to donate 80 and I are proud to take this message, STEM education necessary for innovation of today and what is
in Pakistan, Khalifa percent of his net worth MacArthur Genius Grant alongside our nation’s top HBCUs, those positions, and that has projected to be trending tomorrow.
immigrated to the United to charity. awardee and national co- to Austin, Texas, during the first-ever strong implications for many of Executives and leaders from diverse
States at the age of chair of the Poor People’s Bipartisan HBCU Caucus @ SXSW. our campuses,” said Martin. “The industries are set to discuss the
30 to explore business Khalifa has also demon- Campaign, Rev. Dr. William opportunities to grow mutually evolving landscape of technology
opportunities. A professor strated a willingness to J. Barber II was the keynote “HBCUs contribute nearly $15 billion beneficial relationships between driven services.
and friend suggested stand against discrimination. speaker at this year’s annually to our economy and have technology concerns and our
High Point’s international He often speaks publicly on commemorative program. provided pathways of opportunity colleges and universities are real and
furniture market would diversity, advocating for to millions of Americans, many rapidly expanding. SXSW is an ideal
be a perfect home for his tolerance, acceptance and of whom are first generation opportunity for dialogue around
planned rug business. assimilation among people
of different cultures.
10 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 11
caMpUs highlights
Dunn Kearney
ag hall oF Fame inDuCTs TWo
Two key leaders in North Carolina agriculture Kearney served the USDA for 37 years in the
have been inducted into the Agricultural Hall federal farm housing and rural development
of Fame at North Carolina A&T, based on their programs, working at the local, state and
outstanding contributions to agriculture and national levels. He was also state director for
Student Center Wins Industry Awards their significant ties to the university. rural development and is the recipient of North
Carolina’s highest honor, the Order of the
James Carlton Kearney Sr. of Henderson, and Long Leaf Pine. He has spent 36 years in the
North Carolina A&T’s new Student The 150,000-square-foot Student Project planning began in 2015 when Samuel J. Dunn, Ph.D., of Whitsett, joined the profession.
Center recently won several Center is rated a LEED (Leadership students were surveyed about what 15 Hall of Famers whose activities and research
prestigious awards for its design, in Energy and Environmental Design) they wanted to see in a new student have elevated the College of Agriculture and Dunn, a chairman of the Department of Plant
construction and architecture Silver facility, using innovative center that would make N.C. A&T feel Environmental Sciences (CAES) as a leader in Science and Technology at A&T for more than
from the state’s prestigious trade solutions to support the environment more like home, said Andrew Perkins, agricultural research and outreach. 30 years, oversaw the department’s transition
organizations. and public health in many areas associate vice chancellor for facilities. from a technology-oriented program to a
including energy use and air quality. The ceremony, including dinner and the research-intensive one. He also developed
The North Carolina chapter of the LEED is the most widely used green “We’d heard that students would go unveiling of the new members’ portraits, master’s degrees for the department and laid
American Institute of Architects building rating system in the world. to other campuses because of their was April 5, in the N.C. A&T Student Center the foundation for the university’s accreditation
honored the Student Center, designed student centers, so we wanted to Ballroom. in both the biological engineering and
by Vines Architecture, with the 2019 It features areas for studying, small make sure ours had everything they landscape architecture programs. He has spent
Honor Award for Design; The N.C. and large group meetings, relaxation, needed or wanted,” he said. “It’s an honor for us to recognize these two 43 years in the profession.
Office of State Construction awarded dining options such as Einstein extremely worthy recipients,” said CAES Dean
the project a Certificate of Merit for Bros., Chick-fil-A and 1891 Cafe, Mohamed Ahmedna, Ph.D. “Their exemplary The Agricultural Hall of Fame showcase is
Project Implementation; and the student activity offices, gaming and work sets a high bar for those of us who follow. located in the lobby of B.C. Webb Hall on the
Association of General Contractors recreation areas, as well as the Barnes They are role models, for all they have done for university campus.
awarded Balfour Beatty, project & Noble campus bookstore and North Carolina agriculture and for N.C. A&T.”
contractor, a Certificate of Merit for Starbucks.
Excellence in Construction.
12 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 13
caMpUs highlights
Dunn Kearney
ag hall oF Fame inDuCTs TWo
Two key leaders in North Carolina agriculture Kearney served the USDA for 37 years in the
have been inducted into the Agricultural Hall federal farm housing and rural development
of Fame at North Carolina A&T, based on their programs, working at the local, state and
outstanding contributions to agriculture and national levels. He was also state director for
Student Center Wins Industry Awards their significant ties to the university. rural development and is the recipient of North
Carolina’s highest honor, the Order of the
James Carlton Kearney Sr. of Henderson, and Long Leaf Pine. He has spent 36 years in the
North Carolina A&T’s new Student The 150,000-square-foot Student Project planning began in 2015 when Samuel J. Dunn, Ph.D., of Whitsett, joined the profession.
Center recently won several Center is rated a LEED (Leadership students were surveyed about what 15 Hall of Famers whose activities and research
prestigious awards for its design, in Energy and Environmental Design) they wanted to see in a new student have elevated the College of Agriculture and Dunn, a chairman of the Department of Plant
construction and architecture Silver facility, using innovative center that would make N.C. A&T feel Environmental Sciences (CAES) as a leader in Science and Technology at A&T for more than
from the state’s prestigious trade solutions to support the environment more like home, said Andrew Perkins, agricultural research and outreach. 30 years, oversaw the department’s transition
organizations. and public health in many areas associate vice chancellor for facilities. from a technology-oriented program to a
including energy use and air quality. The ceremony, including dinner and the research-intensive one. He also developed
The North Carolina chapter of the LEED is the most widely used green “We’d heard that students would go unveiling of the new members’ portraits, master’s degrees for the department and laid
American Institute of Architects building rating system in the world. to other campuses because of their was April 5, in the N.C. A&T Student Center the foundation for the university’s accreditation
honored the Student Center, designed student centers, so we wanted to Ballroom. in both the biological engineering and
by Vines Architecture, with the 2019 It features areas for studying, small make sure ours had everything they landscape architecture programs. He has spent
Honor Award for Design; The N.C. and large group meetings, relaxation, needed or wanted,” he said. “It’s an honor for us to recognize these two 43 years in the profession.
Office of State Construction awarded dining options such as Einstein extremely worthy recipients,” said CAES Dean
the project a Certificate of Merit for Bros., Chick-fil-A and 1891 Cafe, Mohamed Ahmedna, Ph.D. “Their exemplary The Agricultural Hall of Fame showcase is
Project Implementation; and the student activity offices, gaming and work sets a high bar for those of us who follow. located in the lobby of B.C. Webb Hall on the
Association of General Contractors recreation areas, as well as the Barnes They are role models, for all they have done for university campus.
awarded Balfour Beatty, project & Noble campus bookstore and North Carolina agriculture and for N.C. A&T.”
contractor, a Certificate of Merit for Starbucks.
Excellence in Construction.
12 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 13
caMpUs highlights
Faculty, staff & administrators
roBin CoGer, Ph.d. (pictured top), is also consistently among the top three
and franCes Ward-Johnson, Ph.d. campuses in production of African-American
’86/’95 (bottom), were among 23 women women engineers.
recently named Triad Business Journal (TBJ) Ward-Johnson, dean of the College of Arts,
Outstanding Women in Business for 2019. Like Humanities and Social Sciences, returned
their business and community leader colleagues, to the university last year and is at the helm
Coger and Ward-Johnson were nominated for of more than 100 faculty and staff who
doing “extraordinary work in the Triad.”
serve more than 1,850 students across six
Coger has been with the university since 2011. departments. Her college has significant
She leads more than 120 faculty and staff who impact on the undergraduate experience at
mohd anWar, Ph.d., associate professor in the serve nearly 2,000 students across 23 academic N.C. A&T, providing the heart of the general
Department of Computer Science, is using Twitter programs. One of few African-American woman education curriculum that all students are
to study the opioid epidemic in the United States. A team of North Carolina A&T researchers led by deans for a college of engineering, Coger is required to complete.
Last fall Anwar began collaborating with RTI solomon BililiGn, Ph.d., principal investigator (pictured chairwoman of the national Council of HBCU
International, an independent nonprofit research left), and marC fiddler, Ph.d., co-principal investigator Engineering Deans and is a board member of Prior to her return, Ward-Johnson worked 15
institute, to study the extent to which social media (right), received a $1 million grant from the National Science For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and years at Elon University in various leadership
data can be harnessed as an indicator of the opioid Foundation (NSF) to study the climate and health impacts Technology, along with Advancing Minorities’ capacities, including faculty fellow in the
epidemic. His research explores the power of social of biomass smoke, combustion emissions and sub-Saharan Interest in Engineering. Office of the Provost. She also co-chaired
media to gauge the progression of the opioid Africa and Saharan dust mixed with biomass smoke. The the Presidential Task Force on Black Student,
crisis in near-real time and to understand how data team will look at the optical properties of biomass smoke as She leads a college that produces more Faculty and Staff Experiences and was a co-
extracted from social media platforms correlate a function of relative humidity and the health implications of African-American engineers than any other leader of study abroad programs to Greece
with ground truths such as drug overdoses. campus across the United States and that and Barbados.
the smoke. The grant is for three years through 2021.
Anwar gathers, mines and scientifically translates Bililign and his team of undergraduate and graduate
public opioid-related Twitter data in North researchers will collaborate with Colorado State University
Carolina, to understand and identify interventional in field research and modeling of health impacts, and with
opportunities. In February, he presented preliminary Howard University to collect filter samples on aboard maritime
results on the content and changing patterns of research platforms on NOAA ships on the Atlantic Ocean. Galen foresman, Ph.d., was named one of the Triad Business
opioid-related conversations occurring in the North Journal’s 40 Under Forty, which recognizes young professionals
Carolina Twitterspace, as well as implications for The overall goals of the project, “HBCU-Excellence in (ages of 21 and 39) for their leadership and achievements within
future research comparing subgroups, using larger Research: Radiative Effects of Biomass Burning Aerosols their organizations as well as have substantial community
samples, and integrating additional social media Laboratory and Field Measurements and Modeling of involvement outside their day-to-day job.
platforms. Climate and Health Impacts,” are to understand the chemical Now in his 11th year at N.C. A&T, Foresman is a tenured professor
composition and optical properties of biomass burning
The research signals that social media platforms aerosols, quantifying and understanding various biomass of philosophy in the Department of Liberal Studies and co-
like Twitter represent alternative indicators of emissions and emission factors to understand their impact director of the Wabash Provost Scholars Program. He has
the evolving opioid crisis and provide nearly on global climate, air quality and human health. received A&T’s Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award for the
omnipresent, timely and readily-ingested data for then College of Arts and Sciences, as well as funding from the Academy for Teaching
research purposes. “Because of this grant’s emphasis on research excellence and Learning and the Center for Distance Learning. He is also a co-author of “The Critical
at HBCUs, this project will directly increase the number of Thinking Toolkit” (Wiley-Blackwell, 2016) and editor of “Supernatural and Philosophy:
Anwar is the first N.C. A&T faculty member to be minority students trained in atmospheric science both in Metaphysics and Monsters ... for Idjits” (Wiley-Blackwell, 2013), part of the Blackwell
selected as an RTI University Scholar. Scholars take field and laboratory research,” said Bililign. Philosophy and Pop Culture Series.
leave from their home institutions to collaborate
with RTI researchers, advancing research in priority The project also will allow A&T faculty and students to be Foresman’s passion for people and his volunteer work include service with the Guilford
areas of national need. Anwar’s cohort includes part of a major field campaign to study wildfire emissions in Green Foundation and the Hands4Hearts Committee, which helps children with
researchers from Duke University, North Carolina collaboration with NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric congenital heart defects. In addition to his volunteer work, Foresman serves as the vice
State University and the University of North Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chairman of the Faculty Senate and coordinator of the pre-law program. He is also a
Carolina at Chapel Hill. and NASA Aerodyne company and other universities. member of Cone Health’s ethics committee.
14 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 15
caMpUs highlights
Faculty, staff & administrators
roBin CoGer, Ph.d. (pictured top), is also consistently among the top three
and franCes Ward-Johnson, Ph.d. campuses in production of African-American
’86/’95 (bottom), were among 23 women women engineers.
recently named Triad Business Journal (TBJ) Ward-Johnson, dean of the College of Arts,
Outstanding Women in Business for 2019. Like Humanities and Social Sciences, returned
their business and community leader colleagues, to the university last year and is at the helm
Coger and Ward-Johnson were nominated for of more than 100 faculty and staff who
doing “extraordinary work in the Triad.”
serve more than 1,850 students across six
Coger has been with the university since 2011. departments. Her college has significant
She leads more than 120 faculty and staff who impact on the undergraduate experience at
mohd anWar, Ph.d., associate professor in the serve nearly 2,000 students across 23 academic N.C. A&T, providing the heart of the general
Department of Computer Science, is using Twitter programs. One of few African-American woman education curriculum that all students are
to study the opioid epidemic in the United States. A team of North Carolina A&T researchers led by deans for a college of engineering, Coger is required to complete.
Last fall Anwar began collaborating with RTI solomon BililiGn, Ph.d., principal investigator (pictured chairwoman of the national Council of HBCU
International, an independent nonprofit research left), and marC fiddler, Ph.d., co-principal investigator Engineering Deans and is a board member of Prior to her return, Ward-Johnson worked 15
institute, to study the extent to which social media (right), received a $1 million grant from the National Science For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and years at Elon University in various leadership
data can be harnessed as an indicator of the opioid Foundation (NSF) to study the climate and health impacts Technology, along with Advancing Minorities’ capacities, including faculty fellow in the
epidemic. His research explores the power of social of biomass smoke, combustion emissions and sub-Saharan Interest in Engineering. Office of the Provost. She also co-chaired
media to gauge the progression of the opioid Africa and Saharan dust mixed with biomass smoke. The the Presidential Task Force on Black Student,
crisis in near-real time and to understand how data team will look at the optical properties of biomass smoke as She leads a college that produces more Faculty and Staff Experiences and was a co-
extracted from social media platforms correlate a function of relative humidity and the health implications of African-American engineers than any other leader of study abroad programs to Greece
with ground truths such as drug overdoses. campus across the United States and that and Barbados.
the smoke. The grant is for three years through 2021.
Anwar gathers, mines and scientifically translates Bililign and his team of undergraduate and graduate
public opioid-related Twitter data in North researchers will collaborate with Colorado State University
Carolina, to understand and identify interventional in field research and modeling of health impacts, and with
opportunities. In February, he presented preliminary Howard University to collect filter samples on aboard maritime
results on the content and changing patterns of research platforms on NOAA ships on the Atlantic Ocean. Galen foresman, Ph.d., was named one of the Triad Business
opioid-related conversations occurring in the North Journal’s 40 Under Forty, which recognizes young professionals
Carolina Twitterspace, as well as implications for The overall goals of the project, “HBCU-Excellence in (ages of 21 and 39) for their leadership and achievements within
future research comparing subgroups, using larger Research: Radiative Effects of Biomass Burning Aerosols their organizations as well as have substantial community
samples, and integrating additional social media Laboratory and Field Measurements and Modeling of involvement outside their day-to-day job.
platforms. Climate and Health Impacts,” are to understand the chemical Now in his 11th year at N.C. A&T, Foresman is a tenured professor
composition and optical properties of biomass burning
The research signals that social media platforms aerosols, quantifying and understanding various biomass of philosophy in the Department of Liberal Studies and co-
like Twitter represent alternative indicators of emissions and emission factors to understand their impact director of the Wabash Provost Scholars Program. He has
the evolving opioid crisis and provide nearly on global climate, air quality and human health. received A&T’s Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award for the
omnipresent, timely and readily-ingested data for then College of Arts and Sciences, as well as funding from the Academy for Teaching
research purposes. “Because of this grant’s emphasis on research excellence and Learning and the Center for Distance Learning. He is also a co-author of “The Critical
at HBCUs, this project will directly increase the number of Thinking Toolkit” (Wiley-Blackwell, 2016) and editor of “Supernatural and Philosophy:
Anwar is the first N.C. A&T faculty member to be minority students trained in atmospheric science both in Metaphysics and Monsters ... for Idjits” (Wiley-Blackwell, 2013), part of the Blackwell
selected as an RTI University Scholar. Scholars take field and laboratory research,” said Bililign. Philosophy and Pop Culture Series.
leave from their home institutions to collaborate
with RTI researchers, advancing research in priority The project also will allow A&T faculty and students to be Foresman’s passion for people and his volunteer work include service with the Guilford
areas of national need. Anwar’s cohort includes part of a major field campaign to study wildfire emissions in Green Foundation and the Hands4Hearts Committee, which helps children with
researchers from Duke University, North Carolina collaboration with NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric congenital heart defects. In addition to his volunteer work, Foresman serves as the vice
State University and the University of North Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chairman of the Faculty Senate and coordinator of the pre-law program. He is also a
Carolina at Chapel Hill. and NASA Aerodyne company and other universities. member of Cone Health’s ethics committee.
14 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 15
caMpUs highlights
lamon laWhorn, assistant director
of bands, organized and composed
music for the commemorative
drumline celebrating American
Honda’s 60th anniversary at the
Faculty, staff & administrators, cont. 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade
in Pasadena, California, on New
Year’s Day. The 60-member HBCU
drumline included members of N.C.
A&T’s Cold Steel drumline, as well
as percussionists from Prairie View
Valerie J. learning. She engages her students In 2007, McMillan was recognized as A&M University, Bethune-Cookman
mCmillan, in a discourse of learning through the Academic Advisor of the Year University, Tennessee State University,
Ph.d., an self-discovery, cooperative activities, by the College of Agriculture and Hampton University, Alabama A&M
associate experiential engagement and Environmental Sciences. In 2011, she University and Miles College.
professor of reflection. received the Outstanding Teacher
family and A faculty member at N.C. A&T since of the Year Award from the College Honda has supported HBCUs for
consumer 2000, McMillan has facilitated and of Agriculture and Environmental nearly 30 years with initiatives
sciences in fostered numerous undergraduate Sciences and the Award for including the Honda Battle of the
the College Excellence in Teaching from the N.C. Bands and the Honda Campus All-Star
of Agriculture and Environmental and graduate students’ successful A&T Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta. Challenge. The 130th Rose Parade,
entry into the early childhood
Sciences, received a University of workforce in careers such as She received the Early Childhood themed “The Melody of Life,” was seen
North Carolina System 2019 Board teachers, center directors, child Champion Award from Guilford Child by more than 45 million viewers.
of Governors (BOG) Award for development specialists and Development in 2017.
Excellence in Teaching, along with extension agents. She develops Each Excellence in Teaching
leading faculty from the other 16 and teaches courses designed awardee receives a commemorative
constituent campuses of the to prepare students to meet the bronze medallion and a $12,500
UNC System.
unique needs of young children cash prize. BOG members present
In her teaching strategies, McMillan and families, regardless of ethnicity, the awards during each campus’s
emphasizes the process rather than culture, language, ability, disability spring commencement ceremony.
the product of teaching and and family structure.
As an outgrowth of its recently updated strategic plan and
commitment to outstanding quality in research, teaching and
community engagement, North Carolina A&T has created three new
Centers of Excellence to provide exemplary leadership in research,
academic programming and community outreach, consistent with
roBerT neWman, Ph.d., associate professor in the university’s land-grant mission.
the Department of Biology, received $1.4 million
from the National Institutes of Health’s National Serving as interim directors for the Center of Excellence in
Institute of General Medical Sciences to investigate Cybersecurity, Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing
the biochemical mechanisms that facilitate and the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
communication within and between cells in the are Tonya smiTh-JaCKson, Ph.d. (pictured top left), professor
human body. and chairwoman of the Department of Industrial and Systems
Engineering; aJiT d. KelKar, Ph.d. (top right), professor and
Newman is researching cellular signaling pathways— chairman of the Department of Nanoengineering in the Joint School
how cells know what to do and when to do it. of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering; and Thaddeus mCeWen,
Focused on phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways mediated Ph.d. (bottom), professor in the Department of Management and
by protein kinases and phosphatases, this research holds possibilities for coordinator of the entrepreneurship program, respectively. They will
improved treatments for diseases ranging from cancer to diabetes to heart establish interdisciplinary faculty advisory committees and external
disease. It also has the potential to answer fundamental questions about advisory committees, initiate discussions with business and industry
the regulation of cellular signaling pathways. This information can be used leaders and plans for sustaining the centers for the long term.
to develop computational models of cellular signaling pathways to predict They will also assist with hiring of permanent directors and initiate
dynamic changes in pathway properties following exposure to various strategic planning.
physiological, pharmacological and toxicological stimuli, both in isolation
and in combination.
16 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 17
caMpUs highlights
lamon laWhorn, assistant director
of bands, organized and composed
music for the commemorative
drumline celebrating American
Honda’s 60th anniversary at the
Faculty, staff & administrators, cont. 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade
in Pasadena, California, on New
Year’s Day. The 60-member HBCU
drumline included members of N.C.
A&T’s Cold Steel drumline, as well
as percussionists from Prairie View
Valerie J. learning. She engages her students In 2007, McMillan was recognized as A&M University, Bethune-Cookman
mCmillan, in a discourse of learning through the Academic Advisor of the Year University, Tennessee State University,
Ph.d., an self-discovery, cooperative activities, by the College of Agriculture and Hampton University, Alabama A&M
associate experiential engagement and Environmental Sciences. In 2011, she University and Miles College.
professor of reflection. received the Outstanding Teacher
family and A faculty member at N.C. A&T since of the Year Award from the College Honda has supported HBCUs for
consumer 2000, McMillan has facilitated and of Agriculture and Environmental nearly 30 years with initiatives
sciences in fostered numerous undergraduate Sciences and the Award for including the Honda Battle of the
the College Excellence in Teaching from the N.C. Bands and the Honda Campus All-Star
of Agriculture and Environmental and graduate students’ successful A&T Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta. Challenge. The 130th Rose Parade,
entry into the early childhood
Sciences, received a University of workforce in careers such as She received the Early Childhood themed “The Melody of Life,” was seen
North Carolina System 2019 Board teachers, center directors, child Champion Award from Guilford Child by more than 45 million viewers.
of Governors (BOG) Award for development specialists and Development in 2017.
Excellence in Teaching, along with extension agents. She develops Each Excellence in Teaching
leading faculty from the other 16 and teaches courses designed awardee receives a commemorative
constituent campuses of the to prepare students to meet the bronze medallion and a $12,500
UNC System.
unique needs of young children cash prize. BOG members present
In her teaching strategies, McMillan and families, regardless of ethnicity, the awards during each campus’s
emphasizes the process rather than culture, language, ability, disability spring commencement ceremony.
the product of teaching and and family structure.
As an outgrowth of its recently updated strategic plan and
commitment to outstanding quality in research, teaching and
community engagement, North Carolina A&T has created three new
Centers of Excellence to provide exemplary leadership in research,
academic programming and community outreach, consistent with
roBerT neWman, Ph.d., associate professor in the university’s land-grant mission.
the Department of Biology, received $1.4 million
from the National Institutes of Health’s National Serving as interim directors for the Center of Excellence in
Institute of General Medical Sciences to investigate Cybersecurity, Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing
the biochemical mechanisms that facilitate and the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
communication within and between cells in the are Tonya smiTh-JaCKson, Ph.d. (pictured top left), professor
human body. and chairwoman of the Department of Industrial and Systems
Engineering; aJiT d. KelKar, Ph.d. (top right), professor and
Newman is researching cellular signaling pathways— chairman of the Department of Nanoengineering in the Joint School
how cells know what to do and when to do it. of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering; and Thaddeus mCeWen,
Focused on phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways mediated Ph.d. (bottom), professor in the Department of Management and
by protein kinases and phosphatases, this research holds possibilities for coordinator of the entrepreneurship program, respectively. They will
improved treatments for diseases ranging from cancer to diabetes to heart establish interdisciplinary faculty advisory committees and external
disease. It also has the potential to answer fundamental questions about advisory committees, initiate discussions with business and industry
the regulation of cellular signaling pathways. This information can be used leaders and plans for sustaining the centers for the long term.
to develop computational models of cellular signaling pathways to predict They will also assist with hiring of permanent directors and initiate
dynamic changes in pathway properties following exposure to various strategic planning.
physiological, pharmacological and toxicological stimuli, both in isolation
and in combination.
16 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 17
caMpUs highlights
Four seniors from the College of Business and
Economics (COBE)—GreGory sTeWarT, Kyra
mClaren, TreVor nelson and hunTer WaTson
(pictured left to right)—were awarded $1,200 and job
offers for their second-place win at Cisco’s first national
Faculty, staff & administrators, cont. students college Supply Chain Operations Case Competition. The
event was April 1, at the company’s headquarters
in California.
COBE’s 1891 Logistics Team was selected from 26 schools
as one of six finalists to attend the competition. The case
competition gives students from Cisco’s targeted supply
chain colleges and universities a chance to test their
North Carolina A&T has been awarded Each participating department understanding of the supply chain industry and present
a collaborative research grant from will have a volunteer faculty innovative solutions to a panel of judges.
the NSF Alliances for Graduate member interested in historically
Education and the Professoriate underrepresented student success A&T’s team worked on solving problems related to
(AGEP) program. “AGEP North issues designated as an AGEP-NC the circular economy used by Cisco that strives to
Carolina Alliance: An Institutional Faculty Fellow. The Fellow will receive maximize output while minimizing the amount of raw
Transformation Model to Increase support and training on mentoring, materials used.
Minority STEM Doctoral Student the experiences of underrepresented Other finalists were Arizona State University, California
and Faculty Success” is a five-year, minority students, and fostering Polytechnic University, Georgia Institute of Technology
$761,280 grant that seeks to address a change. Each Fellow will work (third-place winner), Howard University (first place) and
critical issue of underrepresentation of together with their department head, Michigan State University.
African-American and Hispanic/Latinx graduate program coordinator, and
students in STEM disciplines. departmental faculty colleagues
to understand graduate student
The lead researcher on the grant, pathways, identify practices and
KeiTh sChimmel, Ph.d., is director policies that promote success, and
of N.C. A&T’s applied science and diagnose trouble spots. Two North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State To qualify for the scholarships, students must be enrolled
technology (AST) doctoral program in University students are recipients of a new scholarship full-time at one of the 47 TMCF member-schools; earn a
the College of Science and Technology Based on this study of the graduate awarded through a partnership with Honda and Thurgood cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; demonstrate leadership
(CoST). student experience in their own Marshall College Fund (TMCF). qualities and community service experience; and be
department, the faculty will then recommended by a faculty or staff member of their
Schimmel and his team are develop a departmental plan to build dymon aTKinson, sophomore engineering student, current school. In addition to financial support, scholarship
collaborating with researchers and these insights into departmental and marVin edGe, first-generation business student, recipients will be invited to interview for internships and co-
officials at North Carolina State practices and procedures. Project are recipients of a new scholarship awarded through op positions at one of 12 facilities in America where Honda
University and the University of North funding will be available to help a partnership with Honda and Thurgood Marshall manufactures vehicles, engines, transmissions, as well as
Carolina at Charlotte to develop, implement initiatives identified in College Fund (TMCF) to support students pursuing an aircraft, aircraft engines, power equipment and side-by-side
implement, and study a model to the plans. education in engineering, supply chain management and and all-terrain vehicles.
create institutional, department-level, manufacturing-related fields.
and faculty change and promote Along with Schimmel, the A&T
doctoral completion and progression research team consists of aBdellah
to faculty careers among historically ahmidouCh, Ph.d., CoST dean; aJiT
underrepresented doctoral students in KelKar, Ph.d., nanoengineering
STEM disciplines. chairman; John KiZiTo, Ph.d., allison Gilmore, diamond
mechanical engineering professor; and manGum and armani may (pictured
C. dean CamPBell, Ph.d., assistant left to right) will serve as president of
dean for academic services in The the Student Government Association,
Graduate College. Miss N.C. A&T and Mister N.C. A&T,
respectively, for the 2019–2020 academic
year.
Other SGA officers include ViCToria
laWson, vice president of external
affairs; aaliyah WriGhT, secretary;
and Brenda CaldWell, attorney
general.
18 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 19
caMpUs highlights
Four seniors from the College of Business and
Economics (COBE)—GreGory sTeWarT, Kyra
mClaren, TreVor nelson and hunTer WaTson
(pictured left to right)—were awarded $1,200 and job
offers for their second-place win at Cisco’s first national
Faculty, staff & administrators, cont. students college Supply Chain Operations Case Competition. The
event was April 1, at the company’s headquarters
in California.
COBE’s 1891 Logistics Team was selected from 26 schools
as one of six finalists to attend the competition. The case
competition gives students from Cisco’s targeted supply
chain colleges and universities a chance to test their
North Carolina A&T has been awarded Each participating department understanding of the supply chain industry and present
a collaborative research grant from will have a volunteer faculty innovative solutions to a panel of judges.
the NSF Alliances for Graduate member interested in historically
Education and the Professoriate underrepresented student success A&T’s team worked on solving problems related to
(AGEP) program. “AGEP North issues designated as an AGEP-NC the circular economy used by Cisco that strives to
Carolina Alliance: An Institutional Faculty Fellow. The Fellow will receive maximize output while minimizing the amount of raw
Transformation Model to Increase support and training on mentoring, materials used.
Minority STEM Doctoral Student the experiences of underrepresented Other finalists were Arizona State University, California
and Faculty Success” is a five-year, minority students, and fostering Polytechnic University, Georgia Institute of Technology
$761,280 grant that seeks to address a change. Each Fellow will work (third-place winner), Howard University (first place) and
critical issue of underrepresentation of together with their department head, Michigan State University.
African-American and Hispanic/Latinx graduate program coordinator, and
students in STEM disciplines. departmental faculty colleagues
to understand graduate student
The lead researcher on the grant, pathways, identify practices and
KeiTh sChimmel, Ph.d., is director policies that promote success, and
of N.C. A&T’s applied science and diagnose trouble spots. Two North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State To qualify for the scholarships, students must be enrolled
technology (AST) doctoral program in University students are recipients of a new scholarship full-time at one of the 47 TMCF member-schools; earn a
the College of Science and Technology Based on this study of the graduate awarded through a partnership with Honda and Thurgood cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; demonstrate leadership
(CoST). student experience in their own Marshall College Fund (TMCF). qualities and community service experience; and be
department, the faculty will then recommended by a faculty or staff member of their
Schimmel and his team are develop a departmental plan to build dymon aTKinson, sophomore engineering student, current school. In addition to financial support, scholarship
collaborating with researchers and these insights into departmental and marVin edGe, first-generation business student, recipients will be invited to interview for internships and co-
officials at North Carolina State practices and procedures. Project are recipients of a new scholarship awarded through op positions at one of 12 facilities in America where Honda
University and the University of North funding will be available to help a partnership with Honda and Thurgood Marshall manufactures vehicles, engines, transmissions, as well as
Carolina at Charlotte to develop, implement initiatives identified in College Fund (TMCF) to support students pursuing an aircraft, aircraft engines, power equipment and side-by-side
implement, and study a model to the plans. education in engineering, supply chain management and and all-terrain vehicles.
create institutional, department-level, manufacturing-related fields.
and faculty change and promote Along with Schimmel, the A&T
doctoral completion and progression research team consists of aBdellah
to faculty careers among historically ahmidouCh, Ph.d., CoST dean; aJiT
underrepresented doctoral students in KelKar, Ph.d., nanoengineering
STEM disciplines. chairman; John KiZiTo, Ph.d., allison Gilmore, diamond
mechanical engineering professor; and manGum and armani may (pictured
C. dean CamPBell, Ph.d., assistant left to right) will serve as president of
dean for academic services in The the Student Government Association,
Graduate College. Miss N.C. A&T and Mister N.C. A&T,
respectively, for the 2019–2020 academic
year.
Other SGA officers include ViCToria
laWson, vice president of external
affairs; aaliyah WriGhT, secretary;
and Brenda CaldWell, attorney
general.
18 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 19
FirsTClass
class of 1899 Marks 120 years
By James R. Stewart Jr. ’08
On Nov. 02, 1939, President F.D. Bluford
introduced a special guest to the large
Founder’s Day assembly in the
college gymnasium, ausTin
W. CurTis sr., dean of the
department of agriculture at
West Virginia State College.
Forty years earlier, Curtis
was one of the very first
graduates of the Agricultural
and Mechanical College for the
Colored Race.
Curtis told the audience of how
when he came in 1896, there
were only four buildings and
five faculty members: President
James B. Dudley; A.T. Stevens,
teacher of agriculture; Orlo Epps,
mechanics; Charles H. Moore,
English; and a “Mr. Hayes.” In
Curtis addition, he recalled his days
of being appointed head of
the original dairy barn, which
consisted of just two cows, while he was still a
student in 1897.
For decades, Curtis was the only member of
the first graduating class of whom there was a
full history. Fortunately, with some investigative
work the lives of the other six class members
have been rediscovered.
In most university histories, they were known
only as W.T.C. Cheek, I.S. Cunningham, E.L.
Falkener, J.M. Joyner, P.E. Robinson and A.
Watson. Understanding the full names and
stories of all seven members of the class of
1899 in time for their 120th anniversary reveals
why their motto, “No Steps Backwards (sic),”
was prophetic, and why “Aggies DO” has been
a true sentiment from the very beginning.
These are their stories:
Curtis Hall
20 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 21
FirsTClass
class of 1899 Marks 120 years
By James R. Stewart Jr. ’08
On Nov. 02, 1939, President F.D. Bluford
introduced a special guest to the large
Founder’s Day assembly in the
college gymnasium, ausTin
W. CurTis sr., dean of the
department of agriculture at
West Virginia State College.
Forty years earlier, Curtis
was one of the very first
graduates of the Agricultural
and Mechanical College for the
Colored Race.
Curtis told the audience of how
when he came in 1896, there
were only four buildings and
five faculty members: President
James B. Dudley; A.T. Stevens,
teacher of agriculture; Orlo Epps,
mechanics; Charles H. Moore,
English; and a “Mr. Hayes.” In
Curtis addition, he recalled his days
of being appointed head of
the original dairy barn, which
consisted of just two cows, while he was still a
student in 1897.
For decades, Curtis was the only member of
the first graduating class of whom there was a
full history. Fortunately, with some investigative
work the lives of the other six class members
have been rediscovered.
In most university histories, they were known
only as W.T.C. Cheek, I.S. Cunningham, E.L.
Falkener, J.M. Joyner, P.E. Robinson and A.
Watson. Understanding the full names and
stories of all seven members of the class of
1899 in time for their 120th anniversary reveals
why their motto, “No Steps Backwards (sic),”
was prophetic, and why “Aggies DO” has been
a true sentiment from the very beginning.
These are their stories:
Curtis Hall
20 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 21
William Thomas Cain “Willie” graduating with highest honors
CheeK (1875–1956), B.S., of in 1911. Robinson returned to
Warrenton, North Carolina, was North Carolina to start a dental
North Carolina A&T’s very first practice in Durham that same year.
graduate. Cheek taught manual Unfortunately, he died a year later. A
training and physics while also $50 gift from his estate was donated
working as a mechanic and architect to the A&M College, and it was
at various vocational schools and reported in the press as the largest
colleges in West Virginia. He became gift of any alumni up to that time.
an instructor of manual arts at
Winston-Salem State University in Most of the press of the May 1899
the early 1910s. After moving to the commencement highlighted the
Washington, D.C., area in the 1920s, attention adam WaTson (c. 1870–
he continued to work as an architect. c. 1908), B.S., of Warren County,
North Carolina, received for his
isaaC summerVille working steam engine. It was claimed
CunninGham (1877–1932), B.S., to be the first engine built by a
M.D., of Hillsboro, North Carolina, person of color in the state. After
worked as an instructor of wood two years teaching at the High Point
turning and joinery at the old A&M Normal and Industrial School, Watson
College for a few years before became an instructor and later
teaching at the Florida Normal and head of the mechanics department
Industrial Institute (now Florida at A&M in 1901. He designed the
Memorial University). Cunningham South Dormitory, a three-story brick
earned a medical degree from structure that housed up to 96
Meharry Medical College in 1908, and students and was completed in 1907.
practiced medicine in Owensboro, The Adam Watson House, his home
Kentucky. In 1916, he moved to on Dudley Street in Greensboro, is
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, one of the 59 panels on the N.C. A&T
continuing as a physician and a Centennial Quilt, crafted by a niece,
pharmacist until his death in 1932. Mary Watson Wynn, and designed by
Louise F. Cummings.
PeTer
edWard ePPs luTher falKener (1876–
roBinson 1922), B.Agr., was a member of one
(c. 1886–1912), of Aggieland’s first families. His older
B.Agr., D.D.S., of brother was Henry Hall Falkener, one of
Raleigh, North the institution’s earliest professors of
Carolina, was English. Henry’s wife Margaret was the South Dormitory
an assistant founder of the music department. Epps James maTTheW Joyner (1876–
professor of served as farm supervisor for the J.K. 1969), B.Agr., taught agriculture
agriculture Brick School in Enfield, North Carolina. in North Carolina and Langston
and chemistry He became an instructor of fruit University in Oklahoma before
at A&M College beginning in 1901. growing at Tuskegee Institute around becoming a longtime postal worker
Along with Cheek and Curtis, 1908, making him one of the first of a in Philadelphia. For a time, Joyner the F.d. Bluford Library archives is actively
Robinson was an editor of the “A&T number of Aggies to work for Booker also worked as an insurance agent. seeking more information about n.C. a&t’s
Register” around 1899. He attended T. Washington and George Washington Very little is still known about his life, earliest graduating classes. please contact us
the Northwestern University Dental Carver. Epps Falkener later became a but he was the last survivor of the
School of Chicago, becoming their school principal in his hometown of class of 1899 until his death in 1969, at libraryarchives@ncat.edu if you have any
first demonstrator of color and Warrenton, North Carolina. at the age of 93. information, or if you would like to know more
about other topics in a&t history.
James R. Stewart Jr. is the archives and special collections librarian for F.D. Bluford Library.
22 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 23
William Thomas Cain “Willie” graduating with highest honors
CheeK (1875–1956), B.S., of in 1911. Robinson returned to
Warrenton, North Carolina, was North Carolina to start a dental
North Carolina A&T’s very first practice in Durham that same year.
graduate. Cheek taught manual Unfortunately, he died a year later. A
training and physics while also $50 gift from his estate was donated
working as a mechanic and architect to the A&M College, and it was
at various vocational schools and reported in the press as the largest
colleges in West Virginia. He became gift of any alumni up to that time.
an instructor of manual arts at
Winston-Salem State University in Most of the press of the May 1899
the early 1910s. After moving to the commencement highlighted the
Washington, D.C., area in the 1920s, attention adam WaTson (c. 1870–
he continued to work as an architect. c. 1908), B.S., of Warren County,
North Carolina, received for his
isaaC summerVille working steam engine. It was claimed
CunninGham (1877–1932), B.S., to be the first engine built by a
M.D., of Hillsboro, North Carolina, person of color in the state. After
worked as an instructor of wood two years teaching at the High Point
turning and joinery at the old A&M Normal and Industrial School, Watson
College for a few years before became an instructor and later
teaching at the Florida Normal and head of the mechanics department
Industrial Institute (now Florida at A&M in 1901. He designed the
Memorial University). Cunningham South Dormitory, a three-story brick
earned a medical degree from structure that housed up to 96
Meharry Medical College in 1908, and students and was completed in 1907.
practiced medicine in Owensboro, The Adam Watson House, his home
Kentucky. In 1916, he moved to on Dudley Street in Greensboro, is
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, one of the 59 panels on the N.C. A&T
continuing as a physician and a Centennial Quilt, crafted by a niece,
pharmacist until his death in 1932. Mary Watson Wynn, and designed by
Louise F. Cummings.
PeTer
edWard ePPs luTher falKener (1876–
roBinson 1922), B.Agr., was a member of one
(c. 1886–1912), of Aggieland’s first families. His older
B.Agr., D.D.S., of brother was Henry Hall Falkener, one of
Raleigh, North the institution’s earliest professors of
Carolina, was English. Henry’s wife Margaret was the South Dormitory
an assistant founder of the music department. Epps James maTTheW Joyner (1876–
professor of served as farm supervisor for the J.K. 1969), B.Agr., taught agriculture
agriculture Brick School in Enfield, North Carolina. in North Carolina and Langston
and chemistry He became an instructor of fruit University in Oklahoma before
at A&M College beginning in 1901. growing at Tuskegee Institute around becoming a longtime postal worker
Along with Cheek and Curtis, 1908, making him one of the first of a in Philadelphia. For a time, Joyner the F.d. Bluford Library archives is actively
Robinson was an editor of the “A&T number of Aggies to work for Booker also worked as an insurance agent. seeking more information about n.C. a&t’s
Register” around 1899. He attended T. Washington and George Washington Very little is still known about his life, earliest graduating classes. please contact us
the Northwestern University Dental Carver. Epps Falkener later became a but he was the last survivor of the
School of Chicago, becoming their school principal in his hometown of class of 1899 until his death in 1969, at libraryarchives@ncat.edu if you have any
first demonstrator of color and Warrenton, North Carolina. at the age of 93. information, or if you would like to know more
about other topics in a&t history.
James R. Stewart Jr. is the archives and special collections librarian for F.D. Bluford Library.
22 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 23
athletics
By Brian M. Holloway ’97
hilTon nameD an unDer armour
aThleTiC DireCTor oF The Year
Colleges—and annually and outdoor conference on excellence in both
honor 28 athletics directors championships over the academic and athletic
(four from each division). past three years. This past performance, but an
February, N.C. A&T became outstanding role model for
Hilton has served as North the first MEAC institution the coaches and student
Carolina A&T’s athletics to win three consecutive athletes in our athletics
director for eight years, conference championships program,” said Chancellor
leading its 17 Division in both men’s and women’s Harold L. Martin Sr. “He
I sports teams from indoor track and field. leads with his values, never
challenging circumstances In 2018-19, the women’s avoids the tough decisions
to unprecedented basketball team went and requires that his teams
success on the field and undefeated in the MEAC compete with honor. I
in the classroom. Under marking the first time in could not ask for anything
Hilton, the Aggies have school history the program more from an athletics
won a combined 26 has accomplished the feat. director. This award is
conference regular-season, richly deserved.” Parker looks ForWarD To seConD
championship meets or Numerous Aggies have
Intercollegiate Athletics tournament championship moved on to professional Prior to his service as season WiTh oaklanD raiDers By Jordan M. Howse
Director earl m. hilTon iii titles, played in 11 post- competition over the past athletics director, Hilton
has been named an Under season bowl or tournament few years, as well, including served the university as
Armour Athletics Director games and they have won Tarik Cohen of the Chicago assistant athletics director Going to the NFL was a huge transition for Another highlight for Parker was meeting former
of the Year for NCAA FCS seven games or matches Bears and Brandon “Big for compliance, associate Brandon ParKer ’18. Not only did it come with teammate Tony McRae on the field when Oakland
institutions, the National there. Stuff” Parker of the Oakland athletics director for internal a cross-country relocation, it also came with a new took on the Cincinnati Bengals in December.
Association of Collegiate Raiders in the NFL and affairs and assistant vice kind of playbook.
Directors of Athletics In football, Aggies have Cutter Dyals in the Atlanta chancellor for student affairs. “It’s like walking in class and seeing your best friend,”
announced March 7. won three of the four Braves organization of Parker, who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders Parker said. “We could see each other’s faces light
Celebration Bowls held Major League Baseball. Hilton received his in 2018, said his rookie season was tough but up. It’s exciting to see him doing his thing and us
The Under Armour awards thus far, an event that pits In amateur competition, bachelor’s degree in enlightening. living our dreams.”
program was created the winners of the Mid- women’s track star Kayla political science in 1992
to honor intercollegiate Eastern Athletic Conference White and men’s standout from Lamar University. He “The transition to the NFL is tough,” he said. In the offseason, Parker is working out, spending
directors of athletics (in which A&T competes) Chris Belcher logged global also has a master’s degree “Obviously it’s a higher skill level, but it’s also stepping time with his wife Dominque and looking forward to
for commitment and against the Southwestern and national best times in public administration and into the adult world. It’s the same game you’ve been thriving in his next season as a Raider.
administrative excellence Athletic Conference. The in the 200-meter and a juris doctorate from Texas playing but (now) it’s your livelihood and how you
within a campus or college annual event is the de facto 100-meter sprints. Tech University. support your family. It’s way more serious.” “I want to see the difference a year makes,” he said.
community environment national championship of “Now that I’ve played a year, I know what to expect. I
over the past year. The black college football. Academic performance Parker was thrust into play in the Raiders’ season want to see how much can be done to improve what
awards span seven among student-athletes has opener against the Cleveland Browns after his I can do.”
divisions—NCAA FBS, FCS, In men’s and women’s track, grown just as strong. teammate Donald Penn left the game with an injury.
Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/ Aggies have been even
Other Four-Year Institutions more dominant, winning “Earl is not only an “I wasn’t even supposed to play,” he said with a
and Junior/Community a combined nine indoor exceptional leader, focused laugh. “But getting in there for the first time in our
first game was definitely a highlight.”
24 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 25
athletics
By Brian M. Holloway ’97
hilTon nameD an unDer armour
aThleTiC DireCTor oF The Year
Colleges—and annually and outdoor conference on excellence in both
honor 28 athletics directors championships over the academic and athletic
(four from each division). past three years. This past performance, but an
February, N.C. A&T became outstanding role model for
Hilton has served as North the first MEAC institution the coaches and student
Carolina A&T’s athletics to win three consecutive athletes in our athletics
director for eight years, conference championships program,” said Chancellor
leading its 17 Division in both men’s and women’s Harold L. Martin Sr. “He
I sports teams from indoor track and field. leads with his values, never
challenging circumstances In 2018-19, the women’s avoids the tough decisions
to unprecedented basketball team went and requires that his teams
success on the field and undefeated in the MEAC compete with honor. I
in the classroom. Under marking the first time in could not ask for anything
Hilton, the Aggies have school history the program more from an athletics
won a combined 26 has accomplished the feat. director. This award is
conference regular-season, richly deserved.” Parker looks ForWarD To seConD
championship meets or Numerous Aggies have
Intercollegiate Athletics tournament championship moved on to professional Prior to his service as season WiTh oaklanD raiDers By Jordan M. Howse
Director earl m. hilTon iii titles, played in 11 post- competition over the past athletics director, Hilton
has been named an Under season bowl or tournament few years, as well, including served the university as
Armour Athletics Director games and they have won Tarik Cohen of the Chicago assistant athletics director Going to the NFL was a huge transition for Another highlight for Parker was meeting former
of the Year for NCAA FCS seven games or matches Bears and Brandon “Big for compliance, associate Brandon ParKer ’18. Not only did it come with teammate Tony McRae on the field when Oakland
institutions, the National there. Stuff” Parker of the Oakland athletics director for internal a cross-country relocation, it also came with a new took on the Cincinnati Bengals in December.
Association of Collegiate Raiders in the NFL and affairs and assistant vice kind of playbook.
Directors of Athletics In football, Aggies have Cutter Dyals in the Atlanta chancellor for student affairs. “It’s like walking in class and seeing your best friend,”
announced March 7. won three of the four Braves organization of Parker, who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders Parker said. “We could see each other’s faces light
Celebration Bowls held Major League Baseball. Hilton received his in 2018, said his rookie season was tough but up. It’s exciting to see him doing his thing and us
The Under Armour awards thus far, an event that pits In amateur competition, bachelor’s degree in enlightening. living our dreams.”
program was created the winners of the Mid- women’s track star Kayla political science in 1992
to honor intercollegiate Eastern Athletic Conference White and men’s standout from Lamar University. He “The transition to the NFL is tough,” he said. In the offseason, Parker is working out, spending
directors of athletics (in which A&T competes) Chris Belcher logged global also has a master’s degree “Obviously it’s a higher skill level, but it’s also stepping time with his wife Dominque and looking forward to
for commitment and against the Southwestern and national best times in public administration and into the adult world. It’s the same game you’ve been thriving in his next season as a Raider.
administrative excellence Athletic Conference. The in the 200-meter and a juris doctorate from Texas playing but (now) it’s your livelihood and how you
within a campus or college annual event is the de facto 100-meter sprints. Tech University. support your family. It’s way more serious.” “I want to see the difference a year makes,” he said.
community environment national championship of “Now that I’ve played a year, I know what to expect. I
over the past year. The black college football. Academic performance Parker was thrust into play in the Raiders’ season want to see how much can be done to improve what
awards span seven among student-athletes has opener against the Cleveland Browns after his I can do.”
divisions—NCAA FBS, FCS, In men’s and women’s track, grown just as strong. teammate Donald Penn left the game with an injury.
Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/ Aggies have been even
Other Four-Year Institutions more dominant, winning “Earl is not only an “I wasn’t even supposed to play,” he said with a
and Junior/Community a combined nine indoor exceptional leader, focused laugh. “But getting in there for the first time in our
first game was definitely a highlight.”
24 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 25
athletics Yes, the 2018 team Washington inherited included three
star skilled players in running back Marquell Cartwright, aggies Win
quarterback Lamar Raynard and wide receiver Elijah
Bell. The team also included eight returners on defense ThirD BoWl in
including first-team all-conference returnees in defensive
end Darryl Johnson, Jr. and cornerbacks Mac McCain III Four Years
and Timadre Abram. The North Carolina A&T Aggies captured its
third Celebration Bowl title in four years with
Washington used the inherited talent to open the season a 24-22 win over Alcorn State on Dec. 15, at
with two humungous wins. The Aggies defeated the No. 6 Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Football Championship Subdivision team in the nation in
Jacksonville State to open the season in the FCS Showcase The Aggies led the entire game, but it was
before beating FBS opponent East Carolina at ECU. That was maliK Wilson’s 79-yard game winning
followed by a blowout win over Gardner-Webb at home. return with 38 seconds left in the third
quarter that gave N.C. A&T the 24-16 lead.
After the GWU win, the Aggies rose to No. 4 in the nation, Alcorn didn’t take long to respond and
the highest ranking in school history. Then adversity entered. capped a drive of nine plays under four
In what was deemed a non-conference game before the start minutes with a 59-yard touchdown run by
of the season because the departure of Hampton University Noah Johnson at the 11:55 mark, cutting
left some schools with only seven conference games, the A&T’s lead to 24-22. The Braves attempted
winless Morgan State Bears ended the Aggies 15-game a two-point conversion that would have tied
winning streak at N.C. A&T’s BB&T Stadium with a 16-13 win the game; however, A&T’s defense was able
on a 36-yard field goal with two seconds remaining. to stop the Braves.
The Aggies then found themselves trailing 16-10 at halftime A&T set the tone early in the game and held
five days later to S.C. State before a second-half rally fended a comfortable 17-6 advantage at the half.
off a second straight loss. But on Oct. 13, the Aggies dropped lamar raynard threw a 17-yard pass to
a conference game as Florida A&M overcame a 21-6 halftime ZaChary leslie in the opening drive of
deficit to defeat the Aggies 22-21 on a 26-yard field goal with the game to give the Aggies a 7-0 lead with
four seconds remaining. In an instant, all of the expectations 12:38 in the first quarter. Alcorn cut in A&T’s
Left to right: Earl Hilton, athletics director; Richie Kittles, defensive back; Sam Washington, head football coming into the 2018 season seemed to be weighing on lead with a 29-yard field goal by Corey
coach; Lamar Raynard; Davida Martin, first lady; and Harold L. Martin Sr., chancellor the Aggies. It began the process of Washington earning his mCCullouGh with less than three minutes
respect as a head coach. in the first.
WashingTon earns meaC CoaCh oF The Year “We needed the wakeup call,” said Washington. “... Losing to noel ruiZ nailed a 36-yard field goal
Florida A&M was a turning point for putting things back into at the 8:33 mark in the second quarter
perspective. Despite how good you are, you still have to do which stretched A&T’s lead to 10-3. With
Meeting hefty expectations is the task North Washington joins Rod Broadway (2017), George the little things for big things to happen for you.
Carolina A&T head football coach sam Small (2003), Bill Hayes (1999, 1991), Mo Forte 53 seconds remaining in the half, Raynard
WashinGTon had ahead of him in his first (1986), Jim Mckinley (1980) and Hornsby Howell You can’t assume people are going to lay down for you connected with eliJah Bell on a 27-yard
year as a head coach, and he accomplished the (1975) as N.C. A&T coaches who won MEAC because of your past success,” Washington continued. pass pushing the Aggies to a 17-3 lead.
enormous task despite the adversity that came Coach of the Year honors. “You have to play the game right. There is a reason those The Braves used a 25-yard field goal by
along the way. So, enough Mid-Eastern Athletic games are on the schedule. You have to work hard to win McCullough as time expired in the second
Conference head coaches around the league “We accomplished many of the goals we set every time.” quarter cutting A&T’s advantage to 17-6.
recognized the outstanding job Washington out to accomplish,” said Washington. “I’m very
achieved in his first year and voted him the MEAC proud and grateful that I have been blessed with Washington led the Aggies to four straight wins to close the Raynard was impressive in the win and was
Coach of the Year. this honor. It all boils down to having a great regular season. All four wins were by double-figures. 18-of-30 passing for 292 yards. Leslie caught
coaching staff and outstanding players. It is truly six passes and finished with 119 yards.
The Aggies ended the regular season 9-2 a team award.” “The expectations at this university are always high and that A&T’s kicking game was fueled by Wilson
overall and 6-1 in the MEAC to win the school’s speaks to the excellence this university has displayed over who finished with 112 yards on four returns
fourth conference title in five years. When the Broadway, the Aggies coach from 2011-17 the years,” said Washington. “Thanks to the excellence of including a touchdown.
honor was announced in November, the team retired in January 2017. Yes, Broadway turned coach Broadway, those expectations were made even higher.
was also headed back to the Air Force Reserve over to Washington, his longtime assistant, a Coach (Broadway) built a program here where people The Aggies finished the season with a 10-2
Celebration Bowl for the third time in four team coming off a 12-0 season, a MEAC title, a expect us to do great things. I’m thrilled we are still meeting record and its first Celebration Bowl win
years to play the SWAC champion on Dec. 15 at Celebration Bowl win and a black college football those expectations.” for head coach sam WashinGTon. Alcorn
Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium. national championship. State finished the season 9-4 overall.
26 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 27
athletics Yes, the 2018 team Washington inherited included three
star skilled players in running back Marquell Cartwright, aggies Win
quarterback Lamar Raynard and wide receiver Elijah
Bell. The team also included eight returners on defense ThirD BoWl in
including first-team all-conference returnees in defensive
end Darryl Johnson, Jr. and cornerbacks Mac McCain III Four Years
and Timadre Abram. The North Carolina A&T Aggies captured its
third Celebration Bowl title in four years with
Washington used the inherited talent to open the season a 24-22 win over Alcorn State on Dec. 15, at
with two humungous wins. The Aggies defeated the No. 6 Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Football Championship Subdivision team in the nation in
Jacksonville State to open the season in the FCS Showcase The Aggies led the entire game, but it was
before beating FBS opponent East Carolina at ECU. That was maliK Wilson’s 79-yard game winning
followed by a blowout win over Gardner-Webb at home. return with 38 seconds left in the third
quarter that gave N.C. A&T the 24-16 lead.
After the GWU win, the Aggies rose to No. 4 in the nation, Alcorn didn’t take long to respond and
the highest ranking in school history. Then adversity entered. capped a drive of nine plays under four
In what was deemed a non-conference game before the start minutes with a 59-yard touchdown run by
of the season because the departure of Hampton University Noah Johnson at the 11:55 mark, cutting
left some schools with only seven conference games, the A&T’s lead to 24-22. The Braves attempted
winless Morgan State Bears ended the Aggies 15-game a two-point conversion that would have tied
winning streak at N.C. A&T’s BB&T Stadium with a 16-13 win the game; however, A&T’s defense was able
on a 36-yard field goal with two seconds remaining. to stop the Braves.
The Aggies then found themselves trailing 16-10 at halftime A&T set the tone early in the game and held
five days later to S.C. State before a second-half rally fended a comfortable 17-6 advantage at the half.
off a second straight loss. But on Oct. 13, the Aggies dropped lamar raynard threw a 17-yard pass to
a conference game as Florida A&M overcame a 21-6 halftime ZaChary leslie in the opening drive of
deficit to defeat the Aggies 22-21 on a 26-yard field goal with the game to give the Aggies a 7-0 lead with
four seconds remaining. In an instant, all of the expectations 12:38 in the first quarter. Alcorn cut in A&T’s
Left to right: Earl Hilton, athletics director; Richie Kittles, defensive back; Sam Washington, head football coming into the 2018 season seemed to be weighing on lead with a 29-yard field goal by Corey
coach; Lamar Raynard; Davida Martin, first lady; and Harold L. Martin Sr., chancellor the Aggies. It began the process of Washington earning his mCCullouGh with less than three minutes
respect as a head coach. in the first.
WashingTon earns meaC CoaCh oF The Year “We needed the wakeup call,” said Washington. “... Losing to noel ruiZ nailed a 36-yard field goal
Florida A&M was a turning point for putting things back into at the 8:33 mark in the second quarter
perspective. Despite how good you are, you still have to do which stretched A&T’s lead to 10-3. With
Meeting hefty expectations is the task North Washington joins Rod Broadway (2017), George the little things for big things to happen for you.
Carolina A&T head football coach sam Small (2003), Bill Hayes (1999, 1991), Mo Forte 53 seconds remaining in the half, Raynard
WashinGTon had ahead of him in his first (1986), Jim Mckinley (1980) and Hornsby Howell You can’t assume people are going to lay down for you connected with eliJah Bell on a 27-yard
year as a head coach, and he accomplished the (1975) as N.C. A&T coaches who won MEAC because of your past success,” Washington continued. pass pushing the Aggies to a 17-3 lead.
enormous task despite the adversity that came Coach of the Year honors. “You have to play the game right. There is a reason those The Braves used a 25-yard field goal by
along the way. So, enough Mid-Eastern Athletic games are on the schedule. You have to work hard to win McCullough as time expired in the second
Conference head coaches around the league “We accomplished many of the goals we set every time.” quarter cutting A&T’s advantage to 17-6.
recognized the outstanding job Washington out to accomplish,” said Washington. “I’m very
achieved in his first year and voted him the MEAC proud and grateful that I have been blessed with Washington led the Aggies to four straight wins to close the Raynard was impressive in the win and was
Coach of the Year. this honor. It all boils down to having a great regular season. All four wins were by double-figures. 18-of-30 passing for 292 yards. Leslie caught
coaching staff and outstanding players. It is truly six passes and finished with 119 yards.
The Aggies ended the regular season 9-2 a team award.” “The expectations at this university are always high and that A&T’s kicking game was fueled by Wilson
overall and 6-1 in the MEAC to win the school’s speaks to the excellence this university has displayed over who finished with 112 yards on four returns
fourth conference title in five years. When the Broadway, the Aggies coach from 2011-17 the years,” said Washington. “Thanks to the excellence of including a touchdown.
honor was announced in November, the team retired in January 2017. Yes, Broadway turned coach Broadway, those expectations were made even higher.
was also headed back to the Air Force Reserve over to Washington, his longtime assistant, a Coach (Broadway) built a program here where people The Aggies finished the season with a 10-2
Celebration Bowl for the third time in four team coming off a 12-0 season, a MEAC title, a expect us to do great things. I’m thrilled we are still meeting record and its first Celebration Bowl win
years to play the SWAC champion on Dec. 15 at Celebration Bowl win and a black college football those expectations.” for head coach sam WashinGTon. Alcorn
Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium. national championship. State finished the season 9-4 overall.
26 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 27
ted
athletics
Women’s BaskeTBall has hisToriC
unDeFeaTeD regular ConFerenCe season
“It’s really gratifying,” said head coach Tarrell
On March 7, the North Carolina A&T women’s last year’s MEAC championship is included, the Undefea
basketball team completed the program’s first- roBinson about being perfect in the MEAC.
ever undefeated season in the Mid-Eastern “We feel like we had a talented group, and to
Athletic Conference with a resounding 86-52 be perfect in the regular season, it takes a lot of
win over arch-rival N.C. Central Eagles at Corbett collaboration, a lot of buy-in, and hard work. These
Sports Center. young women did that.”
The Aggies finished the regular season 19-10 When their three-game tournament run to the
overall and 16-0 in the MEAC to become the
first MEAC team to finish the regular season Aggies have won 34 of their last 35 games against
undefeated since Hampton accomplished the feat MEAC opponents. They have won 16 straight at
in 2013-14. home against MEAC competition and they finished
undefeated in conference road games for the
But who saw it coming? second straight season.
In November and December, the team battled “This group went 15-1 last year (in the conference)
through serious injuries, they lost to a Division II and we lost three seniors, so I knew we had to
program and they got off to a 3-10 start. All the develop our bench this year,” said Robinson.
same, they had faith that the system works. “Fortunately, our starters had experience, so this
opportunity was in the back of my mind. But
N.C. A&T’s 6-foot-3 junior center aleXus obviously, you have to practice and go through
lessears, who is one of the best rebounders the ups and downs to get where we are now.”
in the conference and a third-team All-MEAC
selection last season, missed eight games with an The women’s team headed into the MEAC
injury. The Aggies also lost promising freshman tournament looking for their third MEAC title in
Charme lilly with a season-ending injury who four years. As fate would have it, N.C. Central
at one point during the season earned a MEAC defeated Delaware State and the top-seeded
Rookie of the Week honor. Second-leading scorer Aggies’ (re)match against the Eagles at the
Cinia mCCray missed six games this season Norfolk Scope Arena wasn’t victorious.
including four conference games. Lady Aggies celebrate win over N.C. Central during regular season.
“We had faith in each other, in the system, and just
knowing that what the coaches are teaching us is
good enough,” said junior guard C’Coriea foy,
who led the Aggies at the NCCU matchup with 17
points, five assists and four steals. “ We feel like we had a
talented group, and to be perfect
in the regular season, it takes a lot of collaboration,
a lot of buy-in, and hard work.
these young women did that. ”
— tarrell robinSon
28 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 29
ted
athletics
Women’s BaskeTBall has hisToriC
unDeFeaTeD regular ConFerenCe season
“It’s really gratifying,” said head coach Tarrell
On March 7, the North Carolina A&T women’s last year’s MEAC championship is included, the Undefea
basketball team completed the program’s first- roBinson about being perfect in the MEAC.
ever undefeated season in the Mid-Eastern “We feel like we had a talented group, and to
Athletic Conference with a resounding 86-52 be perfect in the regular season, it takes a lot of
win over arch-rival N.C. Central Eagles at Corbett collaboration, a lot of buy-in, and hard work. These
Sports Center. young women did that.”
The Aggies finished the regular season 19-10 When their three-game tournament run to the
overall and 16-0 in the MEAC to become the
first MEAC team to finish the regular season Aggies have won 34 of their last 35 games against
undefeated since Hampton accomplished the feat MEAC opponents. They have won 16 straight at
in 2013-14. home against MEAC competition and they finished
undefeated in conference road games for the
But who saw it coming? second straight season.
In November and December, the team battled “This group went 15-1 last year (in the conference)
through serious injuries, they lost to a Division II and we lost three seniors, so I knew we had to
program and they got off to a 3-10 start. All the develop our bench this year,” said Robinson.
same, they had faith that the system works. “Fortunately, our starters had experience, so this
opportunity was in the back of my mind. But
N.C. A&T’s 6-foot-3 junior center aleXus obviously, you have to practice and go through
lessears, who is one of the best rebounders the ups and downs to get where we are now.”
in the conference and a third-team All-MEAC
selection last season, missed eight games with an The women’s team headed into the MEAC
injury. The Aggies also lost promising freshman tournament looking for their third MEAC title in
Charme lilly with a season-ending injury who four years. As fate would have it, N.C. Central
at one point during the season earned a MEAC defeated Delaware State and the top-seeded
Rookie of the Week honor. Second-leading scorer Aggies’ (re)match against the Eagles at the
Cinia mCCray missed six games this season Norfolk Scope Arena wasn’t victorious.
including four conference games. Lady Aggies celebrate win over N.C. Central during regular season.
“We had faith in each other, in the system, and just
knowing that what the coaches are teaching us is
good enough,” said junior guard C’Coriea foy,
who led the Aggies at the NCCU matchup with 17
points, five assists and four steals. “ We feel like we had a
talented group, and to be perfect
in the regular season, it takes a lot of collaboration,
a lot of buy-in, and hard work.
these young women did that. ”
— tarrell robinSon
28 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 29
athletics
For the second time in three years, the the Rattlers who led by more than 100
North Carolina A&T men’s and women’s points after the first two events were
outdoor track and field teams swept the scored on Saturday during the final day
MEAC championships, May 4. of the championships.
This is the third consecutive MEAC For the second straight season, senior
title for the men’s outdoor team to go Kayla WhiTe was named the meet’s
along with their three straight MEAC most outstanding runner. She ran an
indoor titles and their 2018 MEAC NCAA-best 10.96 to win the 100 meters.
men’s cross-country championship. The According to the United States Track
women also hold three consecutive and Field Cross Country Coaches
MEAC indoor titles. Association, it was the fifth-fastest
collegiate time ever. White also ran an
“Based on some of the times we put NCAA-best 22.52 to win the 200. White
up, this is the best MEAC championship was also part of the Aggies 4x100
we have ever had,” said Duane Ross, championship team.
director of track and field programs.
Senior TreVor sTeWarT was the
For the women’s team, it was a day of main highlight for the men. He won the
redemption. Florida A&M has proven to 400 meters by running the 14th-fastest
be a formidable opponent for the N.C. time ever in the world at 44.38. Stewart
A&T women over the past two years at will head to the NCAA Division I East
the conference championships. It was Regional Preliminary Round (regionals)
the Rattlers who prevented the Aggies with the No. 1 team in the nation.
from repeating last season, and it was
The N.C. A&T Aggies also swept both Mid-Eastern Athletic
Conference (MEAC) Indoor Track and Field Championships to
become the first university in MEAC history to sweep the men’s
and the women’s indoor championships three years in a row.
Women’s ouTdoor TraCK & field Men’s OutdOOr track & Field
aggie men’s First-Team All-MEAC: Jayne Roberts (pole vault); Madeleine First-Team All-MEAC: Lasheon Strozier (triple jump); Derrick
Akobundu (long jump, 100mh); Kayla White (100m, 200m,
Wheeler (hammer); Aaron Wilkerson (shot put); Rodney Rowe
ANd WomeN’s 4x100); Tori Ray (400m, 4x400); 4x100); Cambrea Sturgis (100m, 200m, 4x100); Trevor Stewart (400m); Michael Dickson
(4x100); Taliyah Townsend (4x100); Kamaya Debose-
(110mh, 4x100); Malcom Croom-McFadden (4x100); Akeem
TraCk anD FielD Epps (4x100); Sun-Sara Williams (4x400); Kristoni Barnes Sirleaf (4x100); Akeem Lindo (4x400); Brandy Felix (4x400);
Chase Bonham (4x400); Kemarni Mighty (4x400); Regan
(4x400); Nilaja Florence (4x400); G’Jasmyne Butler (3,000m
Kimtai (1,500m)
steeplechase).
sWeeP meAC Second-Team All-MEAC: Paula Salmon (high jump, 400mh); Second-Team All-MEAC: Brandon Hicklin (long jump); Joshua
ChamPionshiPs Loren James (shot put); Cambrea Sturgis (200m); TeJyrica Faison (discus); Kevin Fofanah (hammer); Akeem Sirleaf
Robinson (100mh); Kristoni Barnes (800m).
(400m); Akeem Lindo (400mh); Regan Kimtai (800m)
Third-Team All-MEAC: Nazah Reddick (high jump); Cambrea Third-Team All-MEAC: Akeem Sirleaf (200m); Regan Kimtai
Sturgis (100m); Kamaya Debose-Epps (200m); Sun-Sara (3,000m steeplechase)
Williams (400m); Paula Salmon (100mh); Nilaja Florence
(400mh).
30 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 31
athletics
For the second time in three years, the the Rattlers who led by more than 100
North Carolina A&T men’s and women’s points after the first two events were
outdoor track and field teams swept the scored on Saturday during the final day
MEAC championships, May 4. of the championships.
This is the third consecutive MEAC For the second straight season, senior
title for the men’s outdoor team to go Kayla WhiTe was named the meet’s
along with their three straight MEAC most outstanding runner. She ran an
indoor titles and their 2018 MEAC NCAA-best 10.96 to win the 100 meters.
men’s cross-country championship. The According to the United States Track
women also hold three consecutive and Field Cross Country Coaches
MEAC indoor titles. Association, it was the fifth-fastest
collegiate time ever. White also ran an
“Based on some of the times we put NCAA-best 22.52 to win the 200. White
up, this is the best MEAC championship was also part of the Aggies 4x100
we have ever had,” said Duane Ross, championship team.
director of track and field programs.
Senior TreVor sTeWarT was the
For the women’s team, it was a day of main highlight for the men. He won the
redemption. Florida A&M has proven to 400 meters by running the 14th-fastest
be a formidable opponent for the N.C. time ever in the world at 44.38. Stewart
A&T women over the past two years at will head to the NCAA Division I East
the conference championships. It was Regional Preliminary Round (regionals)
the Rattlers who prevented the Aggies with the No. 1 team in the nation.
from repeating last season, and it was
The N.C. A&T Aggies also swept both Mid-Eastern Athletic
Conference (MEAC) Indoor Track and Field Championships to
become the first university in MEAC history to sweep the men’s
and the women’s indoor championships three years in a row.
Women’s ouTdoor TraCK & field Men’s OutdOOr track & Field
aggie men’s First-Team All-MEAC: Jayne Roberts (pole vault); Madeleine First-Team All-MEAC: Lasheon Strozier (triple jump); Derrick
Akobundu (long jump, 100mh); Kayla White (100m, 200m,
Wheeler (hammer); Aaron Wilkerson (shot put); Rodney Rowe
ANd WomeN’s 4x100); Tori Ray (400m, 4x400); 4x100); Cambrea Sturgis (100m, 200m, 4x100); Trevor Stewart (400m); Michael Dickson
(4x100); Taliyah Townsend (4x100); Kamaya Debose-
(110mh, 4x100); Malcom Croom-McFadden (4x100); Akeem
TraCk anD FielD Epps (4x100); Sun-Sara Williams (4x400); Kristoni Barnes Sirleaf (4x100); Akeem Lindo (4x400); Brandy Felix (4x400);
Chase Bonham (4x400); Kemarni Mighty (4x400); Regan
(4x400); Nilaja Florence (4x400); G’Jasmyne Butler (3,000m
Kimtai (1,500m)
steeplechase).
sWeeP meAC Second-Team All-MEAC: Paula Salmon (high jump, 400mh); Second-Team All-MEAC: Brandon Hicklin (long jump); Joshua
ChamPionshiPs Loren James (shot put); Cambrea Sturgis (200m); TeJyrica Faison (discus); Kevin Fofanah (hammer); Akeem Sirleaf
Robinson (100mh); Kristoni Barnes (800m).
(400m); Akeem Lindo (400mh); Regan Kimtai (800m)
Third-Team All-MEAC: Nazah Reddick (high jump); Cambrea Third-Team All-MEAC: Akeem Sirleaf (200m); Regan Kimtai
Sturgis (100m); Kamaya Debose-Epps (200m); Sun-Sara (3,000m steeplechase)
Williams (400m); Paula Salmon (100mh); Nilaja Florence
(400mh).
30 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 31
athletics
volleYBall’s Wiggins sCores
inTernshiP WiTh nFl Two days after she put in her last application, Wiggins
received an email from the NFL offering an internship
for the Super Bowl working in the broadcast bowl.
North Carolina A&T volleyball player Megan Wiggins Weeks before the big game, she found out the job
received the opportunity of a lifetime in February. It description through a conference call.
was one of those opportunities many dream of but
never see come to reality. “After that conversation, I told myself I don’t really
know what to expect, but I’m going to show up, be
Wiggins was a part of Super Bowl LIII between the professional, do what I’m asked and make the most
New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. She of this experience,” said Wiggins about her thoughts
worked and covered Super Bowl week as an intern after finding out what her job duties were.
with the National Football League (NFL). The ultimate
prize was attending the game played at Mercedes- Wiggins, along with Zach Bragg, an intern from
Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Hampton University, had to escort various NFL players
to media interviews. In addition, she helped with Radio
Wiggins attended a Careers in Football Forum last Row held at the Georgia World Congress Center in
December. She was one of two student-athletes Atlanta where the Super Bowl media coverage for
to represent N.C. A&T. The forum, hosted by the the week takes place. Her other job duty included
NFL, is held every year during the week of the participating in the NFL Fan experience where player
Celebration Bowl which pits the football conference interviews and different field events take place.
champion of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
(MEAC) against the football conference champion A day before the game, however, Wiggins was
of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) not sure if she could attend the Super Bowl game.
in an HBCU national championship game played at Wiggins received a text Saturday afternoon from a
Mercedes-Benz Stadium. player she worked with during the week. He informed
her that she was granted a media credential and that
Athletes from each school of both conferences were her hard work had not gone unnoticed.
represented at the Celebration Bowl.
“The whole aspect of being there at the game was
“It was all about working your way to a career great. There were four NFL players that we were
with the NFL and what you can do in sports”, said helping out with during the week, so we were with
Wiggins. After I left, while I did network with people, them during all their interviews and were able to
I didn’t feel like I networked enough to reach out to watch the game with them,” said Wiggins.
them personally. So, what I did was take three days
and put together a good resume and I applied for Wiggins, who is pursuing a degree in journalism
everything. I just took some time to focus on just and mass communications with a concentration
doing that.” in multimedia, plans to attend graduate school for
film with her sights on owning her own production
When she got home after the N.C. A&T’s 24-22 win company. The opportunity to work the Super Bowl
over Alcorn State in the Celebration Bowl, Wiggins was a stepping stone in that direction.
immediately began applying for all the opportunities
with the NFL that she learned about from the forum. “Being in a position to network and talk with
different people that you wouldn’t normally be
Her efforts were not in vain. around and interact with, was huge,” said Wiggins.
32 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 33
athletics
volleYBall’s Wiggins sCores
inTernshiP WiTh nFl Two days after she put in her last application, Wiggins
received an email from the NFL offering an internship
for the Super Bowl working in the broadcast bowl.
North Carolina A&T volleyball player Megan Wiggins Weeks before the big game, she found out the job
received the opportunity of a lifetime in February. It description through a conference call.
was one of those opportunities many dream of but
never see come to reality. “After that conversation, I told myself I don’t really
know what to expect, but I’m going to show up, be
Wiggins was a part of Super Bowl LIII between the professional, do what I’m asked and make the most
New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. She of this experience,” said Wiggins about her thoughts
worked and covered Super Bowl week as an intern after finding out what her job duties were.
with the National Football League (NFL). The ultimate
prize was attending the game played at Mercedes- Wiggins, along with Zach Bragg, an intern from
Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Hampton University, had to escort various NFL players
to media interviews. In addition, she helped with Radio
Wiggins attended a Careers in Football Forum last Row held at the Georgia World Congress Center in
December. She was one of two student-athletes Atlanta where the Super Bowl media coverage for
to represent N.C. A&T. The forum, hosted by the the week takes place. Her other job duty included
NFL, is held every year during the week of the participating in the NFL Fan experience where player
Celebration Bowl which pits the football conference interviews and different field events take place.
champion of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
(MEAC) against the football conference champion A day before the game, however, Wiggins was
of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) not sure if she could attend the Super Bowl game.
in an HBCU national championship game played at Wiggins received a text Saturday afternoon from a
Mercedes-Benz Stadium. player she worked with during the week. He informed
her that she was granted a media credential and that
Athletes from each school of both conferences were her hard work had not gone unnoticed.
represented at the Celebration Bowl.
“The whole aspect of being there at the game was
“It was all about working your way to a career great. There were four NFL players that we were
with the NFL and what you can do in sports”, said helping out with during the week, so we were with
Wiggins. After I left, while I did network with people, them during all their interviews and were able to
I didn’t feel like I networked enough to reach out to watch the game with them,” said Wiggins.
them personally. So, what I did was take three days
and put together a good resume and I applied for Wiggins, who is pursuing a degree in journalism
everything. I just took some time to focus on just and mass communications with a concentration
doing that.” in multimedia, plans to attend graduate school for
film with her sights on owning her own production
When she got home after the N.C. A&T’s 24-22 win company. The opportunity to work the Super Bowl
over Alcorn State in the Celebration Bowl, Wiggins was a stepping stone in that direction.
immediately began applying for all the opportunities
with the NFL that she learned about from the forum. “Being in a position to network and talk with
different people that you wouldn’t normally be
Her efforts were not in vain. around and interact with, was huge,” said Wiggins.
32 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 33
By Jordan M. Howse Fellowship Gospel Choir
to Commemorate its 50th anniversary, the
In 1969, North Carolina A&T was in need of a little spirit. choir recorded Many of its original songs in
The country was battling a war abroad and a civil rights Corbett sports Center. the reCordings are
movement at home, so the time was right to start the available on most streaming serviCes.
Fellowship Gospel Choir.
The choir was conceived as an avenue through which N.C.
A&T students could maintain continuity with the black
religious experience.
Ron Jones ’87, current director and alumnus of the gospel
choir, said it was a natural progression for him to join
when he arrived at A&T.
“So many of us grew up in the church,” Jones said.
“So, the choir started as a way for students to express
themselves from a spiritual standpoint.”
Jones sang in the choir for three years and played piano Fellowship Gospel Choir, 1989
at his own commencement. He came back as director two
years after he graduated. In 2004, Jones started a scholarship fund to assist
members of the choir when they are at financial risk of
From its inception, the Fellowship Gospel Choir has leaving the university.
sought to be a witness to the truth of God. As such, the
choir has added dimension to the campus and the local “I see how these students struggle to get here and to stay
community. here,” he said. “Retention gets more difficult each year.”
The award-winning choir would not be able to make that The Fellowship Gospel Choir travels to participate
claim without gifted directors to impart the knowledge in workshops and festivals. Some of its notable
and skills necessary to make it so. performances include the Annual Black College Gospel
Workshop in Atlanta, the Annual Collegiate Gospel Choir
Yvonne Haygood-Smith was the choir’s first director, Festival in New York City and the Carolina Gospel Fest in
1969–1982, and under her direction, the choir became a Raleigh, North Carolina.
nationally known college gospel choir. Jimmy Thomas
succeeded Smith in 1983 and continued the legacy that The choir has consistently won awards and competitions
had been established. During the years he served, two for outstanding soloists, choreography and original songs.
albums were recorded: “Leaning on Jesus” (1985) and
sPiriTual “God is my Refuge” (1986). To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the choir recorded
many of its original songs in Corbett Sports Center. The
Jones, whose tenure as director began in 1989 after
recordings are available on most streaming services.
Thomas’s resignation, has led the choir to greater
prominence in the gospel music industry as well as the “Music is universal, and it never dies,” Jones said. “The
exPression recorded three albums: “Give Him Praise” (1991), “Jesus is our alumni from across the country for this, too. It was the
national college arena. Under his direction, the choir
choir rehearsed all semester and we brought in some of
Real” (1997) and “Be a Witness” (2007).
perfect way to commemorate our anniversary.”
In his 30 years as director, he’s seen a lot of change while Senior Ariel Gunn, the current president and student director,
holding on to the traditions of the founding members. has spent her entire college career in the gospel choir.
Fellowship Gospel Choir celebrates 50 years
“The groundwork was laid by the time I took over,” Jones “It was a monumental experience to be a part of the 50th
said. “What I’ve seen over time, though, is the gospel anniversary celebration as a student,” Gunn said. “The
choir has become a vital part of the university community. choir impacted my life not just on an inspirational level
There’s not much that happens on campus that we aren’t but my faith and family as well. It’s so pivotal for me to be
invited to and that didn’t happen so much 30 years ago.” a part of what GC’s become and where it’s going.”
34 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 35
By Jordan M. Howse Fellowship Gospel Choir
to Commemorate its 50th anniversary, the
In 1969, North Carolina A&T was in need of a little spirit. choir recorded Many of its original songs in
The country was battling a war abroad and a civil rights Corbett sports Center. the reCordings are
movement at home, so the time was right to start the available on most streaming serviCes.
Fellowship Gospel Choir.
The choir was conceived as an avenue through which N.C.
A&T students could maintain continuity with the black
religious experience.
Ron Jones ’87, current director and alumnus of the gospel
choir, said it was a natural progression for him to join
when he arrived at A&T.
“So many of us grew up in the church,” Jones said.
“So, the choir started as a way for students to express
themselves from a spiritual standpoint.”
Jones sang in the choir for three years and played piano Fellowship Gospel Choir, 1989
at his own commencement. He came back as director two
years after he graduated. In 2004, Jones started a scholarship fund to assist
members of the choir when they are at financial risk of
From its inception, the Fellowship Gospel Choir has leaving the university.
sought to be a witness to the truth of God. As such, the
choir has added dimension to the campus and the local “I see how these students struggle to get here and to stay
community. here,” he said. “Retention gets more difficult each year.”
The award-winning choir would not be able to make that The Fellowship Gospel Choir travels to participate
claim without gifted directors to impart the knowledge in workshops and festivals. Some of its notable
and skills necessary to make it so. performances include the Annual Black College Gospel
Workshop in Atlanta, the Annual Collegiate Gospel Choir
Yvonne Haygood-Smith was the choir’s first director, Festival in New York City and the Carolina Gospel Fest in
1969–1982, and under her direction, the choir became a Raleigh, North Carolina.
nationally known college gospel choir. Jimmy Thomas
succeeded Smith in 1983 and continued the legacy that The choir has consistently won awards and competitions
had been established. During the years he served, two for outstanding soloists, choreography and original songs.
albums were recorded: “Leaning on Jesus” (1985) and
sPiriTual “God is my Refuge” (1986). To commemorate its 50th anniversary, the choir recorded
many of its original songs in Corbett Sports Center. The
Jones, whose tenure as director began in 1989 after
recordings are available on most streaming services.
Thomas’s resignation, has led the choir to greater
prominence in the gospel music industry as well as the “Music is universal, and it never dies,” Jones said. “The
exPression recorded three albums: “Give Him Praise” (1991), “Jesus is our alumni from across the country for this, too. It was the
national college arena. Under his direction, the choir
choir rehearsed all semester and we brought in some of
Real” (1997) and “Be a Witness” (2007).
perfect way to commemorate our anniversary.”
In his 30 years as director, he’s seen a lot of change while Senior Ariel Gunn, the current president and student director,
holding on to the traditions of the founding members. has spent her entire college career in the gospel choir.
Fellowship Gospel Choir celebrates 50 years
“The groundwork was laid by the time I took over,” Jones “It was a monumental experience to be a part of the 50th
said. “What I’ve seen over time, though, is the gospel anniversary celebration as a student,” Gunn said. “The
choir has become a vital part of the university community. choir impacted my life not just on an inspirational level
There’s not much that happens on campus that we aren’t but my faith and family as well. It’s so pivotal for me to be
invited to and that didn’t happen so much 30 years ago.” a part of what GC’s become and where it’s going.”
34 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 35
Pictured left: Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker Kodjoe, Lance Gross, Rebecca Gross,
Tatyana Ali, Vaughn Rasberry and Kimberly Gatling
Lance Gross was a series regular on projects over her career. Rasberry, an Known for his eloquent and extensive
Fox’s “Star” and is the first actor to author and Fulbright Scholar, is associate vocabulary, Jakes began by painting a
win four NAACP Image Awards for professor of English at Stanford picture of all the ancestors who paved
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a University, where he teaches African- the way for every student to be sitting
Comedy Series for his role on Tyler American literature and the intellectual in the audience seats they occupied.
Perry’s “House of Payne.” Rebecca is a history of the African diaspora. His descriptive portraits of enslaved
Los Angeles-based wardrobe stylist who persons who endured heartache so
works primarily with celebrity clients on Living Your Best Life that succeeding generations could
red carpets, editorials and television. excel, culminated with one simple truth
More than 2,200 students and members about the initial pathway to “Living Your
A five-time NAACP Image Award of the local community gathered in Best Life”—you must first know and
&
winner and Harvard Aspiring Minority Corbett Sports Center April 11 to hear appreciate from whence you’ve come.
Business Leader, Ali is known to millions master communicator, multidimensional
worldwide for playing Ashley Banks in businessman and international thought Continuous applause, rapt attention and
the iconic comedy series, "The Fresh leader T.D. Jakes firsthand. Jakes was nods of approval were indicative of the
Prince of Bel-Air,” and has appeared in the spring guest for the Chancellor’s night’s success.
numerous television, film and theatrical Speaker Series.
insighT iNsPirATioN
personal and professional goals the emphasis of 2018-19
Chancellor’s town Hall and speaker series
North Carolina A&T is committed to creating an intellectual climate The couples drew from personal experiences
that encourages the creative exchange of ideas. Through the Chancellor’s to discuss navigating relationship challenges,
Town Hall Series and Speaker Series, nationally distinguished guests trust and communication, knowing when
participate in campus dialogue on matters of global importance. you’ve met the “right one” and intimacy
issues, all in the context of developing
and maintaining healthy interpersonal and
intrapersonal relationships. The objective
Relationship Goals of the town hall was to provide attendees
with a greater sense of how to “level up” in
Celebrity couples Boris and Nicole Ari Parker their relationships.
Kodjoe, Lance and Rebecca Gross, and
Tatyana Ali and Vaughn Rasberry kicked off The Kodjoes are best known for their
the 2018-19 Chancellor’s Town Hall Series by breakout roles as Damon Carter and Teri
addressing “Relationship Goals,” Nov. 15, 2018, Joseph in Showtime’s award-winning original
in Harrison Auditorium. North Carolina A&T series, “Soul Food,” which earned them a
alumna Kimberly Gatling ’96 moderated the combined eight nominations for NAACP
conversation. Image Awards.
36 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 37
Pictured left: Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker Kodjoe, Lance Gross, Rebecca Gross,
Tatyana Ali, Vaughn Rasberry and Kimberly Gatling
Lance Gross was a series regular on projects over her career. Rasberry, an Known for his eloquent and extensive
Fox’s “Star” and is the first actor to author and Fulbright Scholar, is associate vocabulary, Jakes began by painting a
win four NAACP Image Awards for professor of English at Stanford picture of all the ancestors who paved
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a University, where he teaches African- the way for every student to be sitting
Comedy Series for his role on Tyler American literature and the intellectual in the audience seats they occupied.
Perry’s “House of Payne.” Rebecca is a history of the African diaspora. His descriptive portraits of enslaved
Los Angeles-based wardrobe stylist who persons who endured heartache so
works primarily with celebrity clients on Living Your Best Life that succeeding generations could
red carpets, editorials and television. excel, culminated with one simple truth
More than 2,200 students and members about the initial pathway to “Living Your
A five-time NAACP Image Award of the local community gathered in Best Life”—you must first know and
&
winner and Harvard Aspiring Minority Corbett Sports Center April 11 to hear appreciate from whence you’ve come.
Business Leader, Ali is known to millions master communicator, multidimensional
worldwide for playing Ashley Banks in businessman and international thought Continuous applause, rapt attention and
the iconic comedy series, "The Fresh leader T.D. Jakes firsthand. Jakes was nods of approval were indicative of the
Prince of Bel-Air,” and has appeared in the spring guest for the Chancellor’s night’s success.
numerous television, film and theatrical Speaker Series.
insighT iNsPirATioN
personal and professional goals the emphasis of 2018-19
Chancellor’s town Hall and speaker series
North Carolina A&T is committed to creating an intellectual climate The couples drew from personal experiences
that encourages the creative exchange of ideas. Through the Chancellor’s to discuss navigating relationship challenges,
Town Hall Series and Speaker Series, nationally distinguished guests trust and communication, knowing when
participate in campus dialogue on matters of global importance. you’ve met the “right one” and intimacy
issues, all in the context of developing
and maintaining healthy interpersonal and
intrapersonal relationships. The objective
Relationship Goals of the town hall was to provide attendees
with a greater sense of how to “level up” in
Celebrity couples Boris and Nicole Ari Parker their relationships.
Kodjoe, Lance and Rebecca Gross, and
Tatyana Ali and Vaughn Rasberry kicked off The Kodjoes are best known for their
the 2018-19 Chancellor’s Town Hall Series by breakout roles as Damon Carter and Teri
addressing “Relationship Goals,” Nov. 15, 2018, Joseph in Showtime’s award-winning original
in Harrison Auditorium. North Carolina A&T series, “Soul Food,” which earned them a
alumna Kimberly Gatling ’96 moderated the combined eight nominations for NAACP
conversation. Image Awards.
36 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 37
While others may not understand or “In this day and age, all you have to do All agreed the industry can be hard
believe in you, it’s critical that you is put something out there with your and difficult, particularly for African
believe in yourself, stressed Guy, who whole heart and see where it lands,” Americans and women; however, they
the objective of is best known for her portrayal as said Halle, the younger of the two. concurred that it all begins and ends
“relationship Goals” Whitley Gilbert in the hit TV series, “A “Social media has really been helpful with personal strength.
and special for us. If it weren’t for
Different World.”
was to provide YouTube, we may not be here.” “As black women, it’s important to know
attendees with a “Proving yourself is part of the game … “Getting the ball rolling is a little easier your voice and power,” said Chloe. “And
always remember, you do have power.
transition is often difficult, but you have
greater sense of how to have heart and tenacity,” she said. than keeping the ball rolling. That’s Yes, the industry is difficult, but be kind
to “level up” in their Sharing the trials and tribulations of the hard part about Hollywood,” said and find kindness.”
Devine, whose star-studded stage and
relationships. being young, somewhat unknown and screen career spans nearly 40 years.
African American, Chloe x Halle, who Summing it up, she added, “Ultimately,
star in the “Black-ish” TV series spinoff, you must be able to inspire yourself.”
“Grown-ish,” echoed Guy’s sentiments
with a small caveat.
Left to right: Halle Bailey, Kevin Wilson, Chloe Bailey, Loretta Devine and Jasmine Guy
t.d. Jakes began
by painting a picture
of all the ancestors
who paved the way
for every student T.D. Jakes
to be sitting in the
audience seats they Jakes masterfully merged the Students in attendance were given
occupied. series theme and principles of his advance copies of Jakes’s book.
then soon-to-be-released book,
“Crushing.” His quotes of motivation Artistic Evolution
and inspiration echoed the sentiments
of understanding, developing and The spring town hall (April 25) focused
embodying the strength and fortitude on “Artistic Evolution,” and performers
to regroup and continue forward even Loretta Devine, Jasmine Guy and
“artistic evolution” in the midst of what may seem to be a Chloe x Halle provided insight and
participants crushing defeat. inspiration drawn from their careers
agreed the industry “How you withstand the crushing is and experiences.
can be difficult, what’s on trial in your life right now.” While all the special guests, including
particularly for Jakes questioned, “Are you tough moderator and N.C. A&T alumnus
enough to withstand what’ you’re
Kevin Wilson Jr. ’11, work in the
african americans up against? entertainment industry, the stories and
and women; “If you’re not careful, you’ll think the advice they shared were applicable
across all disciplines.
however, they crushing is there to destroy you … but
concurred that it all because you fought back when you Oscar-nominee Wilson began the
didn’t think you could come back,
conversation sharing his personal story
begins and ends with you’re really strong and tenacious.” of following his dreams, even when
personal strength. Having recognized their own power to family and friends told him to follow
the safe path, get a business degree
succeed beyond present and seemingly and a respectable job. Instead, he
crushing circumstances, attendees were chose to pursue his passion in the arts,
standing to their feet by the end of the where he ultimately thrived beyond his
event, armed with concepts for living wildest dreams.
their best lives.
38 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 39
While others may not understand or “In this day and age, all you have to do All agreed the industry can be hard
believe in you, it’s critical that you is put something out there with your and difficult, particularly for African
believe in yourself, stressed Guy, who whole heart and see where it lands,” Americans and women; however, they
the objective of is best known for her portrayal as said Halle, the younger of the two. concurred that it all begins and ends
“relationship Goals” Whitley Gilbert in the hit TV series, “A “Social media has really been helpful with personal strength.
and special for us. If it weren’t for
Different World.”
was to provide YouTube, we may not be here.” “As black women, it’s important to know
attendees with a “Proving yourself is part of the game … “Getting the ball rolling is a little easier your voice and power,” said Chloe. “And
always remember, you do have power.
transition is often difficult, but you have
greater sense of how to have heart and tenacity,” she said. than keeping the ball rolling. That’s Yes, the industry is difficult, but be kind
to “level up” in their Sharing the trials and tribulations of the hard part about Hollywood,” said and find kindness.”
Devine, whose star-studded stage and
relationships. being young, somewhat unknown and screen career spans nearly 40 years.
African American, Chloe x Halle, who Summing it up, she added, “Ultimately,
star in the “Black-ish” TV series spinoff, you must be able to inspire yourself.”
“Grown-ish,” echoed Guy’s sentiments
with a small caveat.
Left to right: Halle Bailey, Kevin Wilson, Chloe Bailey, Loretta Devine and Jasmine Guy
t.d. Jakes began
by painting a picture
of all the ancestors
who paved the way
for every student T.D. Jakes
to be sitting in the
audience seats they Jakes masterfully merged the Students in attendance were given
occupied. series theme and principles of his advance copies of Jakes’s book.
then soon-to-be-released book,
“Crushing.” His quotes of motivation Artistic Evolution
and inspiration echoed the sentiments
of understanding, developing and The spring town hall (April 25) focused
embodying the strength and fortitude on “Artistic Evolution,” and performers
to regroup and continue forward even Loretta Devine, Jasmine Guy and
“artistic evolution” in the midst of what may seem to be a Chloe x Halle provided insight and
participants crushing defeat. inspiration drawn from their careers
agreed the industry “How you withstand the crushing is and experiences.
can be difficult, what’s on trial in your life right now.” While all the special guests, including
particularly for Jakes questioned, “Are you tough moderator and N.C. A&T alumnus
enough to withstand what’ you’re
Kevin Wilson Jr. ’11, work in the
african americans up against? entertainment industry, the stories and
and women; “If you’re not careful, you’ll think the advice they shared were applicable
across all disciplines.
however, they crushing is there to destroy you … but
concurred that it all because you fought back when you Oscar-nominee Wilson began the
didn’t think you could come back,
conversation sharing his personal story
begins and ends with you’re really strong and tenacious.” of following his dreams, even when
personal strength. Having recognized their own power to family and friends told him to follow
the safe path, get a business degree
succeed beyond present and seemingly and a respectable job. Instead, he
crushing circumstances, attendees were chose to pursue his passion in the arts,
standing to their feet by the end of the where he ultimately thrived beyond his
event, armed with concepts for living wildest dreams.
their best lives.
38 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 39
University and commUnity
celebrate the arts
Asha Duniani and Joshua Suiter
40 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe
University and commUnity
celebrate the arts
Asha Duniani and Joshua Suiter
40 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe
By Jordan M. Howse
On April 26, North Carolina A&T held its Devine captured national attention for her
inaugural Town & Gown event to recognize role as Lorrell, one of the three original
and celebrate the relationship between the “Dreamgirls.” She transitioned to film to
university and the surrounding Piedmont create some of her most memorable roles
Triad community. The College of Arts, in movies such as “Waiting to Exhale” and
Humanities and Social Sciences hosted “This Christmas” as well as on television on
the event. “A Different World,” “Being Mary Jane” and
“Grey’s Anatomy.”
The Town & Gown brought together 315
community leaders, friends and supporters Guy is best known for her role as Whitley
of N.C. A&T with the university for a red Gilbert on “A Different World,” but she has
carpet-worthy evening of fellowship (dinner) seen success on the big screen in Spike
and artistic performances from talented Lee’s “School Daze” and Eddie Murphy’s
A&T musicians, dancers and singers, as well “Harlem Nights.” She also has performed
as displays by student visual artists and a as a part of The Alvin Ailey Repertory
special presentation of “Ain’t Misbehavin’, Company and in Broadway hits such as the
The Fats Waller Musical Show.” “The Wiz” and “Chicago.”
“We have a well-earned reputation for Wilson, an alumnus of A&T, won the Gold
STEM education at this institution,” said Medal at the 44th Student Academy Awards
Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. at the Town for “My Nephew Emmett,” his 20-minute
& Gown dinner. “That reputation should short film based on the true story of the
not overshadow the amazing gifts of our 1955 murder of Emmett Till. Months later,
artistically inclined students in the visual and Wilson received an Oscar nomination for
performing arts department, and tonight it’s Best Live Action Short Film at the 90th
all about them.” Academy Awards.
Earlier in the day, master classes in acting, “As one of the nation’s top producers of
dancing and film directing were conducted undergraduate degrees awarded to African
by stage and screen actress Loretta Devine, Americans in visual and performing arts, N.C.
triple threat Jasmine Guy and Oscar- A&T’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social
nominated filmmaker Kevin Wilson ’11, Sciences has one of the top five theatre
respectively. programs designed for African-American
students,” Martin said. “(It also) boasts
recipients of the Irene Ryan National Action
“n.C. a&t’s College of arts, Humanities and Scholarship Competition at the Kennedy
social sciences has one of the top five Center American College Theatre Festival, Pictured clockwise from
top right: Kaetlin Sifford,
and, is home to the Mattye Reed African
theatre programs designed for african- Heritage and H. Clinton Taylor Collections. Kevin Wilson, Emmanuel
american students.” Thomas, dance master
“The university and the communities beyond class with Jasmine Guy
— CHanCellor Harold l. Martin Sr. our campus are enriched and strengthened (third row center) and
immeasurably through our many shared Loretta Devine (front)
endeavors. We are truly stronger together,
and this debut Town & Gown event
underscored that in myriad, vibrant ways.”
NCat.edu • 4543
42 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu •
By Jordan M. Howse
On April 26, North Carolina A&T held its Devine captured national attention for her
inaugural Town & Gown event to recognize role as Lorrell, one of the three original
and celebrate the relationship between the “Dreamgirls.” She transitioned to film to
university and the surrounding Piedmont create some of her most memorable roles
Triad community. The College of Arts, in movies such as “Waiting to Exhale” and
Humanities and Social Sciences hosted “This Christmas” as well as on television on
the event. “A Different World,” “Being Mary Jane” and
“Grey’s Anatomy.”
The Town & Gown brought together 315
community leaders, friends and supporters Guy is best known for her role as Whitley
of N.C. A&T with the university for a red Gilbert on “A Different World,” but she has
carpet-worthy evening of fellowship (dinner) seen success on the big screen in Spike
and artistic performances from talented Lee’s “School Daze” and Eddie Murphy’s
A&T musicians, dancers and singers, as well “Harlem Nights.” She also has performed
as displays by student visual artists and a as a part of The Alvin Ailey Repertory
special presentation of “Ain’t Misbehavin’, Company and in Broadway hits such as the
The Fats Waller Musical Show.” “The Wiz” and “Chicago.”
“We have a well-earned reputation for Wilson, an alumnus of A&T, won the Gold
STEM education at this institution,” said Medal at the 44th Student Academy Awards
Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. at the Town for “My Nephew Emmett,” his 20-minute
& Gown dinner. “That reputation should short film based on the true story of the
not overshadow the amazing gifts of our 1955 murder of Emmett Till. Months later,
artistically inclined students in the visual and Wilson received an Oscar nomination for
performing arts department, and tonight it’s Best Live Action Short Film at the 90th
all about them.” Academy Awards.
Earlier in the day, master classes in acting, “As one of the nation’s top producers of
dancing and film directing were conducted undergraduate degrees awarded to African
by stage and screen actress Loretta Devine, Americans in visual and performing arts, N.C.
triple threat Jasmine Guy and Oscar- A&T’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social
nominated filmmaker Kevin Wilson ’11, Sciences has one of the top five theatre
respectively. programs designed for African-American
students,” Martin said. “(It also) boasts
recipients of the Irene Ryan National Action
“n.C. a&t’s College of arts, Humanities and Scholarship Competition at the Kennedy
social sciences has one of the top five Center American College Theatre Festival, Pictured clockwise from
top right: Kaetlin Sifford,
and, is home to the Mattye Reed African
theatre programs designed for african- Heritage and H. Clinton Taylor Collections. Kevin Wilson, Emmanuel
american students.” Thomas, dance master
“The university and the communities beyond class with Jasmine Guy
— CHanCellor Harold l. Martin Sr. our campus are enriched and strengthened (third row center) and
immeasurably through our many shared Loretta Devine (front)
endeavors. We are truly stronger together,
and this debut Town & Gown event
underscored that in myriad, vibrant ways.”
NCat.edu • 4543
42 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu •
nearly 130 years of dOing
The university has been harnessing the power While some of those goals remain the same,
of do for 128 years, which led to it becoming the Preeminence 2023 added the elevation and
No. 1 public and largest HBCU in the country. It expansion of public service, community
continues to be a top three research institution in engagement and stewardship. The campaign
North Carolina. put A&T on the road to making the strategic goals
more attainable.
“There’s never been a better time to advance
the reach of A&T,” Sigmon said. “We have an As faculty prepare A&T students for careers of
opportunity to build a new era of preeminence and the future, the infrastructure of the university has
recognition to create an unprecedented idea of to keep pace. With increased enrollment growth,
what a 21st century HBCU can be.” there will be a need for more student housing
and campus parking, and a greater capacity for
The campaign for North Carolina A&T allows the communications, internet and Wi-Fi, development
university to do more good for more people. The systems and other student needs.
research done by faculty and students at N.C.
A&T can help communities and can be continued “With the help of the dedicated A&T students,
through more support. faculty, alumni, friends and community, are showing
the world what Aggies can do,” Sigmon said.
Whether funding research on the production of
allergen-reduced peanuts, health disparities, or a That support is being used to enhance academic
medical device to treat gallstone disease, private programs, fund facilities, strengthen scholarships
funds play a growing role at this doctoral, higher- and provide for faculty needs at what is now
research activity university. America’s No. 1 public historically black university,
By Jordan M. Howse according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best
Around $3.75 million came from private donors in Colleges rankings.
The tagline for North Carolina A&T’s 2017 to fund the high-level research that students
capital campaign is a testament to and faculty engage in. “At its heart, the Campaign for North Carolina
everything Aggies have done, are doing A&T stands for transformation and the abiding
and can do. “We’re solving real-world challenges that we all idea that by exercising our power, individually and
face,” Sigmon said. “Through this, we’re supporting collectively, we can move mountains,” Chancellor
capital The Campaign for North Carolina A&T the collective power of do. There really is a power in Harold L. Martin Sr. told the more than 400 guests
caMpaign focuses on four pillars: students, faculty, people deciding to make things happen and we can assembled at the kickoff event. “Our university
allows the program support and infrastructure. Ken do that with the investments.” will be a different institution when this campaign
Sigmon, vice chancellor of university
concludes, I promise you.”
University to advancement, said those pillars are what The A&T Preeminence 2020 strategic plan set A&T
make N.C. A&T great. on the path to achieve ambitious goals that would
do “A&T got started from the power of do,” encourage creative exchange, commit to excellence
in teaching, position the university as a premier
Sigmon said. “Private support got us
out the basement of Shaw University research institution, embrace the entrepreneurial
spirit, foster diversity and inclusion and achieve
More good and that’s what it’s going to take to help academic an operational excellence.
us become a preeminent land-grant
for More university.
people
44 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 45
nearly 130 years of dOing
The university has been harnessing the power While some of those goals remain the same,
of do for 128 years, which led to it becoming the Preeminence 2023 added the elevation and
No. 1 public and largest HBCU in the country. It expansion of public service, community
continues to be a top three research institution in engagement and stewardship. The campaign
North Carolina. put A&T on the road to making the strategic goals
more attainable.
“There’s never been a better time to advance
the reach of A&T,” Sigmon said. “We have an As faculty prepare A&T students for careers of
opportunity to build a new era of preeminence and the future, the infrastructure of the university has
recognition to create an unprecedented idea of to keep pace. With increased enrollment growth,
what a 21st century HBCU can be.” there will be a need for more student housing
and campus parking, and a greater capacity for
The campaign for North Carolina A&T allows the communications, internet and Wi-Fi, development
university to do more good for more people. The systems and other student needs.
research done by faculty and students at N.C.
A&T can help communities and can be continued “With the help of the dedicated A&T students,
through more support. faculty, alumni, friends and community, are showing
the world what Aggies can do,” Sigmon said.
Whether funding research on the production of
allergen-reduced peanuts, health disparities, or a That support is being used to enhance academic
medical device to treat gallstone disease, private programs, fund facilities, strengthen scholarships
funds play a growing role at this doctoral, higher- and provide for faculty needs at what is now
research activity university. America’s No. 1 public historically black university,
By Jordan M. Howse according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best
Around $3.75 million came from private donors in Colleges rankings.
The tagline for North Carolina A&T’s 2017 to fund the high-level research that students
capital campaign is a testament to and faculty engage in. “At its heart, the Campaign for North Carolina
everything Aggies have done, are doing A&T stands for transformation and the abiding
and can do. “We’re solving real-world challenges that we all idea that by exercising our power, individually and
face,” Sigmon said. “Through this, we’re supporting collectively, we can move mountains,” Chancellor
capital The Campaign for North Carolina A&T the collective power of do. There really is a power in Harold L. Martin Sr. told the more than 400 guests
caMpaign focuses on four pillars: students, faculty, people deciding to make things happen and we can assembled at the kickoff event. “Our university
allows the program support and infrastructure. Ken do that with the investments.” will be a different institution when this campaign
Sigmon, vice chancellor of university
concludes, I promise you.”
University to advancement, said those pillars are what The A&T Preeminence 2020 strategic plan set A&T
make N.C. A&T great. on the path to achieve ambitious goals that would
do “A&T got started from the power of do,” encourage creative exchange, commit to excellence
in teaching, position the university as a premier
Sigmon said. “Private support got us
out the basement of Shaw University research institution, embrace the entrepreneurial
spirit, foster diversity and inclusion and achieve
More good and that’s what it’s going to take to help academic an operational excellence.
us become a preeminent land-grant
for More university.
people
44 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 45
“i knoW The
DiFFerenCe ThaT
a&T maDe in mY liFe,
anD ThaT moTivaTes
me To make The same
oPPorTuniTies availaBle
To TodAy’s sTUdeNTs ANd
The generaTions ThaT
Will FolloW Them.”
— Willie Deese,
CamPaign Co-Chairman
“We have the power to attract the best and brightest minds “I know the difference that A&T made in my life, and that “Our alumni have really stepped up with more [and
in our students and faculty, improve and expand programs motivates me to make the same opportunities available larger] gifts,” Sigmon said. “We’re deepening our
and build state of the art labs, classrooms and residence to today’s students and the generations that will follow relationships with current donors and we are where we
halls for our campus.” them,” said Deese, a retired pharmaceutical executive are today because of these relationships. Campaigns can
who was recognized as the lead donor with $6 million in sometime feel like they are just about the counting. For
Ralisha Mercer, associate vice chancellor of development, support of the campaign. us, it’s about the sacrifice. All size gifts matter and help
said “The Power of DO” was a natural progression of get us across our goal line.”
Aggies DO. Before the public phase of the campaign kicked off, the
leadership phase appealed to alumni and community That goal is $85 million by 2020.
“When we discuss change, we equate it to the movement partners to set the pace.
and the power,” she said. “When we continue to push the When about $68 million were raised, the public phase
power, that’s when we ‘do.’ Like we say, we are better than Through the Campaign for North Carolina A&T, the launched with a kickoff event (Nov. 8, 2018) boasting
yesterday but never as good as tomorrow. That’s the ‘Power university is continuing and building upon its historic what Aggies have already accomplished and what can
of DO.’” commitment to excellence. That commitment has only be accomplished with support from the A&T community.
succeeded because of generous giving from alumni Another $6.77 million has been raised since the public
The campaign is being led by co-chairmen Willie Deese and and friends. launch, currently making the total more than $74 million.
Royall M. Mack Sr., both alumni of the university.
46 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 47
“i knoW The
DiFFerenCe ThaT
a&T maDe in mY liFe,
anD ThaT moTivaTes
me To make The same
oPPorTuniTies availaBle
To TodAy’s sTUdeNTs ANd
The generaTions ThaT
Will FolloW Them.”
— Willie Deese,
CamPaign Co-Chairman
“We have the power to attract the best and brightest minds “I know the difference that A&T made in my life, and that “Our alumni have really stepped up with more [and
in our students and faculty, improve and expand programs motivates me to make the same opportunities available larger] gifts,” Sigmon said. “We’re deepening our
and build state of the art labs, classrooms and residence to today’s students and the generations that will follow relationships with current donors and we are where we
halls for our campus.” them,” said Deese, a retired pharmaceutical executive are today because of these relationships. Campaigns can
who was recognized as the lead donor with $6 million in sometime feel like they are just about the counting. For
Ralisha Mercer, associate vice chancellor of development, support of the campaign. us, it’s about the sacrifice. All size gifts matter and help
said “The Power of DO” was a natural progression of get us across our goal line.”
Aggies DO. Before the public phase of the campaign kicked off, the
leadership phase appealed to alumni and community That goal is $85 million by 2020.
“When we discuss change, we equate it to the movement partners to set the pace.
and the power,” she said. “When we continue to push the When about $68 million were raised, the public phase
power, that’s when we ‘do.’ Like we say, we are better than Through the Campaign for North Carolina A&T, the launched with a kickoff event (Nov. 8, 2018) boasting
yesterday but never as good as tomorrow. That’s the ‘Power university is continuing and building upon its historic what Aggies have already accomplished and what can
of DO.’” commitment to excellence. That commitment has only be accomplished with support from the A&T community.
succeeded because of generous giving from alumni Another $6.77 million has been raised since the public
The campaign is being led by co-chairmen Willie Deese and and friends. launch, currently making the total more than $74 million.
Royall M. Mack Sr., both alumni of the university.
46 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 47
the
atkinson
sisters Attending A&T
with her sister is another
blessing, Jasmine says.
Jasmine and Lauren Atkinson are a “We’ve always been very close,” she said.
picturesque pair. Sisters from Raleigh, North “We’re each other’s best friend. We’re able
Carolina, Jasmine is in her second year at to be there for each other whenever we need
North Carolina A&T and Lauren is in her first. it. We get to watch each other develop and our
relationship has grown so much stronger.”
They both came to N.C. A&T on scholarships
that have helped relieve their worry and stress Jasmine said that her scholarship has afforded her
about loans. all kinds of opportunities. She interned with Bank
of America in Charlotte as a global human resources
Lauren, who received the Dr. Dorothy Prince Barnett development analyst last summer and will intern with
Endowed Scholarship, said she originally didn’t want to the bank as a financial management analyst in New York
While A&T is a public university that receives follow any of her three sisters to college. But she visited A&T this summer.
state and federal funds, Sigmon says that those her sophomore year of high school and knew that’s where she
public funds are restricted and cannot be used wanted to go. When Jasmine decided to attend, Lauren still She also was able to participate in GE’s AggieMagination pitch
for things like endowed scholarships, faculty didn’t want to follow her to college, but earning scholarships contest where she and her team developed a new product
and athletics. Campaign funds will fill in the helped her change her mind. that used emerging technologies and analyze its predicted
gaps to allow students to stay in school, recruit performance. Jasmine’s team won first place for developing a
new faculty and the best athletes.
“Scholarship support means the world to us,” Lauren said. digital tool that used artificial intelligence and artificial reality
“This scholarship and others have paid for my freshman year, technologies to bridge the gap between education and hands-
“We [public institutions] find ourselves on the allowing me to really focus on my work here and not think so on experience for underprivileged students.
short end compared to private institutions,” much about debt.”
Sigmon said. “As costs for higher education Jasmine said she would not have had the time to participate in
rise, we have even more of a commitment A supply chain management student in the College of Business the contest if it wasn’t for her scholarship.
to our students and have to raise even more and Economics, Lauren said that securing this scholarship was
funds.”
a confidence booster for her. The Atkinson sisters love attending college together. Just like
at home, they remain close at school.
Mercer said that endowed scholarships are “Scholarships can sometimes be the only way people can
a large way that help students for years and go to college,” she said. “Receiving a scholarship [makes] “I’ll borrow some of her clothing if I need to, she’ll come to
years.
me feel good about where I am and what I can do.” my room just to hang out, and we grab dinner sometimes
as well,” she said.
“Endowments are there for students to use Jasmine came to A&T in 2017 as an accounting major.
forever,” Mercer said. “They are perpetual Her full departmental accounting scholarship covers Lauren said that her sister made her transition to
investments in the university and in our all of her expenses. college so much easier by offering understanding
students. Endowments transcend generations.”
and be a familiar face when she needs advice.
“Being able to obtain higher education
A&T supporters gave more than $4 million without the burden of student loans is a “Walking across campus to or from a class
to support endowed scholarships for the blessing,” she said. “Every day, I thank and seeing Jasmine will always feel
second consecutive year, while gifts to support A&T for the opportunity they have funny, but I wouldn’t trade it for the
current-use scholarships exceeded $3 million. given me and strive to prove that world,” Lauren said. “I never
Scholarships are of major importance to the their investment in me will imagined going to school
university: Two-thirds of A&T’s enrollment have great returns.” with my sister, but I’m
comprises students who are the first in their glad I do.”
families to go to college, which means family
resources to fund their education can be in
short supply. Here are four examples.
48 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 49
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