NCAT Magazine Fall 2018

Support for N.C. A&T and theater arts students take part in several national and
its students comes from all international programs supported by subscribers.
around the world, but the
Theatre Arts Program gets
angel audiences right here in Clemente McWilliams ’88 has “I was employed at Salem A&T’s theatre arts program
most of its support from
wins national awards and
College in Winston-Salem,
been a season subscriber for
the Triad.
was recognized as the top
but I lived in Greensboro and
nearly 15 years.
have loved theater all my
undergraduate theater
Each year, students in
inveStorS the program participate “I wanted to expose my kids life,” she said. “Our program’s program for African
shows cover many issues
Americans.
to the performing arts and
in several exhibitions and
and topics that are relevant
what better way than to
shows that would be next
The investment the season
and timely. It helps one to
start at A&T,” he said. “(The
to impossible to produce
without the support of
not go unnoticed by theater
utilize the concepts from on
season subscribers. Theatre Arts Program) puts reflect and think of how to subscribers are making does
out top-notch performances
By Jordan M. Howse and at the end of the day, stage in the classroom.” peers or the program’s
season “Our season subscribers are it’s about the support and students.
like family,” said Tina Liggins, impact it has on these “It helps our students grow
subscribers are theatre manager in the students. It gives them emotionally and socially and “It’s uplifting and
the mainstay Department of Visual and confidence and inspires gives them the lifelong tools encouraging to know that no
Performing Arts. “They’re them to do what others to collaborate with others,” matter what show on what
of n.c. a&t’s like mothers, grandfathers, thought they couldn’t.” she said. “We should certainly day, somebody is going to
brothers all here to support continue to support that.” be there,” said Alexander
successful
our students and watch Liggins works hard to Albritton, a senior in the
theatre arts them flourish and grow.” ensure audiences—new and Kea also supports the program. “As students we
old—feel welcome at Paul program by requiring her don’t always acknowledge
program Season subscribers can Robeson Theatre. own students to see at least it, but we definitely know
purchase one to eight one show. how important season
tickets for each show “Art is a feeling, an emotion, subscribers are to us and the
of the season and get a love, especially for our Theater arts students take program. It’s them saying,
advance ticket reservations, season subscribers,” Liggins part in several national and ‘We believe in you.’”
preferred seating and their said. “Some have been international programs
names printed in each of around since I was a kid and supported by subscribers.
the season’s playbills. They we sometimes capture new Students and faculty have
are also honored as special subscribers through them. worked with Guilford
guests at events, receptions There are many people out County Schools and Triad
and the campus version there who love the arts.” Stage to participate in the
of the Tony Awards, August Wilson Monologue
the Robeys. Competition in New York
One of those people is City, study abroad in Britain
“A lot of our subscribers Cathy Kea, professor of to learn some of the classics
want to feed into these special education at A&T. like Shakespeare, as well
students’ lives,” Liggins said. She has been a patron of as travel for workshops
“They aren’t necessarily Paul Robeson Theatre since and intensives.
buying into our season but 1986, before she worked at
into our students. They come the university.
to the black box theater and
see the student-directed
performances. They’re so
supportive of them at every
level, not just the main
stage.”



48 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 49

W





short filM By alUMnUs Kevin wilson Jr. ’11 When nominations for the 90th annual
noMinated for acadeMy award Academy Awards were announced on Jan. 23,
Kevin Wilson Jr.’s life changed before his very
eyes. His “My Nephew Emmett,” was given a
By Alana V. Allen ’07 nod in the Short Film (Live Action) category. 

The 20-minute film takes place on the
night of Aug. 28, 1955, when the 14-year-
old Emmett Till was abducted, tortured and
murdered in Money, Mississippi. The film was
written, produced and directed by Wilson as
a curricular project at New York University’s
Tisch School of the Arts’ Graduate Film
Program, where he is currently a student. The
project was supported by the help of private
donors, GoFundMe contributors and the
Spike Lee Fellowship. 
Oscar- for the support I received
“I am extremely grateful

to produce this film
because majority of the
donors were Aggies who
lived in Greensboro,” said
Wilson. “It really showed
me the true meaning
worthy our own.” 
of Aggie Pride and the
importance of supporting

continued, page 52
















50 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 51

W





short filM By alUMnUs Kevin wilson Jr. ’11 When nominations for the 90th annual
noMinated for acadeMy award Academy Awards were announced on Jan. 23,
Kevin Wilson Jr.’s life changed before his very
eyes. His “My Nephew Emmett,” was given a
By Alana V. Allen ’07 nod in the Short Film (Live Action) category. 

The 20-minute film takes place on the
night of Aug. 28, 1955, when the 14-year-
old Emmett Till was abducted, tortured and
murdered in Money, Mississippi. The film was
written, produced and directed by Wilson as
a curricular project at New York University’s
Tisch School of the Arts’ Graduate Film
Program, where he is currently a student. The
project was supported by the help of private
donors, GoFundMe contributors and the
Spike Lee Fellowship. 
Oscar- for the support I received
“I am extremely grateful

to produce this film
because majority of the
donors were Aggies who
lived in Greensboro,” said
Wilson. “It really showed
me the true meaning
worthy our own.” 
of Aggie Pride and the
importance of supporting

continued, page 52
















50 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 51

Kevin









As a child growing up in Durham, When Wilson started film school in The production of the film took 11
North Carolina, Wilson was always 2015, he knew that he wanted his days to shoot in Money, Mississippi,
fascinated with the story of Emmett project to be about Emmett Till. As and every day of production counted
Till. He remembers visiting family in a husband and father of two sons due to budget restraints. In addition, Wilson JR.
the south and rural areas of North with a daughter on the way, he the majority of the film was shot in
Carolina seeing the Confederate flag wanted to use a perspective that is slave quarters on the Whittington
and he was always reminded of not explored in the story. He wanted Plantation at night between midnight
Till’s story.  to give a cinematic voice of Mose and 5 a.m. 
Wright, Till’s uncle, and show the
While Wilson attended North Carolina intense agony behind the decision to “When you are producing a short film,
A&T as a broadcast production hand over a child in the middle of the there is no second wasted and every
student, he was given an opportunity night to his abductors.  moment has a purpose,” said James.
in 2009 by then-staff member “It is my hope that the audience
Ryan Maltese to produce the play, “As an African-American father, you connects with the film and grasp the
“The Emmett Till Story,” at Harrison worry about keeping your children true story of Emmett Till.”  Writer, producer, director
Auditorium. The success of the play safe and telling your sons about www.directedbykevin.com
fueled his desire to bring the story Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Before the film was completed, the
to film.  Tamir Rice,” said Wilson. “These lead actor who played the uncle of
stories affect our communities and Till, L.B. Williams, passed away in Kevin Wilson Jr. is an Oscar-nominated and
After graduating A&T, Wilson worked it’s my contribution as a director to July 2017.  Student Academy Award-winning filmmaker
as a production assistant for NBC produce films about our justice based in New York City. His first works as a
Universal in New York and as a and equality.”  Wilson plans to start production on filmmaker came shortly after directing a
cameraman on the set of “Law & a full-length feature film and use sold-out play as an undergraduate student
Order: Special Victims Unit.” Even Wilson gained support from two the momentum from the Academy in North Carolina. Since that time, his short
though the work helped him to hone fellow Aggies, who served as co- Award nomination to direct and films have screened at film festivals all over
his skills and taught him about the producers on the film: former Miss produce more movies, plays and the world, including the New York Film
industry, he wasn’t being fulfilled A&T, TaNisha Fordham ’09, and commercials. Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Cleveland
artistically. Film school was something former Mister A&T, Austin James International Film Festival and HollyShorts
he desired, but when he applied for ’11. These two were instrumental on Film Festival where he won Best Director.
the first time he was rejected by NYU; campus when he first produced the
nevertheless, he didn’t give up.  play and he knew that he needed
them along the journey.  In 2017, he won the Gold Medal at the 44th
“It was heartbreaking finding out that Student Academy Awards for his short film,
I didn’t get into film school on my “Kevin is the most humble person "My Nephew Emmett," a 20-minute short
first attempt,” said Wilson. “I realized I know, and seeing him in action film based on the true story of the 1955
with the whole situation that it takes showed me that it’s okay to dream murder of Emmett Till. Months later, "My
a certain type of maturity and growth big and achieve your goals,” said Nephew Emmett" was nominated for an
to be serious about making movies, Fordham. “This journey tested him a Oscar for BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
and I gained that perspective from lot and he was pressed on every side, at the 90th Academy Awards. "My Nephew
Oscar- Student Film Award.
being a husband and father.”  but he never gave up and that’s what Emmett" also won Wilson a Directors Guild
I admire most about him.”  of America Student Film Award and a BAFTA



worthy Having just received an M.F.A. in film
production from NYU’s Tisch School of the
Arts, he is in development for his debut
feature film.



52 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 53

Kevin









As a child growing up in Durham, When Wilson started film school in The production of the film took 11
North Carolina, Wilson was always 2015, he knew that he wanted his days to shoot in Money, Mississippi,
fascinated with the story of Emmett project to be about Emmett Till. As and every day of production counted
Till. He remembers visiting family in a husband and father of two sons due to budget restraints. In addition, Wilson JR.
the south and rural areas of North with a daughter on the way, he the majority of the film was shot in
Carolina seeing the Confederate flag wanted to use a perspective that is slave quarters on the Whittington
and he was always reminded of not explored in the story. He wanted Plantation at night between midnight
Till’s story.  to give a cinematic voice of Mose and 5 a.m. 
Wright, Till’s uncle, and show the
While Wilson attended North Carolina intense agony behind the decision to “When you are producing a short film,
A&T as a broadcast production hand over a child in the middle of the there is no second wasted and every
student, he was given an opportunity night to his abductors.  moment has a purpose,” said James.
in 2009 by then-staff member “It is my hope that the audience
Ryan Maltese to produce the play, “As an African-American father, you connects with the film and grasp the
“The Emmett Till Story,” at Harrison worry about keeping your children true story of Emmett Till.”  Writer, producer, director
Auditorium. The success of the play safe and telling your sons about www.directedbykevin.com
fueled his desire to bring the story Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Before the film was completed, the
to film.  Tamir Rice,” said Wilson. “These lead actor who played the uncle of
stories affect our communities and Till, L.B. Williams, passed away in Kevin Wilson Jr. is an Oscar-nominated and
After graduating A&T, Wilson worked it’s my contribution as a director to July 2017.  Student Academy Award-winning filmmaker
as a production assistant for NBC produce films about our justice based in New York City. His first works as a
Universal in New York and as a and equality.”  Wilson plans to start production on filmmaker came shortly after directing a
cameraman on the set of “Law & a full-length feature film and use sold-out play as an undergraduate student
Order: Special Victims Unit.” Even Wilson gained support from two the momentum from the Academy in North Carolina. Since that time, his short
though the work helped him to hone fellow Aggies, who served as co- Award nomination to direct and films have screened at film festivals all over
his skills and taught him about the producers on the film: former Miss produce more movies, plays and the world, including the New York Film
industry, he wasn’t being fulfilled A&T, TaNisha Fordham ’09, and commercials. Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Cleveland
artistically. Film school was something former Mister A&T, Austin James International Film Festival and HollyShorts
he desired, but when he applied for ’11. These two were instrumental on Film Festival where he won Best Director.
the first time he was rejected by NYU; campus when he first produced the
nevertheless, he didn’t give up.  play and he knew that he needed
them along the journey.  In 2017, he won the Gold Medal at the 44th
“It was heartbreaking finding out that Student Academy Awards for his short film,
I didn’t get into film school on my “Kevin is the most humble person "My Nephew Emmett," a 20-minute short
first attempt,” said Wilson. “I realized I know, and seeing him in action film based on the true story of the 1955
with the whole situation that it takes showed me that it’s okay to dream murder of Emmett Till. Months later, "My
a certain type of maturity and growth big and achieve your goals,” said Nephew Emmett" was nominated for an
to be serious about making movies, Fordham. “This journey tested him a Oscar for BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
and I gained that perspective from lot and he was pressed on every side, at the 90th Academy Awards. "My Nephew
Oscar- Student Film Award.
being a husband and father.”  but he never gave up and that’s what Emmett" also won Wilson a Directors Guild
I admire most about him.”  of America Student Film Award and a BAFTA



worthy Having just received an M.F.A. in film
production from NYU’s Tisch School of the
Arts, he is in development for his debut
feature film.



52 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 53

Once shy and overlooked,
Zonya Love’s star shines on stage




By Jordan M. Howse


Zonya Johnson ’03 could feel that
North Carolina A&T State University “ Be so good they can’t ignore you. ”
was going to change her life when — STEVE MARTIN
she stepped on campus as a callow
freshman.

Johnson said that graduate school She sang at the famed Carnegie Hall
While she grew up in the church,
Johnson was not into theater until her really taught her about herself, and with Broadway Inspirational Voices,
last year of high school. She came to she learned more about her will and which afforded her opportunities to
N.C. A&T to major in music, but when endurance to live her dream. sing background vocals for TV shows
she realized she was behind on sight “America’s Got Talent,” “Smash” and
reading she changed her major to “I’ve always had to work hard, but in “The David Letterman Show.”
theater. grad school I felt like I was overlooked
and often ignored by the program,” Johnson said she believes it is
she said. “So, I had to have a strong will especially important now to have
“There was a stigma about not
declaring a major, so I thought that I and be okay with my individuality.” spaces like A&T that build up,
could major in theater to help bring encourage, nurture, challenge and
me out of my shyness and take some One of her professors, Glenn Casale, develop black youth.
sight-reading classes on the side and did not overlook the talented young
then I’d switch to music,” Johnson said. woman and gave Johnson her first “For some people, it will be their first
performing opportunity after grad and only experience being surrounded
school. That opportunity allowed her to
by people who look like you,” she said.
SECOND performs under the stage name Zonya union and move to New York. so that we are able to strut through
In her first semester, Johnson, who
“It’s vital that we have that foundation
become a professional actress, join the
Love, was cast in the department’s
this world knowing our greatness,
competition piece for the Kennedy
our diversity, our achievements and
Her breakout performance was as
Center American College Theater
Celie in the Broadway production of
contributions to this world.”
Festival and the annual holiday
“The Color Purple,” replacing Fantasia
performance of “Black Nativity.”
Barrino in the Oprah Winfrey-produced Johnson said her experience at A&T
SIGHT department), Frankie Day, Miller Lucky, Johnson went on to travel in the first as a black woman in professional
musical.
gave her the confidence that is needed
“Once I got in (the theater
theater.
Jeff Richardson, Donna Bradby and
national tour of the Tony Award-
Tina Liggins took me under their
winning musical, “Avenue Q.” Her
“Being on a campus where the majority
wings and didn’t let me go. They saw
other theater credits include playing
something in me that I didn’t see in
Bessie Smith in “The Devil’s Music,”
plethora of black folk,” she said. “A&T,
myself,” she said.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” looked like me exposed me to a
specifically the theater department,
and “The Wiz.” was where I really learned myself. I
After leaving A&T, Johnson landed
a few roles but ultimately decided grew to love myself because I was in
to pursue her Master of Fine Arts at an environment that catered to being
University of Nevada, Las Vegas. black, proud and the best person I
could be.”
54 • N.C. A&T MAGAZINE NCAT.EDU • 55

Once shy and overlooked,
Zonya Love’s star shines on stage




By Jordan M. Howse


Zonya Johnson ’03 could feel that
North Carolina A&T State University “ Be so good they can’t ignore you. ”
was going to change her life when — STEVE MARTIN
she stepped on campus as a callow
freshman.

Johnson said that graduate school She sang at the famed Carnegie Hall
While she grew up in the church,
Johnson was not into theater until her really taught her about herself, and with Broadway Inspirational Voices,
last year of high school. She came to she learned more about her will and which afforded her opportunities to
N.C. A&T to major in music, but when endurance to live her dream. sing background vocals for TV shows
she realized she was behind on sight “America’s Got Talent,” “Smash” and
reading she changed her major to “I’ve always had to work hard, but in “The David Letterman Show.”
theater. grad school I felt like I was overlooked
and often ignored by the program,” Johnson said she believes it is
she said. “So, I had to have a strong will especially important now to have
“There was a stigma about not
declaring a major, so I thought that I and be okay with my individuality.” spaces like A&T that build up,
could major in theater to help bring encourage, nurture, challenge and
me out of my shyness and take some One of her professors, Glenn Casale, develop black youth.
sight-reading classes on the side and did not overlook the talented young
then I’d switch to music,” Johnson said. woman and gave Johnson her first “For some people, it will be their first
performing opportunity after grad and only experience being surrounded
school. That opportunity allowed her to
by people who look like you,” she said.
SECOND performs under the stage name Zonya union and move to New York. so that we are able to strut through
In her first semester, Johnson, who
“It’s vital that we have that foundation
become a professional actress, join the
Love, was cast in the department’s
this world knowing our greatness,
competition piece for the Kennedy
our diversity, our achievements and
Her breakout performance was as
Center American College Theater
Celie in the Broadway production of
contributions to this world.”
Festival and the annual holiday
“The Color Purple,” replacing Fantasia
performance of “Black Nativity.”
Barrino in the Oprah Winfrey-produced Johnson said her experience at A&T
SIGHT department), Frankie Day, Miller Lucky, Johnson went on to travel in the first as a black woman in professional
musical.
gave her the confidence that is needed
“Once I got in (the theater
theater.
Jeff Richardson, Donna Bradby and
national tour of the Tony Award-
Tina Liggins took me under their
winning musical, “Avenue Q.” Her
“Being on a campus where the majority
wings and didn’t let me go. They saw
other theater credits include playing
something in me that I didn’t see in
Bessie Smith in “The Devil’s Music,”
plethora of black folk,” she said. “A&T,
myself,” she said.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” looked like me exposed me to a
specifically the theater department,
and “The Wiz.” was where I really learned myself. I
After leaving A&T, Johnson landed
a few roles but ultimately decided grew to love myself because I was in
to pursue her Master of Fine Arts at an environment that catered to being
University of Nevada, Las Vegas. black, proud and the best person I
could be.”
54 • N.C. A&T MAGAZINE NCAT.EDU • 55

alUMni notes





anThony Taylor ’98 is a
system coordinator for the
Department of the Army, Office
of the Assistant Secretary of the
Army for Acquisition, Logistics
and Technology. Taylor has
1980s over 12 years of military service.
He has received numerous
commendations including Army
sTePhanie g. adams ’88, dean of Achievement Medal for Civilian
the Batten College of Engineering and Service; Army Meritorious Service
Technology at Old Dominion University, Medal (3); Military Outstanding
received the American Society for Volunteer Service Medal; Field
Engineering’s 2018 Harriet Tubman Artillery Honorable Order of
Award for Advancing African-American St. Barbara; NATO and Kosovo
Women in Academic Engineering in June Ribbons for Operation Joint
at the annual conference of the American Guardian; and Federal Executive
Society for Engineering Education Board Excellence in Federal
(ASEE) in Salt Lake City. The honor Career Bronze. In March, he
recognizes an individual who has fought completed the Competitive
to increase gender and racial diversity Development Group/Army
within the 350 accredited engineering Acquisition Fellowship, a three-
schools that operate in the United States. year developmental program
African-American women account for that provides members of the
just 0.54 percent of the nation’s 28,000 Army Acquisition Workforce
engineering faculty members and fewer with expanded training through
than 1 percent of engineering students.
educational, leader development
Adams has a B.S. in mechanical and broadening assignments. 
engineering from A&T. Her M.S. in 1990s naTasha yVeTTe Williams ’92 is an American actress, singer In addition to his B.S. in
systems engineering and Ph.D. in and all-around entertainer. Williams began singing at the age of mechanical engineering from
interdisciplinary engineering are from 3, in the Tiny Tot Choir at her church. Since then she has been A&T, Taylor has an M.S. in
the University of Virginia and Texas A&M performing everywhere—from the subway to Broadway. engineering management
University, respectively. In her most recent Broadway show, “A Night with Janis Joplin,” she from Missouri University of
wowed audiences with her portrayal of Aretha Franklin. She also Science and Technology and a
has been seen in “Chicago,” The Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” and master’s certificate in program
Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple.” Other stage credits include “All management from Villanova
dWayne Pinkney ’85 is senior vice president for operations and administration at Virginia Polytechnic Shook Up,” “Godspell,” “Abyssinia,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Parade.” University.
Institute and State University. Pinkney oversees all aspects of the financial and operational enterprises Her television credits include “Orange Is the New Black,” “The Wiz
of the university, including financial affairs, human resources, policy and governance, and planning Live,” “Odd Mom Out,” “Love to Gregory” and “BRS/Gage.”
and facilities management. He brings 23 years of financial and administrative management in higher Williams is a recording artist and has a current project called “How
education and state legislative experience to Virginia Tech, spending the last 14 years in progressively Deep Is the Ocean,” a collection of standards, and a gospel project
higher-level management positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, most recently mixed with hymns and originals called “Songs the Get Me through.”
serving as senior associate vice chancellor for finance and administration. Prior to UNC-Chapel Hill in She was the first Kraft Foods New Voice of Gospel winner and has
2004, Pinkney was an associate vice president for finance at the University of North Carolina General toured with theatrical productions and musical groups. Williams
Administration. has been a featured vocalist at Carnegie Hall and with The New

Pinkney received his Ph.D. in political science at UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in public York Pops Symphony Orchestra, The Naples Philharmonic, The
administration from the University of Pittsburgh. His bachelor’s degree in English and journalism is Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Pittsburgh
from A&T. and Indianapolis symphony orchestras, and The Edmonton
Philharmonic. She has performed in Canada, Indonesia, Italy,
Japan, Korea, London and Switzerland.


56 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 57

alUMni notes





anThony Taylor ’98 is a
system coordinator for the
Department of the Army, Office
of the Assistant Secretary of the
Army for Acquisition, Logistics
and Technology. Taylor has
1980s over 12 years of military service.
He has received numerous
commendations including Army
sTePhanie g. adams ’88, dean of Achievement Medal for Civilian
the Batten College of Engineering and Service; Army Meritorious Service
Technology at Old Dominion University, Medal (3); Military Outstanding
received the American Society for Volunteer Service Medal; Field
Engineering’s 2018 Harriet Tubman Artillery Honorable Order of
Award for Advancing African-American St. Barbara; NATO and Kosovo
Women in Academic Engineering in June Ribbons for Operation Joint
at the annual conference of the American Guardian; and Federal Executive
Society for Engineering Education Board Excellence in Federal
(ASEE) in Salt Lake City. The honor Career Bronze. In March, he
recognizes an individual who has fought completed the Competitive
to increase gender and racial diversity Development Group/Army
within the 350 accredited engineering Acquisition Fellowship, a three-
schools that operate in the United States. year developmental program
African-American women account for that provides members of the
just 0.54 percent of the nation’s 28,000 Army Acquisition Workforce
engineering faculty members and fewer with expanded training through
than 1 percent of engineering students.
educational, leader development
Adams has a B.S. in mechanical and broadening assignments. 
engineering from A&T. Her M.S. in 1990s naTasha yVeTTe Williams ’92 is an American actress, singer In addition to his B.S. in
systems engineering and Ph.D. in and all-around entertainer. Williams began singing at the age of mechanical engineering from
interdisciplinary engineering are from 3, in the Tiny Tot Choir at her church. Since then she has been A&T, Taylor has an M.S. in
the University of Virginia and Texas A&M performing everywhere—from the subway to Broadway. engineering management
University, respectively. In her most recent Broadway show, “A Night with Janis Joplin,” she from Missouri University of
wowed audiences with her portrayal of Aretha Franklin. She also Science and Technology and a
has been seen in “Chicago,” The Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” and master’s certificate in program
Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple.” Other stage credits include “All management from Villanova
dWayne Pinkney ’85 is senior vice president for operations and administration at Virginia Polytechnic Shook Up,” “Godspell,” “Abyssinia,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Parade.” University.
Institute and State University. Pinkney oversees all aspects of the financial and operational enterprises Her television credits include “Orange Is the New Black,” “The Wiz
of the university, including financial affairs, human resources, policy and governance, and planning Live,” “Odd Mom Out,” “Love to Gregory” and “BRS/Gage.”
and facilities management. He brings 23 years of financial and administrative management in higher Williams is a recording artist and has a current project called “How
education and state legislative experience to Virginia Tech, spending the last 14 years in progressively Deep Is the Ocean,” a collection of standards, and a gospel project
higher-level management positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, most recently mixed with hymns and originals called “Songs the Get Me through.”
serving as senior associate vice chancellor for finance and administration. Prior to UNC-Chapel Hill in She was the first Kraft Foods New Voice of Gospel winner and has
2004, Pinkney was an associate vice president for finance at the University of North Carolina General toured with theatrical productions and musical groups. Williams
Administration. has been a featured vocalist at Carnegie Hall and with The New

Pinkney received his Ph.D. in political science at UNC-Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in public York Pops Symphony Orchestra, The Naples Philharmonic, The
administration from the University of Pittsburgh. His bachelor’s degree in English and journalism is Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Pittsburgh
from A&T. and Indianapolis symphony orchestras, and The Edmonton
Philharmonic. She has performed in Canada, Indonesia, Italy,
Japan, Korea, London and Switzerland.


56 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 57

alUMni notes






































2010s



2000s Chris Berry ’08, an actor, director, educator and producer from Long Jeffrey roney ’08 has been kalilah BlaCk ’11 began humming songs in her crib as early as
Island, New York, is vice president of the Black Theatre Network, the Irene promoted to associate in the seven months old. She was enrolled in dance classes at age 8, while
Ryan Scholarship co-coordinator for Region 4 of the Kennedy Center Raleigh, North Carolina, office simultaneously starring in all of her church’s youth productions.
American College Theatre Festival and co-creator of We Are Soul Nerds, of Dewberry. Roney is a project She then landed a childhood television and commercial agent at 10
a multimedia production company dedicated to the production of new manager and electrical engineer. and began auditioning and working. Although she was enrolled in
work and collaborations. Professionally, Berry is an assistant professor of He earned a bachelor’s degree in the Exceptionally Gifted and Talented Program for Math and Sciences
stage voice at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. architectural engineering from North in elementary and junior high school, she was convinced that she
Carolina Agricultural and Technical should audition for the major performing arts high schools in NYC.
State University (2008), and is a Not only was she accepted into all of her high school choices, she
In addition to earning a BFA in acting from N.C. A&T, Berry has an MFA professional engineer (PE) in multiple was accepted into Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art
from Brown University/Trinity. Berry maintains an active relationship states. Dewberry is a privately held and Performing Arts (also known as “the F.A.M.E. school”) for both
in the regional and New York theatre communities where he maintains professional services firm based in the vocal and drama programs.
professional relationships as a director and voice coach with several Fairfax, Virginia. Roney’s promotion
companies. He can most recently be seen in the web series, “Hampton 10- coincides with Dewberry’s ongoing During her undergraduate years as an Aggie, she performed in
10,” and has been featured as an actor at Playmakers Repertory Company, expansion of engineering, architectural many educational theatre productions—like “The Wiz” and “Dance
Trinity Rep and The National Black Theatre. He is a proud member of and consulting services in the on Widow’s Row”—and some of the great regional theaters in North
Actors Equity Association. southeast region, where the firm has Carolina in shows like “Chicago” and “Black Nativity.” Within
practiced since 1984. months of obtaining her B.F.A. in professional theatre, she landed
a performance gig in Singapore. Since then has traveled the world
and the states performing in theme parks, cruise ships and regional
theaters and even Greensboro’s own, The Barn Dinner Theater. Her
biggest career highlight to date was making her Broadway debut in
Disney’s “The Lion King.”





58 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 59

alUMni notes






































2010s



2000s Chris Berry ’08, an actor, director, educator and producer from Long Jeffrey roney ’08 has been kalilah BlaCk ’11 began humming songs in her crib as early as
Island, New York, is vice president of the Black Theatre Network, the Irene promoted to associate in the seven months old. She was enrolled in dance classes at age 8, while
Ryan Scholarship co-coordinator for Region 4 of the Kennedy Center Raleigh, North Carolina, office simultaneously starring in all of her church’s youth productions.
American College Theatre Festival and co-creator of We Are Soul Nerds, of Dewberry. Roney is a project She then landed a childhood television and commercial agent at 10
a multimedia production company dedicated to the production of new manager and electrical engineer. and began auditioning and working. Although she was enrolled in
work and collaborations. Professionally, Berry is an assistant professor of He earned a bachelor’s degree in the Exceptionally Gifted and Talented Program for Math and Sciences
stage voice at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. architectural engineering from North in elementary and junior high school, she was convinced that she
Carolina Agricultural and Technical should audition for the major performing arts high schools in NYC.
State University (2008), and is a Not only was she accepted into all of her high school choices, she
In addition to earning a BFA in acting from N.C. A&T, Berry has an MFA professional engineer (PE) in multiple was accepted into Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art
from Brown University/Trinity. Berry maintains an active relationship states. Dewberry is a privately held and Performing Arts (also known as “the F.A.M.E. school”) for both
in the regional and New York theatre communities where he maintains professional services firm based in the vocal and drama programs.
professional relationships as a director and voice coach with several Fairfax, Virginia. Roney’s promotion
companies. He can most recently be seen in the web series, “Hampton 10- coincides with Dewberry’s ongoing During her undergraduate years as an Aggie, she performed in
10,” and has been featured as an actor at Playmakers Repertory Company, expansion of engineering, architectural many educational theatre productions—like “The Wiz” and “Dance
Trinity Rep and The National Black Theatre. He is a proud member of and consulting services in the on Widow’s Row”—and some of the great regional theaters in North
Actors Equity Association. southeast region, where the firm has Carolina in shows like “Chicago” and “Black Nativity.” Within
practiced since 1984. months of obtaining her B.F.A. in professional theatre, she landed
a performance gig in Singapore. Since then has traveled the world
and the states performing in theme parks, cruise ships and regional
theaters and even Greensboro’s own, The Barn Dinner Theater. Her
biggest career highlight to date was making her Broadway debut in
Disney’s “The Lion King.”





58 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 59

PeoPle Behind the scholarshiPs




In memorIam inSPired giving

Greensboro couple endows $500,000

scholarship for local students to pursue
alumni Dorian W. Powell ’96 faCulTy & sTaff degrees in stem disciplines
John A. Best ’63 Thoms A. Rawdanowicz ’98 Kristen Brown, adjunct professor
Thomas L. Boone ’72 Tylea D. Sides ’66 Don Corbett, former basketball coach By Jordan M. Howse
Barbara W. Breeden ’61 Anthony M. Skinner Sr. ’66 Kenneth Flurchick, assistant professor
James E. Browne ’62 Louise P. Slade ’44 Lennette Goggans, technology Linda and John Englar value John and Linda, who is a
Betty J. Byrd ’69 Elliot D. Smith Sr. ’50 support technician nothing more than education. graduate of the University of
Margaret C. Chesney ’56 Emmerson R. Smith ’68 Calvin “Cal” Irvin, former basketball That is why they created an South Carolina and retired
Lonnie L. Cockerham ’60 Tommy B. Spivey ’86 coach and athletics director endowed scholarship in their as an industrial engineer
Cabell W. Daniel ’63 Robert A. Taylor ’55 Jilan Li, assistant professor name at North Carolina A&T. at Burlington Industries,
Ernest Davis ’77 Franklin M. Thomas ’52 started a similar endowed
Essie L. Everson ’51 Karla R. Thomas ’90 John is a graduate of Duke scholarship at his alma mater
Flossie P. Fisher ’52 Lennard D. Tucker ’75 University, something he where nine students have
William O. Francis Jr. ’69 says would not have been benefitted in the 25 years
Georgia C. Frye ’55 sTudenT possible without the help since its endowment.
Diana M. Gardner ’98 James Kulii, senior of scholarships.
Pamela W. Graves ’68 The Englars’ commitment
John R. Griffin Jr. ’57 “We’ve been supporting to education is evident in
Jessica S. Guter ’00 other people’s opportunity their three sons—Kevin,
William H. Harrell ’50 because I was inspired by Scott and Brian. All three
Robert J. Hill Jr. ’71 what was given to me,” John boys attended Our Lady of
Felicia S. Hooper-Donnell ’90 said. “We are firm believers Grace through grade 8 and
Dorothy T. Jordan ’57 that education is the only then attended Grimsley for
Daniel Lanier Jr. ’55 stepping stone for any high school.
Phyllis H. Latta ’76 young person.”
Travis E. Long ’94 “Whether it’s a private
Otis McMichael Jr. ’75 N.C. A&T will match the Catholic school or a large
Robert L. Moore Jr. ’69 $250,000 from the Englars public school, we were
Donald W. Morgan. ’65
to create a $500,000 always around for the need
scholarship. It can be for volunteers,” he said.
awarded to students from “We know what success
Guilford County Schools can come from our great
to study STEM (science, public schools.” John and Linda englar
technology, engineering
and mathematics) disciplines Kevin attended University
at A&T. of Michigan and Wake
Forest Medical School and As further testament to John give other students from
“We’ve lived in Greensboro is in a six-year residency Englar’s commitment to our great public schools
for 40 years and we know in reconstructive surgery education, he taught courses this opportunity for higher
A&T is an important part of at UC San Diego. Scott in MBA programs at UNC education,” he said.
our community and STEM attended University of Greensboro and Duke.
is where A&T is excelling,” Texas and is a manager for The scholarship will be
said John Englar, who retired digital advertising for the “Because of the success available beginning the
as general counsel from TV streaming service, Hulu. our kids had coming from 2019-2020 academic year.
Burlington Industries. “We Their youngest son, Brian, is Guilford County Schools
need those jobs in STEM and pursuing his master’s degree and our love for our
A&T does such a great job in public policy at Duke. community, we want to
preparing its students.”
60 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 61

PeoPle Behind the scholarshiPs




In memorIam inSPired giving

Greensboro couple endows $500,000

scholarship for local students to pursue
alumni Dorian W. Powell ’96 faCulTy & sTaff degrees in stem disciplines
John A. Best ’63 Thoms A. Rawdanowicz ’98 Kristen Brown, adjunct professor
Thomas L. Boone ’72 Tylea D. Sides ’66 Don Corbett, former basketball coach By Jordan M. Howse
Barbara W. Breeden ’61 Anthony M. Skinner Sr. ’66 Kenneth Flurchick, assistant professor
James E. Browne ’62 Louise P. Slade ’44 Lennette Goggans, technology Linda and John Englar value John and Linda, who is a
Betty J. Byrd ’69 Elliot D. Smith Sr. ’50 support technician nothing more than education. graduate of the University of
Margaret C. Chesney ’56 Emmerson R. Smith ’68 Calvin “Cal” Irvin, former basketball That is why they created an South Carolina and retired
Lonnie L. Cockerham ’60 Tommy B. Spivey ’86 coach and athletics director endowed scholarship in their as an industrial engineer
Cabell W. Daniel ’63 Robert A. Taylor ’55 Jilan Li, assistant professor name at North Carolina A&T. at Burlington Industries,
Ernest Davis ’77 Franklin M. Thomas ’52 started a similar endowed
Essie L. Everson ’51 Karla R. Thomas ’90 John is a graduate of Duke scholarship at his alma mater
Flossie P. Fisher ’52 Lennard D. Tucker ’75 University, something he where nine students have
William O. Francis Jr. ’69 says would not have been benefitted in the 25 years
Georgia C. Frye ’55 sTudenT possible without the help since its endowment.
Diana M. Gardner ’98 James Kulii, senior of scholarships.
Pamela W. Graves ’68 The Englars’ commitment
John R. Griffin Jr. ’57 “We’ve been supporting to education is evident in
Jessica S. Guter ’00 other people’s opportunity their three sons—Kevin,
William H. Harrell ’50 because I was inspired by Scott and Brian. All three
Robert J. Hill Jr. ’71 what was given to me,” John boys attended Our Lady of
Felicia S. Hooper-Donnell ’90 said. “We are firm believers Grace through grade 8 and
Dorothy T. Jordan ’57 that education is the only then attended Grimsley for
Daniel Lanier Jr. ’55 stepping stone for any high school.
Phyllis H. Latta ’76 young person.”
Travis E. Long ’94 “Whether it’s a private
Otis McMichael Jr. ’75 N.C. A&T will match the Catholic school or a large
Robert L. Moore Jr. ’69 $250,000 from the Englars public school, we were
Donald W. Morgan. ’65
to create a $500,000 always around for the need
scholarship. It can be for volunteers,” he said.
awarded to students from “We know what success
Guilford County Schools can come from our great
to study STEM (science, public schools.” John and Linda englar
technology, engineering
and mathematics) disciplines Kevin attended University
at A&T. of Michigan and Wake
Forest Medical School and As further testament to John give other students from
“We’ve lived in Greensboro is in a six-year residency Englar’s commitment to our great public schools
for 40 years and we know in reconstructive surgery education, he taught courses this opportunity for higher
A&T is an important part of at UC San Diego. Scott in MBA programs at UNC education,” he said.
our community and STEM attended University of Greensboro and Duke.
is where A&T is excelling,” Texas and is a manager for The scholarship will be
said John Englar, who retired digital advertising for the “Because of the success available beginning the
as general counsel from TV streaming service, Hulu. our kids had coming from 2019-2020 academic year.
Burlington Industries. “We Their youngest son, Brian, is Guilford County Schools
need those jobs in STEM and pursuing his master’s degree and our love for our
A&T does such a great job in public policy at Duke. community, we want to
preparing its students.”
60 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe NCat.edu • 61

NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL
AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY Non-Profit Organization
1601 East Market Street US Postage PAID
Greensboro, NC 27411 Greensboro, NC
www.ncat.edu Permit Number 47



























































Nominations are now open for the prestigious Nominations are open through Nov. 1.
CheaTham-WhiTe sCholarshiP at North
Carolina A&T State University for rising freshmen. The merit scholarship was established at N.C. A&T
and North Carolina Central University by the state
Applicants can be nominated by their respective legislature to provide an outstanding educational
high schools or through self-nomination. Recipients experience for students who are exceptional scholars,
of the scholarship are awarded a fully-funded, four- versatile and well-rounded individuals.
year scholarship covering the costs of full tuition,
student fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop, For more information and to nominate,
supplies, travel and personal expenses. Each recipient visit Cheatham-White Scholars online at
receives four summers of fully funded enrichment https://www.ncat.edu/academics/honors/
and networking opportunities that may include cheatham-white/index.html.
international travel and study.