SWEET SUCCESS | HISTORIC GIFT | NAMEWORTHY | OLYMPIC HOPEFULS
FALL–WINTER 2019–2020
EPA’S
LEADING
MAN
NORTH CAROLINA A&T CONTENTS
MAGAZINE
50
FALL-SPRING 2020-2021
2020 SMALL FARMER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Venessa Harrison
10 NAMEWORTHY
CHANCELLOR
Harold L. Martin Sr. ’74/’76
CHIEF OF STAFF
Erin Hill Hart
ASSOCIATE VICE CHANCELLOR
FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Todd H. Simmons
EDITOR
Sandra M. Brown
PRODUCTION
Kimberly “Nikki” Pressley, Graphic Design
Donna M. Wojek Gibbs, Graphic Design
Sherry Poole Clark, Graphic Design
Village Printing, Printing Services
STAFF WRITERS
Jamie Crockett
Jordan M. Howse
Jackie Torok
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alana Allen ’07 (Alumni Relations)
Lydian Bernhardt (CAES)
Marlene Estenssoro Pineda (Student-Athlete)
Brian M. Holloway ’97 (Athletics)
Jacob Pritchett (Athletics)
Alexander Saunders (COE)
Todd H. Simmons
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Natalie “Naee” Anderson ’18
Ezekiel K. Best/Best Perspectives
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kevin L. Dorsey (Athletics)
Erin Mizzelle (Athletics)
James F. Parker (CAES)
NORTH CAROLINA A&T MAGAZINE
Ȉɰ ɥʍƹȢȈɰȃljǁ ƹȈƃȶȶʍƃȢȢʰ ƹʰ ɽȃlj Ýǹˎƺlj Ɂǹ
University Relations for alumni and friends of
the university. All editorial correspondence
should be directed to the editor at the
address/email below.
EDITORIAL OFFICES
N.C. A&T Magazine
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58 54
HISTORIC ON THE COVER
GIFT
Alumnus Michael S. Regan ’98 becomes
Aggies Know the highest-ranking Aggie ever to serve
4N2o Boundaries in a presidential administration.
OWLYithMaPgIrCadHuaOtePdEeFgrUeeLSfrom North Carolina DEPARTMENTS
A&T, your career possibilities are endless. Choose 4 CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
from one of 10 Ph.D. programs, 29 master’s 36 ATHLETICS
ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰ ƃȶǁ іѕ Ǽɨƃǁʍƃɽlj ƺljɨɽȈˎ ƺƃɽlj ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰ 61 ALUMNI NOTES
at one of North Carolina’s top 3 public research 69 IN MEMORIAM
universities and America’s no. 1 historically black 72 PEOPLE BEHIND THE
university. Many programs are available online.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Invest in a limitless future, starting today.
No GRE/GMAT required. Learn more now at
www.ncat.edu/admissions/graduate.
52
SWEET SUCCESS
WWW.NCAT.EDU
ÝĀӳKA
A PLACE TO BELONG
America’s history fueled the mission and policies of HBCUs to offer students an
opportunity for quality education in a diverse and inclusive environment.
By Sharrice Allen, Ph.D. Most historically Black colleges and just an initiative or a program for our
Project Director, ADVANCE universities (HBCUs) were established campus, rather it is a commitment
Institutional Transformation after 1865 with the sole purpose of and investment in preparing our
(IT) and former Interim educating freed enslaved people students to compete on national and/
Executive Director, Diversity because those individuals were not or global stages.
and Inclusion permitted to attend the existing white
institutions. HBCUs have not only been Diversity is often thought of in terms
a safe haven for their descendants, of race and ethnicity, however, it
but they have been a place where all encompasses much more.
students could be educated.
In the University of North Carolina
One of the greatest myths about Čʰɰɽljȴӗ ǁȈʤljɨɰȈɽʰ Ȉɰ ǁljˎȶljǁ ƃɰ ɽȃlj ʥƃʰɰ
HBCUs is that they are monolithic. in which individuals vary, including, but
Many believe that only Black students not limited to, backgrounds, personal
attend HBCUs and that the faculty are or social identity characteristics, ideas,
all Black. That is so far from the truth. beliefs, cultures and traditions that
distinguish one individual or group
Upon arriving on any HBCU campus, from another.1 Thus, when individuals
diversity is apparent—not just in the enter a learning or work environment,
student and employee populations they show up expressing multifaceted
but also expressed through the intersections of their social identities
lived experiences, perspectives and such as race/ethnicity, gender, gender
approaches of each individual. In identity and expression, sexual
any higher educational setting, orientation, age, physical ability,
students and employees are all religion, language use, socioeconomic
multifaceted individuals showing status, veteran/military status, etc.
up with intersectional identities
with an expectation of being valued, Inclusion ƺƃȶ ƹlj ǁljˎȶljǁ ƃɰ ɽȃlj
respected and empowered members enablement of individuals, including
of the institution. those from underrepresented groups,
to fully and equitably have access
We must be intentional about welcoming each new to, and participate in, the university’s
person to the Aggie family because we understand that programs, services, facilities, and
being diverse and inclusive is not enough. All should institutional life. Collectively, diversity
feel a sense of belonging as well. and inclusion are the intentional
efforts undertaken to create an
Today, HBCUs must be intentional institutional culture and a working
in employing strategies for opening and learning environment offering
their doors wider to a more diverse acceptance, support and respect for
student body. North Carolina A&T, a multiplicity of individuals as they
like most HBCUs, engages in diversity, pursue their academic, research and
equity and inclusion efforts to create professional ambitions and interests.1, 2
supportive and safe spaces for all
students, faculty and staff. At N.C. A&T, Institutions of higher education that
diversity and inclusion (D&I) is not are intentional about diversifying
their demographic composition can
improve the quality of their student
2 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
groups and guiding the university-
wide Diversity and Inclusion
Committee through training for
identity development and capacity
building. In addition, we have been
aggressively developing a D&I strategic
action plan. The D&I Action Plan
aligns with Goals 5.1 and 5.2 of the
university’s strategic plan goals and is
undergirded by the university’s core
values. The framework of the D&I
program is supported by four pillars
of change based on the goals of the
D&I Action Plan: policies, practices and
communication; employee education
and training; student educational
and extracurricular experiences; and
assessment and evaluation.
body and workforce and can be to diversity and to demonstrate Ýȶlj Ɂǹ ȴʰ ǼɁƃȢɰ ƃɰ ɽȃlj Aծ Ɂǹˎƺljɨ
the catalyst for a better return on inclusiveness as we work together for was to bring awareness and
investment. With a diverse campus the advancement of the university understanding around the various
community comes a diversity and the world. As a demonstration tenets of diversity by shifting the
of thought—new ideas, different of this commitment, the university mental models of students and
perspectives and approaches engaged in diversity and inclusion employees through training and
ɽɁ ɥɨɁƹȢljȴ ȈǁljȶɽȈˎƺƃɽȈɁȶ ƃȶǁ efforts throughout the campus. educational strategies. Another goal
solutioning. As a result, students was to ultimately affect change in
are better prepared to compete To further this commitment, the systems, structure and culture of
nationally and globally. university initiated the comprehensive the institution to mitigate barriers to
N.C. A&T Diversity and Inclusion diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
As N.C. A&T’s former interim executive Program. The D&I program is an
Aծ Ɂǹˎƺljɨӗ ʥƃɰ ɨljɰɥɁȶɰȈƹȢlj ǹɁɨ organizational change initiative In any organizational culture where
leading the collaborative campus- designed to cultivate a culture where D&I is promoted and encouraged,
wide strategic thinking and planning each person at the A&T is valued, a sense of belonging is birthed.
process to develop a comprehensive respected and provided a welcoming Belonging is a psychological need
diversity and inclusion program for our and inclusive learning and working supported by a culture where people
campus. In this role, I was a change environment experienced by all. are seen and valued for their authentic
management practitioner helping The strength of our program comes selves. Students and employees feel
to intentionally move the culture from the integration of diversity and that they can bring the whole of who
of our institution to one of inclusive inclusion tenets throughout all levels they are to work so they can be the
excellence at all levels. of the organization infrastructure. innovative and creative beings that
they are called to be.
Ýȶlj Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ˎʤlj ƺɁɨlj ʤƃȢʍljɰ Ɂǹ Çӝ:ӝ Since November 2019, we have
A&T is inclusiveness. As an inclusive focused on developing collaborative We must be intentional about
institution, we are committed partnerships with various focal welcoming each new person to the
Aggie family because we understand
that being diverse and inclusive is
not enough. All should feel a sense
of belonging as well. Thus, our
ultimate desire is to ensure that all
“Aggies Belong.”
REFERENCES
1 300.8.5 Policy on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina. https://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/index.php?section=300.8.5
2 300.8.5[R] Regulation on Diversity and Inclusion Within the University of North Carolina. https://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/index.php?section=300.8.5%5BR%5D
3 ŚȈȢɰɁȶӗ °ӝ ¸ӝ ӯїѕіјӰӝ KȴljɨǼȈȶǼ ɽɨljȶǁӖ ěȃlj ƺȃȈljǹ ǁȈʤljɨɰȈɽʰ Ɂǹˎƺljɨ ɥȃljȶɁȴljȶɁȶ ʥȈɽȃȈȶ ȃȈǼȃljɨ ljǁʍƺƃɽȈɁȶӝ ěȃlj °ɁʍɨȶƃȢ Ɂǹ ÇljǼɨɁ KǁʍƺƃɽȈɁȶӗ ѝїӯљӰӗ љјјӸљљњӝ
NCAT.EDU 3
CAMPUS
HIGHLIGHTS
MAKING NEWS
N.C. A&T RISES IN NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
North Carolina A&T has maintained its position in U.S. Of particular note, A&T broke into the magazine’s annual
News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2021 as the No. 1 ɨƃȶȟȈȶǼ Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ÃɁɰɽ ȶȶɁʤƃɽȈʤlj ČƺȃɁɁȢɰ ǹɁɨ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɽȈȴljӝ ɽ
public HBCU in America, a spot it shares this year with is the nation’s only public HBCU included in that list, with
Florida A&M. Both universities are tied for seventh overall Howard being the only other HBCU to join it. A&T tied at
in the HBCU listings. No. 68 with such schools as Penn State, Syracuse, Virginia,
North Carolina State and Florida State.
N.C. A&T moved up in the prestigious National University
rankings to a tie at 272, nine spots up from last year’s tie at A&T further tied for 61st nationally for universities with
281 as part of its best showing ever in a range of important the Best Undergraduate Teaching, a list that recognizes
national lists. Only 292 schools made the national institutions with “an exceptionally strong commitment” to
numerical rankings, with an additional 89 included in the the classroom experience.
overall category, but not ranked. A&T entered the National
ĩȶȈʤljɨɰȈɽʰ ɨƃȶȟȈȶǼɰ Ȣƃɰɽ ʰljƃɨ ǹɁɨ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɽȈȴljӝ A&T also earned a spot among the top 50 campuses
nationally in social mobility, ranking No. 48 nationally—
A&T further ranked among America’s top 70 national up from No. 66 last year—in this key measure of how
universities in three separate categories, as well as successfully it performs in graduating students who
retaining its No. 1 spot among the nation’s public HBCUs receive Pell Grants compared to its success in graduating
for the third consecutive year. non-Pell recipients. Most Pell Grants go to students with
a family income of less than $20,000. A&T tied with the
“North Carolina A&T’s continued rise in the national universities of Florida, Houston and West Georgia.
rankings is the result of the strategic focus of our
institution on academic excellence, as well as the A&T further tied for No. 132 among all doctoral university
dedication and hard work of our students, faculty and engineering programs nationwide, a slight move up from
staff,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “We not only last year’s tie at 134. A&T produces more African American
want to compete with the very best nationally, we are engineers at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels
united as a university in our desire to be transformative in combined than any university in the nation. The university
the lives of our students, the communities we serve and also ranks No. 210 nationally among best computer
the research we undertake.” science programs.
4 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
9 Ƕ Ýy ÃKĄ: {řKČ ԤіÃ ěÝ Ař Ç:K
RACIAL EQUITY, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
North Carolina A&T received $1 million from Bank of “As a doctoral research and modern land-grant
America through the bank’s $1 billion commitment institution, we play a vital role in not only the education
over the next four years to advance racial equality and of future generations of leaders like Ms. Thomas, but also
economic opportunity. in applied research and, equally, as a major economic
driver for the region, state and nation,” said Chancellor
As part of that commitment, Ebony Thomas ‘93 has Harold L. Martin Sr.
joined the bank’s Environmental, Social & Governance,
Capital Deployment and Public Policy team as the “Among our goals is to
program executive for Racial Equality and Economic provide the best and
Opportunity Initiatives. brightest students with
access to opportunities
Bank of America is directing one-third, or $300 that ultimately will result
million, of its $1 billion commitment to four key areas in dynamic careers.”
across 91 U.S. markets and globally, with $25 million in
support of jobs initiatives in black and Hispanic/Latino Bank of America also will direct $25 million in support of
communities. community outreach and initiatives, $50 million in direct
equity investments to Minority Depository Institutions,
These funds will enhance up-skilling and reskilling and $200 million of proprietary equity investments in
through partnerships with 10 historically Black colleges minority entrepreneurs, businesses and funds.
and universities and Hispanic serving institutions and
11 community colleges that serve predominately Black Martin said the bank’s investment in A&T through this
and Hispanic/Latino students. Bank of America will work ɰȈǼȶȈˎƺƃȶɽ ƃȶǁ ȃȈɰɽɁɨȈƺ ljǹǹɁɨɽ ʥȈȢȢ ɥƃʰ ǁȈʤȈǁljȶǁɰ ǹɁɨ ʰljƃɨɰ
with major employers in each select market to ensure to come.
ɽȃljɰlj ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰ ɽƃɨǼljɽ ɰɥljƺȈˎƺ ȃȈɨȈȶǼ ȶljljǁɰӝ
“As a beacon for the future, we sit here in East
Çӝ:ӝ ծě Ȉɰ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ȈȶɰɽȈɽʍɽȈɁȶ Ɂǹ ȃȈǼȃljɨ ljǁʍƺƃɽȈɁȶ Ȉȶ Greensboro at the intersection of all that Bank of America
North Carolina to partner with Bank of America in this is committed to through this initiative – talent and job
effort. creation, community outreach, wealth creation, and
entrepreneurship,” he said. “All of these are at the very
“Among our goals is to provide the best and brightest heart of who we are as a land grant institution.”
students with access to opportunities that ultimately
will result in dynamic careers,” said Derek Ellington, The Bank of America gift came during the university’s
Triad market president for Bank of America. “What capital campaign, The Campaign for North Carolina A&T..
better way to accomplish that than by leveraging the
excellent relationship we already have with A&T, the
nation’s No. 1 HBCU?”
That relationship is further strengthened by the addition
of Thomas in implementing Bank of America’s vision.
Most recently, she served as bank’s human resources
executive for market and site human resources
where she led activities including talent planning,
development and mobility, engagement and diversity
and inclusion across all markets. Before serving in this
role, she was the head of enterprise diversity recruiting
and co-head of global campus recruiting.
NCAT.EDU 5
CAMPUS
HIGHLIGHTS
MAKING NEWS
N.C. A&T, CONSORTIUM PARTNERS RECEIVE
ԤњӝќÃ ěÝ Ař Ç:K A 9KěKČ ĄKČK Ą:
The National Institute of Diabetes The award will support four cores that In addition to the four core research
and Digestive Kidney Disease leverage the unique strengths at each areas, the award will support a robust
(NIDDK) at the National Institutes NCDRC institution, making resources pilot funding program designed
of Health awarded $5.7 million available to diabetes investigators on to bring new investigators and
to North Carolina A&T and three all four campuses. N.C. A&T will be young scientists to the diabetes
North Carolina Diabetes Research home to the Enrichment/Community ˎljȢǁӗ ljȶȃƃȶƺlj ƺɁȶȶljƺɽȈʤȈɽʰ Ȉȶ ɽȃlj
Center (NCDRC) consortium Engagement Core led by Elimelda research community and foster
partners. The award will support Moige Ongeri, Ph.D., professor and new advancements in basic and
shared technological infrastructure associate dean of research and translational diabetes research.
for advancing innovative innovation in the College of Health
diabetes research and fostering and Human Sciences.
interinstitutional collaborations in
North Carolina.
ĄČ Ś ĄAČ ԤјӝїњÃ yÝĄ
NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to a $3.25 million award from the Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), students
in the School of Nursing will have the opportunity to
ɨljƺljȈʤlj ǹʍȢȢ ɰƺȃɁȢƃɨɰȃȈɥɰ Ɂʤljɨ ɽȃlj ȶljʯɽ ˎʤlj ʰljƃɨɰӝ
North Carolina A&T will receive $650,000 per year
through the HRSA funding secured by Lenora Campbell,
Ph.D., dean of the College of Health and Human
Sciences. The money comes from HRSA’s Scholarships
for Disadvantaged Students program, which is designed
to increase the number, ethnic diversity and distribution
of nurses to remediate the state of North Carolina’s
shortage of diverse healthcare providers.
The award is expected to provide full scholarships to
25 eligible full-time juniors and seniors in the School
Ɂǹ ÇʍɨɰȈȶǼӝ ěȃȈɰ ȴƃɨȟɰ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɽȈȴlj ɽȃlj ʍȶȈʤljɨɰȈɽʰ ȃƃɰ
received scholarship funds through the HRSA program.
“Our goal is to establish a program that enhances
academic success for our students and produces
graduates who are commitment to health equity,
eliminating health disparities, and serving medically
underserved populations,” said Campbell.
6 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
While the primary focus is to cultivate equity in the In spring 2020, the school established a partnership
nursing workforce, it also will equip nursing students to with Cone Health to pilot test the health equity toolkit
reduce health disparities which have been illustrated most created by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF),
recently by the novel coronavirus pandemic. AARP and AARP Foundation. The HRSA award further
elevates A&T’s nationally recognized commitment to both
Policies that multiply health inequities have persisted education and health equity.
for generations, resulting in long-standing inequities
and barriers to good health and, consequently, Criteria for receiving an HRSA-funded scholarship,
health disparities. Having a diverse nursing workforce ȈȶƺȢʍǁȈȶǼ ˎȶƃȶƺȈƃȢ ȶljljǁӗ Ȉɰ ƹljȈȶǼ ǁljɽljɨȴȈȶljǁӝ Čɽʍǁljȶɽɰ
improves population health outcomes, particularly ʥȈȢȢ ƹlj ƃƹȢlj ɽɁ ƃɥɥȢʰ ǹɁɨ ƃ ɰƺȃɁȢƃɨɰȃȈɥ ɽȃɨɁʍǼȃ ɽȃlj Ýǹˎƺlj Ɂǹ
within underrepresented groups. The African American Student Support Services.
population in North Carolina is 22%, but African Americans
only make up 12.5% of the state’s registered nursing A&T’s School of Nursing was founded 66 years ago
population. ƹƃɰljǁ Ɂȶ ȶʍɨɰȈȶǼ ʥɁɨȟǹɁɨƺlj ljɧʍȈɽʰ ƃȶǁ ˎɨɰɽ ƃƺƺɨljǁȈɽljǁ
by the National League of Nursing in 1971 and has
An important goal of the HRSA award is to increase the maintained continuous accreditation ever since then.
number of students from minority and disadvantaged It offers a Bachelor of Science program accredited by
backgrounds who successfully enter and complete the the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
B.S.N. program and are successful on the NCLEX on through 2022. Students can pursue their B.S.N. through
ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ƃɽɽljȴɥɽӝ ěȃȈɰ ʥȈȢȢ ƹlj ǁɁȶlj ƹʰ ɰɽɨljȶǼɽȃljȶȈȶǼ three entry options: traditional, accelerated second degree
partnerships with high schools and area Health Career and registered nurse completion for those who already
Access Programs to increase recruitment of students from hold an associate nursing degree.
disadvantaged backgrounds.
“From its inception, A&T has been one of the largest
The nursing program at N.C. A&T has experienced contributors of African American nurses in North Carolina,”
ɰȈǼȶȈˎƺƃȶɽ ǼɨɁʥɽȃ Ɂʤljɨ ɽȃlj Ȣƃɰɽ ˎʤlj ʰljƃɨɰ ƃȶǁ ƹɁƃɰɽljǁ ƃ said Campbell. “The HRSA award is a game-changer
97% NCLEX pass rate for 2019. for nursing at A&T and will ensure that we continue
the tradition of contributing to a more diverse nursing
workforce.”
NCAT.EDU 7
CAMPUS
HIGHLIGHTS
MAKING NEWS
:ÝK yĩK¸Č ČěĩAKÇěČԇ yĩěĩĄKČ Śě ԤјÃ {yě
yĄÝà AÝÃÇÝÇ KÇKĄ{ť yÝĩÇA ěÝÇ
The College of Engineering (COE) received a
$3 million investment from Dominion Energy
Foundation to increase student workforce readiness in
the power and energy sectors.
The six-year HBCU Promise program will provide
$25 million in funding to eleven total institutions in
Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina by
bolstering scholarships, endowments and meeting
essential campus needs. The company will also
establish a $10 million scholarship fund to support
African American and other underrepresented
minority students across Dominion Energy’s service
area. North Carolina A&T was the only university in
North Carolina selected for the program.
8 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
ČěĩAť ÃČ ěÝ ¸ÝŚKĄ :ÝřAӳіў : ČKČӗ
AK ěČ Ç ĄKČAKÇě ¸ : ĄK y :¸ěKČ
A study under way by researchers in the College of Health and Human
Sciences (CHHS) aims to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and
deaths in residential care facilities, including nursing homes.
Data have established that older adults in congregate
living facilities have higher COVID-19 mortality rates than
the general population. In addition, guidelines regarding
visitation, screening staff for the novel coronavirus, and the
use of personal protective equipment (PPE) vary widely
from state to state.
The North Carolina A&T study examines which pre-
COVID-19 quality of care measures predict COVID-19
cases and deaths in congregate living facilities, as well as
community-level factors that perpetuated or mitigated
disparities in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths
among older adults in these residences.
“Community-level risk factors are important because care backgrounds, agency settings, income levels, and socio-
providers reside in the community and are carriers bringing demographic characteristics,” said Teixeira-Poit.
COVID-19 into congregate living facilities,” said Stephanie
Teixeira-Poit, Ph.D., an assistant professor of sociology in the The SAB not only provided feedback on the approach and
CHHS and principal investigator (PI) of the study. analysis interpretation, but also help develop actionable
recommendations that can be implemented to reduce
Early December, the Centers for Disease Control and novel coronavirus cases and deaths in congregate living
Prevention recommended that health care and nursing facilities.
ȃɁȴlj ʥɁɨȟljɨɰ ƹlj ƃȴɁȶǼ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɽɁ ɨljƺljȈʤlj :ÝřAӸіў
vaccines as soon as they become available. “We will use this information to devise practical strategies
that our local community partners, their constituents,
Teixeira-Poit is leading the effort with co-PI Vannessa policymakers and decision-makers can use to mitigate
Gharbi, a student in the Joint Programs in Social Work COVID-19 cases and deaths in these facilities,” said Teixeira-
of A&T and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Poit. “Our hope is that these strategies can be adapted
Their team analyzed data from the N.C. Department of and implemented in residential care facilities across North
Health and Human Services COIVD-19 Ongoing Outbreaks Carolina and in other states to slow and stop the spread of
in Congregate Living Settings Report, the U.S. Centers for COVID-19 among these vulnerable adult populations.”
Medicare and Medicaid Services Post-Acute Care and
Hospice Provider Utilization and Payment Public Use Files,
the U.S. Agency on Healthcare Research and Quality’s Area
Health Resources File, and county-level COVID-19 records.
As part of the study, researchers conducted community- The target completion date for the Predictors and
based participatory research and convened a stakeholder Strategies to Mitigate COVID-19 Cases and Death Among
advisory board (SAB). “To ensure the SAB could address Older Adults in Nursing Homes and Residential Care
the needs of a wide range of diverse constituents, we Facilities study, which received $75,428 in funding from
ƃȈȴljǁ ɽɁ ƃɰɰljȴƹȢlj ƃ ƺɁȃɁɨɽ Ɂǹ Ȣljƃǁljɨɰ Ȉȶ ɽȃlj ˎljȢǁ the N.C. Policy Collaboratory, was Dec. 30.
representing diverse geographical locations, professional
NCAT.EDU 9
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MAKING NEWS
NEW ENGINEERING COMPLEX
ěÝ 9K Ą à ĄěÇԇČ Ç ÃK
In honor of a lifetime of contributions In addition to his prior service as graduation of African American
to the success of North Carolina senior vice president of the UNC engineers. Funded by a statewide
ծěӗԝɽȃlj ĩÇ: Čʰɰɽljȴ ƃȶǁ ɽȃlj System and chancellor of Winston- NC Connect bond passed by voters
people of North Carolina, N.C. A&T’s Salem State University, he previously in 2016, the ERIC will be home to
new engineering complex will be served as vice chancellor for state-of-the-art laboratories and
named upon its opening in honor of academic affairs of A&T, as well as technology critical to advancing the
Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. dean of the College of Engineering, ƺɁȢȢljǼljԇɰ ɰƺȈljȶɽȈˎƺ ʥɁɨȟ Ȉȶ ȃljƃʤȈȢʰ
ԝ chair of the Department of Electrical competitive STEM research, to
The Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Engineering and a faculty member fostering innovation that fuels start-
Research and Innovation Complex in that department. All told, his up and spinoff companies and to
was approved at the Feb. 26 meeting academic and administrative career educating engineers who play key
of the North Carolina A&T Board of at A&T has spanned nearly four roles in the state’s economy.
Trustees after trustee and former board decades.
chairman Timothy King submitted the ԝ The building will assume its new
ȶɁȴȈȶƃɽȈɁȶ ljƃɨȢȈljɨ Ȣƃɰɽ ȴɁȶɽȃӝԝ “Chancellor Martin’s relentless name as part of the grand opening
ԝ commitment to the success of North later this year. While it is slated
Martin, who assumed his current Carolina A&T has led our university for completion and occupation in
position with A&T in 2009, is the to unprecedented heights over August, the date has not yet been set
longest currently serving chancellor the past 12 years, in which A&T has for that occasion but is expected to
in the UNC System and a leader not only become America’s largest take place this fall.
nationally among both HBCUs and HBCU but—by some rankings and ԝ
ȢƃȶǁӸǼɨƃȶɽ ɨljɰljƃɨƺȃ ȈȶɰɽȈɽʍɽȈɁȶɰӝԝ evaluations—its very best,” said ÃƃɨɽȈȶ Ȉɰ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ծě Ǽɨƃǁʍƃɽlj ɽɁ
Venessa Harrison, board chairwoman. lead the university. He earned his
“He has modeled and required B.S. (1974) and M.S. (1976), both in
excellence in everything that the electrical engineering, before leaving
university does, and in doing so, he for Virginia Tech to complete his Ph.D.
has led a transformation of A&T that (1980). Upon graduation, he returned
will serve it well, many years after we to A&T as a member of the electrical
ƃɨlj ǼɁȶljӝԝ engineering faculty, rapidly rising
ԝ ɽȃɨɁʍǼȃ ɽȃlj ɨƃȶȟɰ ɽɁ ȢljƃǁljɨɰȃȈɥӗ ˎɨɰɽ
Ԅɽ Ȉɰ ˎɽɽȈȶǼ ƃȶǁ ƃɥɥɨɁɥɨȈƃɽlj ɽȃƃɽ ɽȃlj serving as department chair and
new complex to be occupied by the in 1989 being named dean of the
college where he began his work in ƺɁȢȢljǼljӝԝ
ɰljɨʤȈƺlj Ɂǹ ծě ƹlj ȶƃȴljǁ Ȉȶ ȃȈɰ ȃɁȶɁɨӝԅԝ ԝ
ԝ He was promoted to vice chancellor
ÇɁʥ Ȉȶ Ȉɽɰ ˎȶƃȢ ɰɽƃǼljɰ Ɂǹ ƺɁȶɰɽɨʍƺɽȈɁȶӗ ǹɁɨ ƃƺƃǁljȴȈƺ ƃǹǹƃȈɨɰ Ȉȶ іўўљӗ ƃȶǁ ˎʤlj
the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering years later he joined Winston-Salem
Research and Innovation Complex State as chancellor, leading the
is a $90 million facility that will university through a reorganization,
dramatically enhance the research ɨljƃǹˎɨȴƃɽȈɁȶ Ɂǹ Ȉɽɰ ƃƺƺɨljǁȈɽƃɽȈɁȶ
and instructional capacities of a and launch of seven new master’s
college that leads the nation in ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰӝԝ
10 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
ԝ its current 12,753 headcount last fall. In Money magazine, the university
In 2006, UNC System President ěȃlj ɰʍƺƺljɰɰɁɨ ɽɁ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɰɽɨƃɽljǼȈƺ ranks as the best HBCU in America,
Erskine Bowles tapped Martin to plan, “A&T Preeminence: Taking the Ɂȶlj Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ȶƃɽȈɁȶԇɰ ɽɁɥ ˎʤlj ȴɁɰɽ
serve as senior vice president for Momentum to 2023,” calls for the affordable universities and an
academic affairs, making him the top university to expand to an enrollment institution whose alumni earn more
ƃƺƃǁljȴȈƺ Ɂǹˎƺljɨ Ɂǹ ɽȃlj іќӸƺƃȴɥʍɰ of 14,000 over the next three fall in early career salaries than those of
system. Three years later, he was terms—a goal it is widely expected to all but one peer campus in the UNC
ljȢljƺɽljǁ ɽȃlj іїɽȃԝƺȃƃȶƺljȢȢɁɨ Ɂǹ ծěӝԝ ɰʍɨɥƃɰɰӝԝ System.
ԝ ԝ ԝ
As A&T’s chief executive, Martin A&T has also moved into the nation’s “There is no doubt that Chancellor
has overseen the creation of two leading universities in a growing list Martin’s vision and passion for this
successive strategic plans that of key academic rankings. U.S. News university have played critical roles
radically changed the university’s & World Report lists it among the in the incredible ascent of A&T,” said
direction. A&T was struggling in nation’s top national universities King. “In no place do we see that
enrollment when he arrived, facing and its top 70 in Social Mobility, more than in engineering, which has
ƃȶ ʍȶƺljɨɽƃȈȶ ǹʍɽʍɨljӝ ěȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɥȢƃȶӗ Innovation and Best Undergraduate been the foundation upon which the
“A&T Preeminence 2020: Embracing Teaching. It also is the magazine’s university’s national reputation has
Our Past, Creating Our Future,” was top ranked public HBCU for the third been built since his service as dean
created in 2011, with implementation consecutive year, a position it shares 30 years ago. The Martin Complex will
immediately following. By 2014, the ɽȃȈɰ ʰljƃɨ ʥȈɽȃ yȢɁɨȈǁƃ ծÃӝԝ serve as a lasting testament to the
university had grown to become the ԝ difference his leadership made.”
nation’s largest HBCU, a position it
has not only held in every successive
ʰljƃɨ ƹʍɽ ljʯɥƃȶǁljǁ ʍɥɁȶӝԝ
ԝ
ȶ ljƃƺȃ Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ɥƃɰɽ ˎʤlj ƺɁȶɰljƺʍɽȈʤlj
years, A&T has set institutional
enrollment records, expanding to
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MAKING NEWS
The First-gen Forward designation
recognizes institutions of higher
education that have demonstrated a
commitment to improving experiences
and advancing outcomes of first-
generation college students
N.C. A&T RECEIVES
yĄČěӳ{KÇ yÝĄŚ ĄA AKČ{Ç ěÝÇ
North Carolina A&T recently received designation as a and practical skills in an effort to increase persistence,
First-gen Forward Institution as part of The Center for First- retention, good academic standing and ultimately
generation Student Success 2020-21 cohort of First-gen ǼɨƃǁʍƃɽȈɁȶ ɽȃɨɁʍǼȃ ɽʍɽɁɨȈȶǼӗ ɰɽʍǁʰ ɰȟȈȢȢɰӗ ˎȶƃȶƺȈƃȢ ȢȈɽljɨƃƺʰӗ
Forward Institutions. summer bridging, advising and academic coaching.
A National Association of Student Personnel As part of the 2020-21 cohort, N.C. A&T will receive
Administrators (NASPA), Student Affairs Administrators professional development, community-building
in Higher Education initiative, the First-gen Forward ljʯɥljɨȈljȶƺljɰ ƃȶǁ ƃ ˎɨɰɽ ȢɁɁȟ ƃɽ ɽȃlj :ljȶɽljɨԇɰ ɨljɰljƃɨƺȃ ƃȶǁ
designation recognizes institutions of higher education resources. Select faculty and staff will be afforded multiple
that have demonstrated a commitment to improving opportunities to engage with peer and aspirational
ljʯɥljɨȈljȶƺljɰ ƃȶǁ ƃǁʤƃȶƺȈȶǼ ɁʍɽƺɁȴljɰ Ɂǹ ˎɨɰɽӸǼljȶljɨƃɽȈɁȶ institutions that are also creating environments that
college students. ȈȴɥɨɁʤlj ɽȃlj ljʯɥljɨȈljȶƺljɰ ƃȶǁ ɁʍɽƺɁȴljɰ Ɂǹ ˎɨɰɽӸǼljȶljɨƃɽȈɁȶ
students.
Many of the university’s resources and efforts are provided
through TRiO Student Support Services. The program After two successful years in the program, institutions are
provides a range of services addressing academic eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.
12 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
N.C. A&T PARTNERS WITH NBCUNIVERSAL
ÇKŚČ {ĄÝĩĀ yÝĄ ÇKŚ °ÝĩĄÇ ¸Čà : AKÃť
Multi-year partnership with historically Black colleges and
universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and colleges with
significant Black, indigenous and people of color populations
signals Comcast and NBCU News Group’s commitment to
diversity, equity and inclusion.
North Carolina A&T is among 17 The investment will provide “We are delighted to partner with
academic institutions across the equipment, onsite curriculum NBCUniversal News Group to
nation selected by NBCUniversal and various opportunities for prepare the next generation as
News Group for its new NBCU students to engage and learn from they explore career aspirations
Academy, an innovative, NBCU News Group journalists, in journalism through hands-
multiplatform journalism training executives, managerial, production on training and professional
and development program for and editorial team members. development,” said Frances
four-year university and community Additionally, the initiative provides Ward-Johnson, Ph.D., CAHSS
college students. funding for journalism programs dean. “Our journalism and mass
and scholarships—including communication department
NBCUniversal News Group scholarships worth $3.5 million produces exceptional students,
announced the $6.5 million, over the next two years—and will ʥȃɁ ʥȈȢȢ ȶɁɽ ɁȶȢʰ ƹljȶljˎɽ ǹɨɁȴ
multi-year partnership on Jan. 14, support professors as they develop this opportunity, but will also
enhancing its commitment to seminar courses. have much to contribute to the
diversity, equity and inclusion by academy. Additionally, the support
creating pathways for storytellers N.C. A&T is the only North Carolina- our professors and the program
in underrepresented groups, based university represented in will receive will further enhance
including HBCUs, HSIs and colleges the partnership that also includes the impact we can make.”
ʥȈɽȃ ɰȈǼȶȈˎƺƃȶɽ 9Ȣƃƺȟӗ ¸ƃɽȈȶɁӗ ɰȈƃȶӗ Borough of Manhattan Community
indigenous and tribal populations, :ɁȢȢljǼljӗ :ƃȢ Čɽƃɽlj yʍȢȢljɨɽɁȶӗ :ȢƃːȈȶ This partnership follows several
as well as those that serve students University, Clark Atlanta University, impressive announcements from
with different abilities and from Dallas College, El Camino College, the college last fall, including the
various economic and geographic Florida International University, UNC System Board of Governors
backgrounds. Hampton University, Institute of appointment of Kim Smith, Ph.D., a
American Indian Arts, Miami Dade JOMC associate professor, as a new
“Creating an inclusive culture College, Morgan State University, member of the UNC Press Board of
for journalism that represents Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical Governors.
the communities we serve is College, The City College of New
at the very core of what we York, University of North Texas,
do,” said NBCUniversal News University of Texas at El Paso and
Group Chairman Cesar Conde. Xavier University of Louisiana.
“Through NBCU Academy, we
have the opportunity to widen our A&T’s College of Arts, Humanities
extraordinary legacy by building and Social Sciences (CAHSS)
on-ramps for a talented generation houses the Department
of journalists and storytellers of Journalism and Mass
who—for so long—may have been Communication (JOMC), which
overlooked.” offers three concentrations: mass
media production, multimedia
journalism and public relations.
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MAKING NEWS
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS EARN
FIRST NATIONAL RANKING
The supply chain programs in the Willie A. Deese College with employers within 90 days of graduation, with most
Ɂǹ 9ʍɰȈȶljɰɰ ƃȶǁ KƺɁȶɁȴȈƺɰ ȃƃʤlj ƃƺȃȈljʤljǁ ɽȃljȈɨ ˎɨɰɽ receiving multiple employment offers before graduation.
national rankings.
The MBA with supply chain management concentration
¸ljƃǁȈȶǼ ǼȢɁƹƃȢ ɨljɰljƃɨƺȃ ˎɨȴ {ƃɨɽȶljɨ ɥȢƃƺljǁ ÇɁɨɽȃ provides graduates with the knowledge they need to
Carolina A&T’s MBA with supply chain management design, manage, analyze and update entire supply
concentration at No. 19 and its B.S. in supply chain chain systems or various components within them. It
management at No. 21 on its Top 25 for 2020 lists. The is designed for professionals in transportation, logistics,
ɨƃȶȟȈȶǼɰ ɨljːljƺɽ ljʯƺljȢȢljȶƺlj Ȉȶ Ȉȶǁʍɰɽɨʰ ʤƃȢʍljӗ ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴ manufacturing, insurance, food processing, hospitality,
scope and program size. retailing, and government regulatory and transportation
agencies.
N.C. A&T is the only public historically black college or
university on either list. While it joins N.C. State on the Gartner releases its top 25 lists of supply chain
MBA list, it is the only North Carolina institution on the management programs every two years. For its 2020
undergraduate list. lists, it analyzed 67 universities in the United States
and Canada, including 35 MBA programs and 59
The Deese College offers a B.S. degree in supply chain undergraduate programs, using corporate input and
management that boasts 100% placement for students programmatic results.
14 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
ĄK:ÝĄA ťK Ą Ç yĩÇAĄ ČÇ{
SURPASSES $100M CAMPAIGN GOAL
Ýȶ ɽȃlj ȃljljȢɰ Ɂǹ ˎɰƺƃȢ ʰljƃɨ їѕїѕӗ Ȉȶ “We were truly humbled by the critical funding to support academic
which a record $18.1 million was generosity of North Carolina A&T’s programming, student scholarships
raised, the university surpassed its alumni and friends and the way they ƃȶǁ ˎȶƃȶƺȈƃȢ ƃȈǁӗ ǹƃƺʍȢɽʰ ɰƃȢƃɨȈljɰ ƃȶǁ
$100 million goal for the Campaign stepped up this past year to make a more. For public institutions, such as
for North Carolina A&T. lasting difference for our university,” A&T, they can be a particularly critical
said campaign co-chairman, Willie A. sources of revenue, funding initiatives
N.C. A&T’s previous best fundraising Deese. and opportunities not covered by
year was FY 2018, in which it raised taxpayer revenue.
$15.6 million. For FY 2020, nearly 11% Royall Mack, co-chairman, added,
of alumni made gifts to the campaign “Aggies understand what it takes to go “Through the Campaign for North
totaling $8.5 million, both of which from good to great, and even in the Carolina A&T, we are creating a
are institutional records. ǹƃƺlj Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ljƺɁȶɁȴȈƺ ǁȈǹˎƺʍȢɽȈljɰ Ɂǹ ɽȃlj culture of philanthropy at our
second half of FY 2020,they showed university that will stand us in good
A&T surpassed its $100 million they were up to the challenge.” stead as we pursue the next $100
campaign goal in mid-September on million in support of our students
the strength of a $4 million gift from The previously unmatched year grew and the long-term success of this
Durham-based Cree, an international the university’s academic endowment institution,” said Chancellor Harold L.
manufacturer of lighting products to $73.8 million, up $5.3 million from Martin Sr. “I am truly grateful for the
and products for power and radio FY 2019, and its overall endowment support of each and every donor, and
frequency applications. The Cree and Real Estate Foundation assets to a (I am) committed
gift is at the heart of what is already combined $86 million. to ensuring that
shaping up to be a year that could we maximize
surpass the FY 2020 record, with When the campaign began in FY the impact
multiple sizable gifts under discussion 2014, A&T’s endowment was roughly and value of
and alumni giving continuing its half that at $43.8 million. Earnings their gifts.”
strong pace. on university endowments provide
ÇČy {Ą ÇěČ Ç:ӳ¸Č ÃĀ ԤјӝїÃ
TO CONTINUE STEM PROGRAMMING
The North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority The grant will support the alliance’s initiatives including
Participation (NC-LSAMP), led by North Carolina A&T, increased STEM outreach efforts to K-12 schools, pairing
ɨljƺljȈʤljǁ ƃ ˎʤljӸʰljƃɨ Ԥјӝї ȴȈȢȢȈɁȶ Ǽɨƃȶɽ ǹɨɁȴ ɽȃlj ÇƃɽȈɁȶƃȢ undergraduate students participating in innovative
Science Foundation (NSF) to continue efforts to broaden research projects with peer and faculty mentors,
STEM pathways for underrepresented groups. providing opportunities to attend regional and national
conferences, and presenting workshops focused on student
“This funding will help us continue the great work North development.
Carolina A&T has been doing for more than 20 years
through this program as we equip students for graduate- Along with N.C. A&T, the alliance consists of Fayetteville
level education and ensure they are well prepared to enter State University, North Carolina Central University, North
the workforce,” said Beryl C. McEwen, Ph.D., provost and Carolina State University, University of North Carolina
executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and NC- at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte,
LSAMP principal investigator. University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Winston-
Salem State University.
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MAKING NEWS
N.C. A&T RECEIVES IBM QUANTUM
ĄKČK Ą: :KÇěKĄ AKČ{Ç ěÝÇ
North Carolina A&T has joined IBM’s new The other IBM-HBCU Quantum Center partners are
collaboration with 13 historically Black colleges and Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University,
universities (HBCUs) to equip students pursuing Coppin State University, Hampton University,
quantum computing careers. The IBM-HBCU Quantum Morehouse College, Morgan State University,
Center is a multi-year investment, and N.C. A&T’s Southern University, Texas Southern University,
proven strengths in ground-breaking STEM research University of the Virgin Islands, Virginia Union
and academic rigor resulted in the university’s University and Xavier University of Louisiana.
ɰljȢljƺɽȈɁȶ ƃȶǁ ǁljɰȈǼȶƃɽȈɁȶ ƃɰ Ɂȶlj Ɂǹ ˎʤlj 9:ĩ ȢljƃǁȈȶǼ
quantum research centers in the partnership. In addition to the center partnership, IBM will also
provide A&T and 12 select HBCUs that are part of
“This is a very exciting partnership as we recognize the Skills Academy Academic Initiative with a $100
that quantum computing is an innovative solution million asset and resource donation, which includes
to overcome the limitations in computing power we access to university lectures, software and faculty
experience with current state-of-the-art computing training.
systems,” said Mohd Anwar, Ph.D., associate professor
of computer science in A&T’s College of Engineering Overall, the two initiatives will involve 21 HBCUs. A&T
and the lead investigator for the university’s quantum Ȉɰ Ɂȶlj Ɂǹ ɁȶȢʰ ˎʤlj ɽɁ ɥƃɨɽȈƺȈɥƃɽlj Ȉȶ ƹɁɽȃ ɽȃlj Ăʍƃȶɽʍȴ
research center. “As the No. 1 HBCU and the largest Center and Skills Academy.
producer of African American engineers, among other
notable achievements, our university is positioned to
partner with IBM and our HBCU peers as we prepare
the next generation to be successful in this area.”
Anwar is joined by Christopher C. Doss, Ph.D., an
associate professor in electrical and computer
engineering and Raymond Samuel, Ph.D., a professor
in biology. Through this partnership, the team will be
able to provide opportunities for A&T students from
various STEM disciplines.
IBM will invest approximately $10 million in the
9:ĩ Ăʍƃȶɽʍȴ :ɁƃȢȈɽȈɁȶ Ɂʤljɨ ɽȃlj ȶljʯɽ ˎʤlj ʰljƃɨɰӗ
providing training and access to the company’s
ɧʍƃȶɽʍȴ ɰʰɰɽljȴɰӝ ȶ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ʰljƃɨӗ ɽȃlj ƺɁȴɥƃȶʰ ʥȈȢȢ
establish the center hub at Howard University and
provide seed grants to support research and fund
an undergraduate cohort, graduate students and
postdoctoral positions. IBM will develop plans to
incorporate quantum education and prerequisites in
STEM courses.
16 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
M.S. IN HEALTH NEW ONLINE
PSYCHOLOGY CERTIFICATES IN
PROGRAM CYBERSECURITY,
ÇÇÝĩÇ:KA yÝĄ A ě Ç ¸ťě:Č
y ¸¸ їѕїі ÝyyKĄKA
Beginning in the fall of 2021, North Carolina Adding to an extensive catalog of graduate
A&T will offer a new Master of Science degree ƺljɨɽȈˎƺƃɽljɰӗ ÇɁɨɽȃ :ƃɨɁȢȈȶƃ ծě Ȉɰ ȶɁʥ
in health psychology through the College of ɁǹǹljɨȈȶǼ ɁȶȢȈȶlj ƺljɨɽȈˎƺƃɽlj ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰ Ȉȶ
Health and Human Sciences (CHHS). cybersecurity and data analytics.
Approved by the UNC Board of Governors Available as online-only options, both
in March, the two-year program is designed programs require 12 credit hours for
to provide the foundational knowledge completion and are constructed to provide
and skills for students to work in the health technology professionals and those looking
ɥɰʰƺȃɁȢɁǼʰ ˎljȢǁӗ ɰƃȈǁ {ljɁɨǼlj ĄɁƹȈȶɰɁȶӗ ɽɁ ƹɨljƃȟ ɽȃɨɁʍǼȃ Ȉȶ ɽljƺȃ ˎljȢǁɰ ʥȈɽȃ ȴɁɨlj
Ph.D., psychology department chairman. It specialized training options without
will complement N.C. A&T’s undergraduate extensive time restraints and potentially
psychology degree program, which increase earning potential.
introduces the ideas and concepts relevant
to this discipline, encourage interdisciplinary :ljɨɽȈˎƺƃɽljɰ ƺƃȶ ƹlj ɁƹɽƃȈȶljǁ ʥȈɽȃȈȶ Ɂȶlj
learning, prepare students for study semester and can prepare participants for
in graduate programs and entry-level ɽȃlj :ljɨɽȈˎljǁ ȶǹɁɨȴƃɽȈɁȶ Čʰɰɽljȴɰ ČljƺʍɨȈɽʰ
psychology careers as well as train students to ĀɨɁǹljɰɰȈɁȶƃȢ ƃȶǁ K:Ӹ:ɁʍȶƺȈȢԇɰ :ljɨɽȈˎljǁ
conduct both basic and applied research. Čljƺʍɨlj :Ɂȴɥʍɽljɨ ĩɰljɨ ƺljɨɽȈˎƺƃɽȈɁȶ ljʯƃȴɰӗ
as well as many others.
This degree will join the Master of Social Work
that is offered through a joint program with
UNC Greensboro, as the second graduate-
level program in the CHHS.
ě¶ěݶ K ¸ě KĄÝKČ ĄK¸Ky yĩÇA
ĀĄÝřAKČ ԤіÃ yÝĄ Č:ݸ ĄČĀČ
As a continuation of its Health Heroes Relief Fund, TikTok created its Health Heroes Relief Fund in April
TikTok is providing $1 million to North Carolina A&T 2020, pledging $250 million to support front-line
to support undergraduate and graduate scholarships medical workers, educators and local communities
for students pursuing medical or other health-related affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic with the
careers, helping to ensure the success of future Black, provision of $150 million in funds toward medical
Latino and indigenous health heroes. ɰɽƃǹˎȶǼӗ ɰʍɥɥȢȈljɰ ƃȶǁ ȃƃɨǁɰȃȈɥ ɨljȢȈljǹ ǹɁɨ ȃljƃȢɽȃ ƺƃɨlj
workers. These distributions have been focused on local
N.C. A&T is one of 10 colleges and universities chosen organizations to support local health care workers.
to receive a portion of $10 million from TikTok because
they serve underrepresented students with programs
focused on public health and professions in the
ȴljǁȈƺƃȢ ƃȶǁ ȃljƃȢɽȃ ƺƃɨlj ˎljȢǁɰӝ
NCAT.EDU 17
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FACULTY, STAFF & ADMINISTRATORS
HAROLD L. MARTIN SR., PH.D. ’74, ’76 MS, When asked about his argument to parents
chancellor, was featured as an education, and prospective students on why an African
business and thought leader in the August American should attend an HBCU rather than
2020 issue of TIME in “The Leadership Brief,” a predominantly white institution, Martin said,
where he discussed North Carolina A&T’s “… we want you to go to a university where
prominence as a STEM university, its leadership you will have access to the very best faculty
in social activism and the social unrest that and the best friends and the best experiences
began in the country during the summer and to grow personally and professionally. … We
continues to call for justice. can demonstrate that time and time again,
there are very few universities in America that
The “Q&A” style interview with TIME journalist do what we do as well as we do it for African
Eben Shapiro gave Martin the opportunity to American students.”
share his thoughts on the importance of HBCUs
and the university’s fall COVID-19 reopening plan. Martin also discussed A&T’s preparedness to
bring students back to campus during the
TO READ MARTIN’S FULL INTERVIEW WITH TIME, COVID-19 pandemic. The university has fared
řČě ěěĀČӖӕӕěÃKӝ:ÝÃӕњѝѝііѕњӕ ĄÝ¸Aӳà ĄěÇӳ with an average positivity rate lower than the
:ݸ¸K{KӳĄKÝĀKÇÇ{ӳ:ÝĄÝÇ řĄĩČӝ state’s and other universities across the state.
18 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
CHRISTINA K. LENORA R.
BROGDON, a senior CAMPBELL, PH.D.,
management dean of the College
executive with more of Health and Human
than 16 years of Sciences (CHHS),
experience in higher education, has been named has been named a member of the newly established
vice chancellor for human resources, effective Sept. Andrea Harris Social, Economic, Environmental and
14. Brogdon previously served as assistant vice Health Equity Task Force, which is charged with
president of human resources at the University of addressing the social, environmental, economic and
West Georgia for two years. health disparities in communities of color that have
been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to her service at West Georgia, Brogdon held
leadership roles in human resources at Virginia Tech, Campbell joins the 35-member task force as the
ĄƃǁǹɁɨǁ ĩȶȈʤljɨɰȈɽʰ ƃȶǁ 9ȢʍljˎljȢǁ Čɽƃɽlj :ɁȢȢljǼljӝ Čȃlj North Carolina historically Black college or university
holds an MBA from Averett University, a bachelor’s representative. She has more than 30 years of
degree in management from Virginia Tech and experience in higher education and serves as a
ƺljɨɽȈˎƺƃɽȈɁȶ ƃɰ ƃ ɥɨɁǹljɰɰȈɁȶƃȢ Ȉȶ ȃʍȴƃȶ ɨljɰɁʍɨƺljɰ member of the Moses Cone Health System Board of
ǹɨɁȴ ɽȃlj ʍȴƃȶ ĄljɰɁʍɨƺljɰ :ljɨɽȈˎƺƃɽȈɁȶ ȶɰɽȈɽʍɽljӝ Trustees.
She is a member of the Society for Human Resource
Management and the College & University Personnel Campbell has presented and published widely in areas
Association where she serves on the Southern related to health disparities, child health, mental health
Region Board. and custodial grandparent families. In 2012, she was
appointed to the National Advisory Council in Nurse
In her new role, Brogdon will develop and Education and Practice of the Health Resources and
implement transformative HR strategy for human Service Administration of the Department of Health
capital management, employee engagement and and Human Services.
leadership development in collaboration with the
university’s senior leaders. She will also ensure Before joining A&T as its interim CHHS dean in 2016
alignment between N.C. A&T’s strategic plan and and assuming the role permanently in 2018, Campbell
human resource practices through workforce spent eight years as associate dean and director in the
planning, innovative HR programs and partnership Division of Nursing at Winston-Salem State University
with diverse campus stakeholders. (WSSU), where she oversaw the Baccalaureate in
Nursing (BSN), Master in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of
Brogdon will translate institutional priorities into a Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. She also served in
vision for human resource programs responsive to faculty positions in nursing at WSSU and the University
the university’s needs and serve as a member of the of North Carolina at Greensboro, held positions in
Chancellor’s Cabinet, the university’s senior executive nursing practice and established an interdisciplinary
leadership team. program for custodial grandparents, funded by the
WK Kellogg Foundation, the Department of Human
and Health Services, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
North Carolina.
NCAT.EDU 19
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FACULTY, STAFF & ADMINISTRATORS
For the academic year 2019–2020, the Division of Research and Economic
Development recognized seven faculty members for research contributions to
their respective fields. A panel of 15 faculty members considered 29 researchers
and selected winners based on rigorous criteria. The winners received stipends
and plaques to recognize their achievements.
YI SEONG ZHANG DESAI
Interdisciplinary Team Award. ɰʍɨǹƃƺljӸȴɁǁȈǹʰ ȶƃȶɁˎȢȢljɨɰӗ ȴȈʯȈȶǼ ɽȃlj manufacturing processes with a
SUN YI, PH.D., SAMEER HAMOUSH, bio-binder with a polymer matrix to diverse application base. Desai
PH.D., and YOUNHO SEONG, PH.D., enhance sustainability and properties conceptualized a novel direct-write
represent three departments in of polymer matrix composite process, which can deposit droplets
the College of Engineering and materials. ranging from micro- to nano-scale
collaborated on the Autonomous based on laser modulation.
Robotic Non-Destructive Zhang’s presentation on anti-
Investigation (ARNDI) team. Non- fungal nanotechnologies at the NSF recognized and funded his
destructive testing evaluates material 2019 Opportunity Meets Innovation: efforts through a prestigious CAREER
properties and ensure structural Reverse Pitch Challenge, sponsored award, enabling him to translate
integrity without causing damage. by the Greensboro Chamber of his conceptual idea into a viable
The team employs new algorithms Commerce and Launch Greensboro, nano/micro manufacturing process
ƹƃɰljǁ Ɂȶ ƃɨɽȈˎƺȈƃȢ ȈȶɽljȢȢȈǼljȶƺlj ƃȶǁ created an opportunity to connect resulting in a U.S. patent. Through
uses advanced techniques and novel with Core Technology Molding the university’s spin-off commercial
methods for structural modeling, Corp., Hexcel Corp. and BNNano venture efforts, the innovation
analysis, robot control, testing, and Inc. to promote invention-related formed a start-up company seeking
system evaluation. new nanotechnologies and facilitate to expand his platform technology
commercial applications. Ȉȶ ɽȃlj ˎljȢǁɰ Ɂǹ ɰljȴȈƺɁȶǁʍƺɽɁɨ
Award for Intellectual electronics, energy sector and
Property. LIFENG ZHANG, PH.D., Senior Researcher of the Year biomedical devices.
nanoengineering associate professor Award. Over the past 16 years, SALIL
at the Joint School of Nanoscience DESAI, PH.D., industrial and systems Young Investigator Award.
and Nanoengineering, received engineering professor in the College DONGYANG “SUNNY” DENG, PH.D.,
ɽʥɁ ĩӝČӝ ɥƃɽljȶɽɰ Ȉȶ їѕіў ƃȶǁ ˎȢljǁ of Engineering, has stablished an associate professor in the Department
three U.S. patent applications. He interdisciplinary research program of Built Environment, College of
and his students participated in with active collaborations across Science and Technology, studies
the National Science Foundation many academic institutions, national wastewater treatment, focusing on
(NSF) i-Corps program, in which the laboratories and industry sectors. His ɥljɨӸ ƃȶǁ ɥɁȢʰːʍɁɨɁƃȢȟʰȢ ɰʍƹɰɽƃȶƺljɰ
core technology of the project used research focuses on the investigation (PFAS), or a group of man-made
environmentally friendly bio-binder to and development of novel advanced chemicals, chemical remediation and
20 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
DENG BHOWMIK The National Science Foundation
awarded a $200,000 grant to
agricultural wastewater treatment. Rookie of the Year Award. an interdisciplinary team at
She strives to raise public awareness ARNAB BHOWMIK, PH.D., North Carolina A&T to study the
about emerging contaminants and assistant professor in the psychosocial determinants of
their impact on the environment Department of Natural Resources successful remote learning among
and seeks to mitigate the effects and Environmental Design, College students from N.C. A&T and other
of those contaminants, alleviating of Agricultural and Environmental public HBCUs. The team consists
ɥʍƹȢȈƺ ƺɁȶƺljɨȶ ƃȶǁ ƹljȶljˎɽ ȴȈȢȢȈɁȶɰ Sciences, studies stewardship of ADRIENNE AIKEN MORGAN,
of people in the United States with of natural resources like soil to PH.D., assistant professor,
clean and safe water. combat global issues including psychology, and lead principal
climate change, food security, investigator; CHRISTOPHER
Deng’s research enterprise human health and environmental DOSS, PH.D., associate professor,
expanded successfully in only three health. His research adds to the electrical and computer
years at the university. She received understanding of soil, plant, engineering; ANNA LEE, PH.D.,
four grants and serves as the lead and microbial interactions, and associate professor, psychology;
principal investigator for three of of nutrient cycling in terrestrial SMRITI SHRESTHA, PH.D.,
them and has three additional ecosystems, and addresses grand statistician, nursing; STEPHANIE
grant proposals pending. Deng challenges involving the nation’s TEIXEIRA-POIT, PH.D., assistant
ɥʍƹȢȈɰȃljǁ ƃ ƹɁɁȟӗ ȃƃɰ ˎʤlj food security and environmental professor, social work and
publications in peer-reviewed sustainability. One of Bhowmik’s sociology; and JEANNETTE
journals, two accepted conference key accomplishments is WADE, PH.D., assistant professor,
proceedings, 15 oral and 10 poster successfully using biological social work and sociology.
presentations at regional and indicators of soil health as a
national conferences among other metric to compare a range of The study is in response to
notable achievements. She also management practices that the COVID-19 disruptions that
served as a proposal reviewer for enhance soil conservation and prompted transitions to remote
NSF and the U.S. Department of contribute to greenhouse gas learning in early spring and
Defense and has been invited by mitigation. continued in the summer.
the Environmental Protection Elements of remote learning
Agency to review an emerging are expected in subsequent
contaminant proposal regarding semesters to ensure the social
PFAS in agricultural wastewater. distancing that’s necessary to
prevent the spread of COVID-19
among students and faculty.
The study seeks to understand
the risk factors for college
students and develop effective
interventions to prevent
disruptions in remote learning
success. It also will inform future
policies and prevention strategy
development to better prepare
for future pandemics that make
remote and online learning
necessary for all students. In
addition, the study will produce
insights that may be applied
more generally to transition
to online learning for HBCU
students, and students from
similar backgrounds. This research
will aid intervention development
by identifying factors impacting
student success under extreme
disruptive conditions.
NCAT.EDU 21
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FACULTY, STAFF & ADMINISTRATORS
A team of undergraduate, graduate and faculty SALIL DESAI, PH.D., Distinguished Professor of Industrial
researchers in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, has been named director of the
and Computer Engineering (ECE) won a highly Center for Excellence in Product Design and Advanced
competitive $449,052 grant from the Department Manufacturing.
of the Navy’s HBCU/MI program to collaborate
with the Navy on improving radio frequency (RF) Desai’s research portfolio has
communication systems. generated more than $7.5 million
in funding support from federal
The team is comprised of ABDULLAH EROGLU, agencies and he has acquired
PH.D., ECE department chairman and principal instrumentation worth $3 million to
ȈȶʤljɰɽȈǼƃɽɁɨӗ ƃȶǁ ˎʤlj ɰɽʍǁljȶɽɰӖ ʍȶǁljɨǼɨƃǁʍƃɽljɰ develop infrastructure support for
FELISSE ALEXANDER, MIKHIAL GUGGEMOS research and education.
and DORANT SMITH; master’s student EMILIO
RUIZLINARESӢ ƃȶǁ ˎɨɰɽӸʰljƃɨ ǁɁƺɽɁɨƃȢ ɰɽʍǁljȶɽ Desai’s expertise is in the areas of smart cyber-physical
CLEM SHELTON. systems, hybrid additive, nano and bio manufacturing,
multiphysics modeling, regenerative tissue engineering,
The research will use gallium nitride (GaN) device product design and realization. Last year, he received the
ɽljƺȃȶɁȢɁǼʰ ɽɁ ƺɨljƃɽlj ɰȴƃȢȢljɨ ƃȶǁ ȴɁɨlj ljǹˎƺȈljȶɽ Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics
ɰɁȢȈǁ ɰɽƃɽljӸƹƃɰljǁ Ąy ƃȴɥȢȈˎljɨɰӝ ěɁ ƃƺƺɁȴɥȢȈɰȃ and Engineering Mentoring in recognition of his
this goal, the researchers must develop innovative outstanding efforts to “encourage the next generation
solutions to expand the power capacity of solid- of innovators developing a science and engineering
ɰɽƃɽlj ɰljȴȈƺɁȶǁʍƺɽɁɨɰ ǹɁɨ ɽȃlj ƹljȶljˎɽ Ɂǹ ƺʍɽɽȈȶǼӸ workforce.”
edge naval applications. Such achievement could
create a ripple effect of new solutions for more Desai has extensively published in top-tier journals with
powerful communication devices, resulting in the more than 130 publications and seven book chapters,
development of optimal devices for the Navy’s patents and invention disclosures. His research portfolio has
platforms and other applications. generated more than $7.5 million in funding support from
federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation
The Navy uses semiconductor devices to enable (NSF), Department of Defense, Department of Energy,
a wide range of critical communication devices, industry and national laboratories. He also has acquired
including 5G wireless communication systems, instrumentation worth $3 million to develop infrastructure
logistics, imaging, drone systems and naval support for research and education.
detection and radar systems. As the Navy employs
an increasing number of smaller devices across Among the honors Desai has garnered are the UNC
the globe, reducing the size of the equipment Board of Governors Award, NSF CAREER Award, Institute
becomes a necessity, as does increasing the speed of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Technical
ƃȶǁ ljǹˎƺȈljȶƺʰ Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ǁljʤȈƺljɰӝ Innovation Award and Outstanding Investigator Awards
from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Department
of Defense, and professional societies including the IISE,
Society of Manufacturing Engineers, American Society
of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of
Education Engineers.
22 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
An interdisciplinary research team This research infrastructure will The NSF grant aims to increase
has received $550,000 from the enable partnerships between research, education and training
National Science Foundation (NSF) regional and national collaborators opportunities for A&T researchers,
to establish a Testbed of Connected in academia, industry and at national particularly women and minorities, in
Autonomous MicroTransit Vehicles. labs in order to advance networks of transportation-related research. The
This funding is in addition to the autonomous vehicles. project will also promote K-12 STEM
$235,000 contribution from N.C. education through collaborations
A&T’s College of Engineering (COE), The research team is led by ALI with high schools in the surrounding
Downtown Greensboro Incorporated KARIMODDINI, PH.D., an associate community. In addition to increasing
(DGI) and North Carolina Department professor of electrical and computer awareness of CAV technologies and
of Transportation (NCDOT), for an engineering in the COE who also ɽȃljȈɨ ƹljȶljˎɽɰ ɽɁ ɽȃlj ǼljȶljɨƃȢ ɥʍƹȢȈƺӗ
overall investment of $785,000. serves as director of the NC-CAV the researchers will partner with
Center of Excellence in Advanced the local community, including
This Major Research Instrumentation Transportation Technologies. He is downtown Greensboro, for public
(MRI) award supports the collaborating with COE colleagues demonstrations of the testbed in
acquisition of a state-of-the-art ABDULLAH EROGLU, PH.D., operation in the downtown area.
autonomous testbed consisting of BALAKRISHNA GOKARAJU, PH.D.,
three self-driving shuttles, along ABDOLLAH HOMAIFAR, PH.D., NCAT.EDU 23
with the required sensing and STEVEN JIANG, PH.D., JOHN KELLY,
communication networks. The award PH.D., DANIEL LIMBRICK, PH.D.,
ʥȈȢȢ ɥɨɁʤȈǁlj ƃ ȴʍȢɽȈӸʍɰljɨ ːljʯȈƹȢlj MAHMOUD MAHMOUD, PH.D., and
ƃȶǁ ƺɁȶˎǼʍɨƃƹȢlj ɨljɰljƃɨƺȃ ɥȢƃɽǹɁɨȴ IOANNIS RAPTIS, PH.D. Additional
that enables fundamental research researchers include College of
in development, deployment and Science and Technology faculty
validation of Connected Autonomous members LEILA HASHEMI BENI,
Vehicle (CAV) technologies. The PH.D., and EVELYN SOWELLS,
ƃʍɽɁȶɁȴɁʍɰ ːljljɽ ʥȈȢȢ ƹlj ɽljɰɽljǁ PH.D., and Willie A. Deese College of
at the one-mile track at Gateway Business faculty member MARANDA
Research Park North. MCBRIDE, PH.D.
CAMPUS
HIGHLIGHTS
FACULTY, STAFF & ADMINISTRATORS
CLAY S. GLOSTER JR., PH.D., has Computer Systems and Technology as
been named vice provost of graduate professor and chairman in 2010. Tapped
research and dean of The Graduate as the associate dean of the College of
College after two years of serving in an Science and Technology in 2012, he led
interim capacity. the strategic growth initiative resulting
in the M.S. in information technology
As interim, Gloster established the program becoming the largest master’s
Preparing Future Minority Faculty program at A&T. U.S. News & World
Members program to enhance graduate Report has consistently ranked the
student preparedness for academic online program as one of the nation’s
careers, securing a $300,000 grant best since 2012.
from the National Science Foundation
to support this effort. He most recently Gloster’s research focuses on
coordinated the establishment of four ɨljƺɁȶˎǼʍɨƃƹȢlj ƺɁȴɥʍɽȈȶǼ ƃȶǁ ȃlj
ȶljʥ Ǽɨƃǁʍƃɽlj ƺljɨɽȈˎƺƃɽlj ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰ has made substantial contributions
slated to begin in the fall. to research in technology-based
curriculum development and distance
Gloster has held several roles at N.C. education.
A&T since joining the Department of
SANJUN GU, PH.D., horticulture specialist with Cooperative Extension, received
this year’s 1890 Institutions Regional Excellence in Extension Award for expansion
Ɂǹ ȃɁɨɽȈƺʍȢɽʍɨlj ɰƺȈljȶƺlj ɽɁ ƃȢȢ ƺɁȴȴʍȶȈɽȈljɰӝ ěȃlj ƃʥƃɨǁ Ȉɰ Ɂȶlj Ɂǹ ˎʤlj ĄljǼȈɁȶƃȢ
Excellence in Extension Awards presented annually by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Cooperative
Extension and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). Gu and
the other winners were honored virtually on Oct. 28.
Gu is an accomplished researcher, teacher and Extension professional who works with
both interdisciplinary research teams and small-scale producers. He has authored or
co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts, has delivered
more than 60 trainings for Extension agents and small farmers, developed and taught
three graduate level courses, and has secured nearly $3 million in grant funding.
In addition to his achievements as a teacher and researcher, Gu has a proven ability
to recognize the changing realities of agriculture in North Carolina and to develop
ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰ ɽȃƃɽ ˎɽ ɽȃlj ƺʍɨɨljȶɽ ȶljljǁɰ Ɂǹ ǹƃɨȴljɨɰӝ yɁɨ ljʯƃȴɥȢljӗ ʥȃljȶ ȈȶǁʍɰɽɨȈƃȢ ȃljȴɥ
was reintroduced as a crop in the state, he developed a program that combines
cutting-edge research with hands-on education. In 2019 alone, Gu organized six
ȃljȴɥ ʥɁɨȟɰȃɁɥɰӗ ɽʥɁ ȃljȴɥ ˎljȢǁ ǁƃʰɰӗ ƃ ȴȈȶȈ ȃljȴɥ ƺɁȶǹljɨljȶƺljӗ ƃȶǁ ɽȃɨljlj ȃljȴɥ
in-service workshops that reached more than 800 farmers and 125 agriculture and
natural resource Extension agents.
As Extension’s horticulture unit coordinator, Gu works collaboratively with a team of
four Extension associates, two technicians and students. He has worked with more
than a dozen undergraduate and graduate students, including serving as research
ƃǁʤȈɰɁɨ ɽɁ ˎʤlj ȴƃɰɽljɨԇɰ ɰɽʍǁljȶɽɰӝ Ãƃȶʰ Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ɰɽʍǁljȶɽɰ ƃɨlj ȃȈɨljǁ ɽȃɨɁʍǼȃ Ǽɨƃȶɽ
money and work on research projects at the N.C. A&T University Farm.
24 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
CHYI LYI “KATHLEEN” LIANG, The two College of Agriculture and The results could yield the
PH.D., Kellogg Distinguished Environmental Sciences faculty blueprint for an overhaul of the
Professor in the Department of members will bring their expertise entire industry’s approach to
Agribusiness, Applied Economics to a team comprised of researchers disease management, said Liang.
and Agriscience Education from 14 different universities who
and co-director of the Center will examine the issue of antibiotic As an agricultural economist,
for Environmental Farming use in the poultry industry from all Liang will be involved throughout
Systems, and YEWANDE FASINA, angles: the chickens, the humans the project in assessing the
PH.D., assistant professor in the who consume them and the economic impacts of the
Department of Animal Sciences, environmental impacts. proposed interventions. Using a
are part of a multi-university team ƺɁɰɽӸƹljȶljˎɽ ƃȶƃȢʰɰȈɰӗ ɰȃlj ʥȈȢȢ ɽʍɨȶ
ɽȃƃɽ ȃƃɰ ʥɁȶ ƃ ˎʤljӸʰljƃɨӗ Ԥіѕ ȴȈȢȢȈɁȶ yƃɰȈȶƃ ʥȈȢȢ ɽljɰɽ ɽȃlj ljǹˎƺƃƺʰ Ɂǹ the data generated by the lab
grant from the U.S. Department of green tea extract, a natural scientists into a comprehensive
Agriculture (USDA) to research the immune system enhancer, as an assessment of the costs required,
sustainability of antibiotic-restricted alternative to antibiotics for the ɨljʤljȶʍlj Ȉȴɥƃƺɽɰ ƃȶǁ ɥɨɁˎɽƃƹȈȢȈɽʰ
poultry production. Their portion of control of necrotic enteritis, a of the proposed strategies, and
the grant is around $760,000. gut disease in broiler (meat-type) ȈǁljȶɽȈǹʰ ɽȃlj ǹƃƺɽɁɨɰ ɽȃƃɽ Ȉȶːʍljȶƺlj
chickens. As a poultry immuno- producers’ willingness to adopt
USDA’s National Institute of Food nutritionist, she will work to culture those strategies.
and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded the main causes of the disease in
the grant through its Agriculture the lab, and then experimentally Other institutions participating in
and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), induce the illness in birds given the grant include North Carolina
the nation’s leading competitive diets supplemented with green State University, the University of
grants program for the agricultural tea extract. Georgia, the University of Maryland
sciences. and Prairie View A&M University.
NCAT.EDU 25
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FACULTY, STAFF & ADMINISTRATORS
ADEME MEKONNEN, PH.D., associate ljʯɽɨljȴlj ɨƃȈȶǹƃȢȢ ƃȶǁ ːɁɁǁȈȶǼӗ ƺƃʍɰȈȶǼ
professor in the Department of Physics, numerous deaths, property damage and
served as an editor and section author affected croplands.
for the regional climates chapter of the
international 2019 State of the Climate Mekonnen, who was nominated by
report. The peer-reviewed annual peers and invited to serve as the chapter
assessment is published as a special editor, has been in this role since 2015.
supplement to the Bulletin of the lj ƃȢɰɁ ȃƃɰ ɰljɨʤljǁ ƃɰ ɽȃlj ɰƺȈljȶɽȈˎƺ
American Meteorological Society and is coordinator of the Ethiopian Country
compiled by the National Oceanic and Study Project (1994–2000), a secretary of
Atmospheric Administration’s National the Ethiopian Ozone Secretariat (1996–
Centers for Environmental Information. 1998) and has authored and edited the
Ethiopian contribution to the United
The report examines global climate Nations Framework Convention on
indicators, weather events, trends and Climate Change (1998).
other related components that may
affect the environment. Mekonnen’s Nearly 530 contributors representing
direct contributions focus on the African 61 countries participated as authors
region, where most of the continent and editors of the State of the Climate
reportedly experienced above-normal Report. To view the full report, visit
surface air temperatures last year. North the American Meteorological Society
Africa and West Africa experienced website.
HYOSHIN PARK, PH.D., assistant professor in the Department of Computational Data Science and
Engineering, and doctoral candidates LARKIN FOLSOM and JUSTICE DARKO will explore ways to
ȴƃʯȈȴȈ˃lj ɽȃlj ǁƃɽƃ ƺɁȢȢljƺɽȈɁȶ ƃȶǁ ɥɁɰɰȈƹȢlj ːȈǼȃɽ ɥƃɽȃɰ Ȉȶ ǹʍɽʍɨlj ɰɽɁɨȴɰ Ȉȶ ƃ ɥɨɁȚljƺɽ ɽȃƃɽ ƃȈȴɰ ɽɁ ȈȴɥɨɁʤlj
tropical forecasting and modeling by deploying drones to collect data from the eye of hurricanes. The
research is supported by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The team will use early measurements from NOAA when the hurricane is forming to determine the
ɰɽɁɨȴԇɰ ʥȈȶǁӸˎljȢǁ ƃȶǁ Ɂɽȃljɨ ȈȴɥɁɨɽƃȶɽ ǁƃɽƃӝ ěȃljʰ ƺɨljʥ ʥȈȢȢ ɽȃljȶ ȟȶɁʥ ɽȃlj ȈǁljƃȢ ȢɁƺƃɽȈɁȶ ɽɁ ǁɨɁɥ ʍɥ ɽɁ
10 drones, which will communicate with each other and to their base on the plane, effectively collecting
as much data as possible.
The research will also help improve public trust in tropical forecasting. The A&T team members are
joined by Hui Sui, Ph.D., principal investigator and JPL Engineering and Science Directorate, Stratosphere
and Upper Troposphere; Masahiro Ono, Ph.D., JPL research technologist, Robotic Surface Mobility; and
Masashi Minamide, Ph.D., assistant professor, University of Tokyo.
26 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
PAULA GROVES PRICE, PH.D., has A great deal of her research focuses on
been named dean of the College the foundations of education, African
of Education (CEd). Price formerly American education, Native American
served Washington State University and indigenous education, critical
in various capacities including race theory, critical multicultural and
associate dean for diversity and anti-racist education and culturally
international engagement; professor responsive science, technology,
of cultural studies and social thought engineering and mathematics (STEM).
in education; scholar in residence for
the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center; and Over the course of her career, Price
associate professor in the Department has secured over $3 million in
of Teaching and Learning. grants, awards and other funding
opportunities, including a $2.4 million
As associate dean, Price coordinated grant from the National Science
international education partnership Foundation (NSF) for Indigenous STEM
with institutions of higher education research and worked on a team for a
and K-12 schools and districts in separate NSF grant of $1.2 million for
Thailand and Japan. She also led women in STEM.
numerous diversity and inclusion
initiatives across the university. Price is president-elect and program
chair of the American Educational
Studies Association.
MINDY A. SANDERSӗ ƃȶ ƃƺƺɁʍȶɽƃȶɽ ʥȈɽȃ ɰljʤljɨƃȢ ʰljƃɨɰ Ɂǹ ˎȶƃȶƺȈƃȢ ƃʍǁȈɽȈȶǼ
experience in the public and private sectors, has been named director of internal
audit, effective Jan. 25.
Sanders, who holds a B.A. in accounting from the University of North Carolina
ƃɽ ɰȃljʤȈȢȢljӗ ȚɁȈȶɰ ÇɁɨɽȃ :ƃɨɁȢȈȶƃ ծě ƃǹɽljɨ ȴɁɨlj ɽȃƃȶ ˎʤlj ʰljƃɨɰ ƃɰ ƃȶ ƃɰɰȈɰɽƃȶɽ
ɰɽƃɽlj ƃʍǁȈɽɁɨ Ȉȶ ɽȃlj ÇɁɨɽȃ :ƃɨɁȢȈȶƃ Ýǹˎƺlj Ɂǹ ɽȃlj Čɽƃɽlj ʍǁȈɽɁɨ ʥɁɨȟȈȶǼ Ɂʍɽ Ɂǹ ɽȃlj
¶ljɨȶljɨɰʤȈȢȢlj Ɂǹˎƺljӝ
Sanders was previously an audit associate for Rives & Associates, LLP, in Lexington,
North Carolina. Her service and accomplishments include a stint as president of
the UNC Asheville Accountancy Association and her receipt of the Joye Haynes-
Ganger Academic Scholarship at UNC Asheville.
NCAT.EDU 27
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y :ĩ¸ěťӗ Čě yy ծ AÃÇČěĄ ěÝĄČ
TONYA SMITH-JACKSON, PH.D., senior vice
provost for academic affairs, received the 2020
Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Industrial
Engineering and Operations Management
(IEOM) Society International. Smith-Jackson was
ȃɁȶɁɨljǁ ǁʍɨȈȶǼ ɽȃlj ˎǹɽȃ ÇɁɨɽȃ ȴljɨȈƺƃȶ KÝÃ
Conference that was held virtually from Detroit.
Smith-Jackson was selected in recognition and the Human Factors Analytics Laboratory and
appreciation of her achievements, contributions, later founded and co-directed the Cyber-Human
dedication and lifelong achievement in Analytics Research for the Internet of Things (IoT)
the industrial engineering and operations Laboratory.
management profession.
Smith-Jackson has long demonstrated a
In 2020, Smith-Jackson was one of 17 members commitment to diversity and inclusion, having
ƃɥɥɁȈȶɽljǁ ɽɁ ɽȃlj ÇɁɨɽȃ :ƃɨɁȢȈȶƃ Aljɥƃɨɽȴljȶɽ served as president of community-based
of Commerce Board of Science, Technology organizations focused on social justice for
& Innovation by Gov. Roy Cooper. With a women and people of color. She served as an
mission to “improve the economic well-being EEO federal women’s program manager in
ƃȶǁ ɧʍƃȢȈɽʰ Ɂǹ ȢȈǹlj Ɂǹ ƃȢȢ ÇɁɨɽȃ :ƃɨɁȢȈȶȈƃȶɰ Germany, as a multicultural fellow at Virginia
advancing science, technology and innovation,” Tech, and received faculty awards for advancing
the advisory board explores emerging areas women and for advocacy for accessibility
for science and technology and analyzes the rights throughout her career. Today she
state’s competitiveness in industry and research serves as chairwoman of the Diversity, Equity
ȈȶɰɽȈɽʍɽȈɁȶɰ ƺɁȴɥƃɨljǁ ʥȈɽȃ ɥljljɨɰӝ Çӝ:ӝ ծě Ȉɰ ɽȃlj and Inclusion Committee of the Institute for
only HBCU represented on the board. Industrial and Systems Engineers.
ȶ їѕіѝӗ ČȴȈɽȃӸ°ƃƺȟɰɁȶ ɰljɨʤljǁ ƃɽ ɽȃlj ÇƃɽȈɁȶƃȢ A Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics
Science Foundation for a year as program Society, Smith-Jackson’s research focuses on
director of the Computer and Information cyber-human systems, cognitive ergonomics,
Science and Engineering Directorate in the fairness and inclusion in data science, and
Cyber-Human Systems Program before mixed data modeling to develop systems that
returning to A&T in the role of interim director empower caregivers, older people and those
for the Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity, with disabilities; provide support for security
Research, Education and Outreach. and privacy; and protect the nation’s cyber
infrastructure.
ǹɽljɨ ʥɁɨȟȈȶǼ ƹɨȈljːʰ Ȉȶ ɽȃlj ɥɨȈʤƃɽlj ɰljƺɽɁɨӗ
Smith-Jackson joined the faculty of Virginia
Tech in 1999. Fourteen years later, she joined
A&T as professor and chair of the Department
of Industrial and Systems Engineering, founded
28 Çӝ:ӝ ծě Ã { ŹÇK
COURTNEY THORNTON, ED.D., TOBIN WALTON, PH.D., assistant
has been named vice provost for professor of sociology, and CAREN
strategic planning and institutional COOPER, PH.D., associate professor, are
effectiveness, effective March leading a research team in the College
іњӝԝěȃɁɨȶɽɁȶ ȚɁȈȶɰ Çӝ:ӝ ծě ǹɨɁȴ of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS)
North Carolina State University, that won a $300,000 planning grant
where she served as associate vice from the National Science Foundation
provost for academic personnel and (NSF) to bring citizen science to the N.C.
ɥɁȢȈƺʰԝɰȈȶƺlj yljƹɨʍƃɨʰ їѕіќ ƃȶǁ ʥƃɰ A&T community.
an adjunct assistant professor since
їѕѕўӝԝljɨ ʥɁɨȟ ljʯɥljɨȈljȶƺljɰ ɰɥƃȶ The Institutional and Community
¶Ӹії ljǁʍƺƃɽȈɁȶӗ ɥɨȈʤƃɽlj Ȉȶǁʍɰɽɨʰԝƃȶǁ Transformation (ICT) project will use
ȃȈǼȃljɨ ljǁʍƺƃɽȈɁȶӝԝ social science to engage students,
faculty and Greensboro citizens, groups
With 15 years of increasingly broad experience and responsibility and organizations in identifying,
in higher education administration, Thornton has worked in the understanding and addressing local
ĩȶȈʤljɨɰȈɽʰ Ɂǹ ÇɁɨɽȃ :ƃɨɁȢȈȶƃ Čʰɰɽljȴ Ýǹˎƺljӗ ʥȃljɨlj ɰȃlj ƹljǼƃȶ Ȉȶ social problems. The project seeks
2008 as a research director, became associate vice president for to build the capacity for establishing
research and graduate education in 2012, and served as associate citizen science communities that
ʤȈƺlj ɥɨljɰȈǁljȶɽ ǹɁɨ ƃƺƃǁljȴȈƺ ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰԝǹɨɁȴ їѕіћ ɽɁ їѕіќӝԝ ɽ ɽȃlj engage students in meaningful learning
ɰʰɰɽljȴ Ɂǹˎƺljӗ ěȃɁɨȶɽɁȶ ȃljȢɥljǁ ɰljƺʍɨlj ljʯɽljɨȶƃȢ ǹʍȶǁɰ ɽɁɽƃȢȈȶǼ experiences in and around the university
nearly $1 million to support strategic initiatives in research and with the overall goal of creating
ljƺɁȶɁȴȈƺ ǁljʤljȢɁɥȴljȶɽӝԝ communities that sustain human health
and well-being.
Thornton earned her B.A. in chemistry, B.S. in science education
with a chemistry concentration, M.Ed. in higher education with The project will build the capacity of
a student affairs concentration and Ed.D. in higher education faculty, students and the surrounding
administration, all from N.C. State. Her work on higher education communities to engage with and
engagement and student civic responsibility is published in develop interdisciplinary citizen science
numerous peer-reviewed and other articles, book chapters, projects that more fully involve students
institutional reports, conference proceedings and other ƃȶǁ Ɂɽȃljɨ ɰɽƃȟljȃɁȢǁljɨɰ Ȉȶ ɽȃlj ɰƺȈljȶɽȈˎƺ
publications, and she has given many peer-reviewed and invited process. The capacity building efforts in
ɥɨljɰljȶɽƃɽȈɁȶɰӝԝ this project will lay the groundwork for a
subsequent larger NSF project that will
Most recently, Thornton has been recognized by the National involve the implementation, rigorous
Professional Science Master’s Association with its President’s assessment and evaluation of these co-
Award (2019), the American Association of State Colleges and created projects on student learning and
Universities/Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities community health and well-being.
Millennium Leadership Initiative Institute (2014) and the State
ȈǼȃljɨ KǁʍƺƃɽȈɁȶ KʯljƺʍɽȈʤlj Ýǹˎƺljɨɰ ƺƃǁljȴʰ ǹɁɨ ȈǼȃljɨ Other members of the CHHS research
Education State Policy Leadership (2013). She also served team are ADRIENNE AIKEN MORGAN,
as president of the National Professional Science Master’s PH.D., assistant professor of psychology;
Association (2017-18) and member of the N.C. Space Grant ANNA LEE, PH.D., associate professor
Consortium Advisory Board (2008-15). of psychology; ELIMELDA ONGERI,
PH.D., associate dean for research and
innovation; SHARON PARKER, PH.D.,
associate professor of social work;
KALYNDA SMITH, PH.D., assistant
professor of psychology; and STEPHANIE
TEIXEIRA-POIT, PH.D., assistant
professor of sociology.
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FACULTY, STAFF & ADMINISTRATORS
JENORA WATERMAN, PH.D., associate course content and assessments are
professor of functional genomics in the hinged on building these two skills. For
Department of Animal Sciences, College example, her students create original
of Agriculture and Environmental podcasts, participate in Socratic debates,
Sciences, was N.C. A&T’s 2020 honoree ƃȶǁ ƃȶƃȢʰ˃lj ɨljȢljʤƃȶɽ ȶɁȶӸˎƺɽȈɁȶ ƹɁɁȟɰ
for the University of North Carolina to critically analyze, communicate their
Board of Governors (BOG) Award for thoughts, and apply information they
Excellence in Teaching. learn.
For more than a decade, Waterman Each Excellence in Teaching awardee
has led students and research at receives a commemorative bronze
North Carolina A&T in animal science, medallion and a $12,500 cash prize.
ɰɥljƺȈˎƺƃȢȢʰ ǹʍȶƺɽȈɁȶƃȢ ǼljȶɁȴȈƺɰӝ ljɨ
A study led by JIANMEI YU, PH.D., research associate professor in AIXI ZHOU, PH.D., P.E., professor and
the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, evaluated chairman of the Department of Applied
whether the protease treatment of peanuts will have an impact on Engineering Technology, was named a
the oxidative stability during storage. Yu’s previous study showed 2020 Society of Fire Protection Engineers
this treatment was more effective than others in reducing the (SFPE) Fellow. Zhou was selected along
allergen content of peanuts. with only eight other members in
recognition of their achievements in the
Raw peanuts are usually stable, and oxidation will not occur if ˎljȢǁ ƃȶǁ ɁʍɽɰɽƃȶǁȈȶǼ ƺɁȶɽɨȈƹʍɽȈɁȶɰ ɽɁ
stored correctly in the refrigerator. The lower the temperature, the society. Since its inception in 1950, the
slower the oxidation rate. international organization has named
only 322 fellows out of its 4,700 members.
Āljƃȶʍɽɰ ƃɨlj ɨɁƃɰɽljǁ ɽɁ ljȶȃƃȶƺlj ːƃʤɁɨ ƃȶǁ ɨljǁʍƺlj Ɂɨ ljȢȈȴȈȶƃɽlj
spoilage microorganisms found in raw peanuts. After roasting, Along with other contributions to
however, the peanuts are stored at room temperature and the the society, Zhou has served on two
oxidation rate accelerates. This acceleration reduces the shelf-life of SFPE standing committees focused
the peanuts. on research, tools and methods and
ɥɨɁǹljɰɰȈɁȶƃȢ ɧʍƃȢȈˎƺƃɽȈɁȶɰӝ lj ȃƃɰ ƹljljȶ
The research team found the enzymatic treatment, Alcalase, did a member of the society since 2008.
not accelerate the oxidation process in the peanuts. In other words,
this treatment did not affect the shelf-life, but instead increased In 2018, Zhou joined the College of
the antioxidant activity of peanuts, which would contribute to the Science and Technology as professor and
storage stability. department chairman. In less than two
years, he led the department in creating
ÝʤljɨƃȢȢӗ ɽȃȈɰ ɽɨljƃɽȴljȶɽ Ȉɰ ƹljȶljˎƺȈƃȢ ǹɁɨ ȴƃȶʍǹƃƺɽʍɨljɨɰ ƃȶǁ ƃȶ ȈȶǁʍɰɽɨȈƃȢ ˎɨlj ɥɨɁɽljƺɽȈɁȶ ƺɁʍɨɰlj Ȉȶ
consumers interested in storing peanuts for longer periods of time addition to revamping the curriculum
at room temperature and ensuring that those with peanut allergies of a former program and renaming
will not be seriously affected if accidentally exposed to the snack. it the B.S. in Automotive Engineering
Technology program. He established
30 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE three strategic research labs, as well as
the industry oriented mentoring program
for students collaborating with the
department’s industrial advisory board.
According to a 2020 Stanford University study, seven North Carolina A&T faculty members are
among the top 2% cited science researchers in the world:
• YUH-LANG LIN, PH.D., senior scientist/professor of physics
• MANOJ JHA, PH.D., associate professor, civil, architectural and environmental engineering
• YUSUF ADEWUYI, PH.D., professor, chemical, biological and bio engineering
• LIJUN WANG, PH.D., professor, natural resources and environmental design
• NARAYAN BHATTARAI, PH.D., professor, chemical, biological and bio engineering
• SHENGMIN SANG, PH.D., research professor, Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies
• KUNIGAL SHIVAKUMAR, PH.D., professor, mechanical engineering
The researchers’ individual Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food In 2020, North Carolina’s interior
foci range from health, food Research Initiative, to develop Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba,
and nutrition innovation, to germinated and false-germinated Iredell and Wilkes counties were
environmental waste cleanup and oats as functional foods to prevent ːɁɁǁljǁ ǹɨɁȴ ɽȃlj ɨljȴȶƃȶɽɰ Ɂǹ
repurposing, and clean water. ȈȶːƃȴȴƃɽȈɁȶ ƃɰɰɁƺȈƃɽljǁ ƺȃɨɁȶȈƺ Hurricane Eta, while in 2019 the
diseases. His previous work has coast community of Ocracoke
For example, Bhattarai’s yielded multiple patents, one ʥƃɰ ːɁɁǁljǁ ǹɨɁȴ ʍɨɨȈƺƃȶlj
research focuses on design of which is now commercially Dorian. Lin’s work on mesoscale
and development of health licensed. dynamics and modeling are
care-biomaterials that mimic well received and quoted due
the nano- to micro-scale For the past 20 years, Jha has to their help in understanding
order found in nature. His solved current water quality the dynamics and improving
team works with grants from problems and designed ways forecasting of severe local storms,
National Science Foundation, to manage watersheds by tropical and extratropical cyclones,
Department of Defense and the developing and applying various especially when they encountered
National Institutes of Health NSF tools and methods. orography.
partnerships
Shivakumar says that although That these researchers are so
Sang, a pioneer in the food and much of his research has been frequently cited globally is a
ȶʍɽɨȈɽȈɁȶ ɰƺȈljȶƺljɰ ˎljȢǁӗ Ȉɰ ɰɽʍǁʰȈȶǼ used in design guidelines testament to the strength of the
bioactive compounds in whole and his research concepts ongoing research at N.C. A&T and
grains, ginger, tea, apple, soy and have been used in industrial its future capabilities. From health
rosemary for the prevention of applications, he is pushing for to environment to weather, faculty
colon cancer, asthma, diabetes, his work to be adapted to solve research at the university covers
diabetic complications and both environmental and clean society’s most pressing topics.
obesity. This year, he received water problems, as well as local
a new three-year grant from manufacturing. In 2018 he was
the novel food and innovative featured for his research into
manufacturing technology making useful materials out
program under the USDA of harmful coal ash that was
National Institute of Food and leeching into a local waterway.
NCAT.EDU 31
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STUDENTS
JANEÉ BURCH was awarded a $10,000 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(PCOAB) Scholarship for the 2020-21 academic year. Burch is an accounting major who is
also studying applied mathematics. This past summer she participated in four weeks of
virtual training as an Embark Scholar while interning with KPMG in Greensboro.
Burch is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma
honor societies, she is a volunteer tutor for the accounting program and is active in the
University Honors Program. After earning her B.S. in accounting, Burch plans to pursue
her Master of Accountancy at N.C. A&T and pass both the CMA and CPA exams.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that monetary penalties imposed by the
PCAOB in its disciplinary proceedings be used to fund a merit scholarship program for
students in accredited accounting degree programs. The scholarship can be used to pay
tuition and fees necessary for enrollment or attendance at the institution, as well as required fees,
books, supplies and equipment for courses. It is awarded through the PCAOB Scholars Program,
ʥȃȈƺȃ ɰljljȟɰ ɽɁ ƹljȶljˎɽ ɰɽʍǁljȶɽɰ ʥȃɁ ƃɨlj ȢȈȟljȢʰ ɽɁ ƹljƺɁȴlj ƃʍǁȈɽɁɨɰ ƃȶǁ ɽɁ ȴƃȟlj ƃ ǁȈǹǹljɨljȶƺlj ɽɁ
students who might otherwise choose a different career path.
Participating educational institutions select PCAOB Scholar nominees from students enrolled in
their accounting degree programs. Eligible students must demonstrate an interest and aptitude in
accounting and auditing, as evidenced by an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher or being in the top one-
third of their overall class, among other criteria.
BRENDA CALDWELL and JOANNA public policy as she works to improve increase diversity in public service. It
MARTINEZ participated in the 2020 political engagement among young focuses on students from groups who
Public Policy and International Affairs Americans and marginalized groups. are underrepresented in leadership
(PPIA) Junior Summer Institute—the ɥɁɰȈɽȈɁȶɰ Ȉȶ ǼɁʤljɨȶȴljȶɽӗ ȶɁȶɥɨɁˎɽɰӗ
ˎɨɰɽ ɽȈȴlj ɽʥɁ ǼǼȈljɰ ʥljɨlj ƺȃɁɰljȶ ǹɁɨ Martinez, history major, attended the international organizations and other
the program in the same year. summer 2020 program at the Hubert institutional settings, recognizing that
H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs international affairs are increasingly
Caldwell, political science major at the University of Minnesota. While mixed with local concerns. The Junior
and president of the N.C. A&T serving as vice president of History Summer Institute is a seven-week
Student Government Association Scholars in AY 2019–2020, Martinez fully funded fellowship program
(2020–21), attended the summer also served as an ambassador for that provides student training and
2020 program at the Heinz College the A&T Census Committee and ˎȶƃȶƺȈƃȢ ɰʍɥɥɁɨɽ ǹɁɨ Ǽɨƃǁʍƃɽlj ɰƺȃɁɁȢ
of Information Systems and Public the University Honors Program, and and facilitates ongoing professional
Policy at Carnegie Mellon University she participated in the “People, development with classes and
in Pittsburgh. Not Property: Slave Deeds of North co-curricular activities that are
Carolina” project. After graduating structured to introduce or strengthen
During the 2019–2020 academic year from A&T, she plans to complete skills in economics, statistics, policy
(AY), Caldwell was attorney general fellowships and earn a law school analysis, writing and public speaking.
of the SGA and worked to increase degree to work in public interest law, ȴɁȶǼ ɽȃlj ƹljȶljˎɽɰ ƃɨlj {ĄK
voter engagement by leading helping to craft policies that help preparation assistance and career
registration drives and requesting the marginalized populations. guidance coaching, along with a
restoration of an early poling site on stipend of up to $1,500.
campus for the 2020 elections. She Now in its 40th year, PPIA is a not-
plans to earn an M.S. and a J.D. in ǹɁɨӸɥɨɁˎɽ ɽȃƃɽ ɰʍɥɥɁɨɽɰ ljǹǹɁɨɽɰ ɽɁ
32 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
The College of Science and students in these areas and ensure MARQUISE HARGROVE, TY’ASIA
Technology (CoST) selected 26 success through academic and HOLLOMAN, BREON ISHMAEL,
incoming freshmen to join the professional programming, including CIARA JONES, VANESSA JONES,
second cohort of SciTech Scholars for participation in a one-week summer JACOB LITTLE, KHADEJA LITTLE,
the 2020-21 academic school year. bridge program, a residential EDWARD LOCKLEAR, JAKAYLA
learning community and workshops MCCREE, BRIANNA MCCULLOUGH,
The SciTech Scholars Enrichment throughout the school year. DALE MORGAN, JUSTIN
Program provides two-year MUCKELVENE, ZION PARKER,
renewable merit- and need- This year’s scholars have an average JONATHAN ROYAL, ERICA SCOTT,
based scholarships to high cumulative GPA of 3.82 and an HARVEY STALEY, JOY THOMPSON,
school seniors who plan to study average math SAT score of 583. KAI WARD and BENJAMIN WOODS.
chemistry, physics, mathematics They are LEXINIA ABONZA, JAELYNN
or electronics technology. The ALLEN-SCOTT, S’KHAJA CHARLES,
program aims to increase the OMAR COUCH, ZOE DIXON, ALEXIS
inclusion of underrepresented GILLIARD, JOSHUA HARGROVE,
Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering DEJA MAYFIELD, journalism and mass communications
doctoral student KENDALL DAWKINS received student, and LOVE CAESAR, political science and history,
the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State competed in the #MakeNCCount video competition,
University Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellowship. sponsored by NC College Compact and NC Counts
:ɁƃȢȈɽȈɁȶӝ ěȃlj ɥƃȈɨ ʥɁȶ ˎɨɰɽ ƃȶǁ ɰljƺɁȶǁ ɥȢƃƺljӗ ɨljɰɥljƺɽȈʤljȢʰӗ
The fellowship aims to increase the number of in the informational category.
native Black Americans earning Ph.D. degrees in
STEM disciplines at the university. It comes with a Each video begins with a man-on-the-street interview
$30,000 award for an academic year and can be approach, asking Aggies what they knew about the Census
renewed for up to four years. as they passed through the Student Center. After a few
ȈȶƺɁɨɨljƺɽ ƃȶɰʥljɨɰӗ ÃƃʰˎljȢǁ ƃȶǁ :ƃljɰƃɨ ȈȶƺȢʍǁlj ȈȶǹɁɨȴƃɽȈɁȶ
Dawkins earned a bachelor’s degree in physics that help clear up any misconceptions.
at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County
as a Meyerhoff Scholar. His current research is Minorities, immigrants and families without internet
focused on determining the optimal way to ƃƺƺljɰɰ ȃƃʤlj ƹljljȶ ȈǁljȶɽȈˎljǁ ƃɰ ɰɁȴlj Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ɥɁɥʍȢƃɽȈɁȶɰ
increase absorption of light using nanowires in most at risk of being undercounted. Residents have the
solar cells through simulation techniques to see option of completing the census by mail, phone or online.
ȃɁʥ ljǹˎƺȈljȶɽ ɽȃljʰ ƺƃȶ ƹljӝ Ȉɰ ĀȃӝAӝ ɰɽʍǁȈljɰ ʥȈȢȢ Universities, however, will count their students who live
expand this research by fabricating photodiodes, on campus. Off-campus students should coordinate
photodetectors and potentially solar cells and with roommates to complete one Census form, counting
ƺɁȴɥƃɨȈȶǼ ɽȃljȴ ʥȈɽȃ ȃȈɰ ɰȈȴʍȢƃɽȈɁȶ ˎȶǁȈȶǼɰӝ everyone in that household.
Established in the mid-1990s, the Chancellor’s As part of her census fellowship Caesar, who also
Distinguished Fellowship is funded through a volunteers on the Complete Count Committee for Guilford
Title III HBGI grant from the U.S. Department of :Ɂʍȶɽʰӗ ʥȃȈƺȃ Ȉɰ Ɂȶlj Ɂǹ іі ƺɁʍȶɽȈljɰ ȈǁljȶɽȈˎljǁ ƹʰ ɽȃlj Ç:
Education and has supported nearly 200 students. Counts Coalition as having the lowest participation rate in
the state, hosted a virtual event to engage college students
on voting and the census.
NCAT.EDU 33
CAMPUS
HIGHLIGHTS
STUDENTS
In July, JEFF ROBERTSON II, a doctoral student in the leadership
studies program, joined Majestic Kitchen & Bath Creations Inc. as
vice president of manufacturing for the company’s Youngsville,
North Carolina facility. He will lead Majestic’s initiatives to optimize
ɥɨljƺȈɰȈɁȶӗ ɥɨɁǁʍƺɽȈɁȶ ƃȶǁ ˎɨɰɽӸɽȈȴlj ɨȈǼȃɽ ɥljɨǹɁɨȴƃȶƺlj ɰɽƃȶǁƃɨǁɰӝ
Robertson joined Majestic from GE Aviation. Earlier in his
career, Robertson served on active duty in several leadership
positions as a member of the United States Army Special
Forces Regiment and is currently serving in the North Carolina
Army National Guard at the rank of major. He received an MBA
from Liberty University, a B.S. in industrial engineering from
Clemson University.
Graduate student PATRICK STANLEY was Thirteen North Carolina A&T students were selected as 2020-
accepted as a Transportation Review Board 21 Woodland Hall Graduate Fellows. The fellowship cohort
(TRB) Minority Student Fellow for 2021. comprises new master’s and doctoral students who have
Stanley is pursuing an MBA with a supply proven their commitment toward excellence in scholarship and
chain management concentration in N.C. leadership.
A&T’s Willie A. Deese College of Business and
Economics. Chosen from over 80 applicants, the fellows are LARRY BARNES,
LANISHIA BOYD, SHAKIRA COHEN, KEVIN COOGAN, ALEXIS
As part of the fellowship, Stanley will write COOPER, SIERRA DIXON, LYNEISHA DUKES, PRESTON
and submit a research paper on the trucking ELLISON, KATRINA FUTRELL, KATIE HOWARD, CHLOE
industry and changes in the hours of service LEAVINGS, NIAH SINGLETARY and SIDNEY WALKER.
(HOS) standards during the COVID-19
pandemic. He intends to analyze commercial Each fellow will receive a one-year award that includes a stipend
vehicle accident data from trucking capacity ($18,000 for doctoral and $13,500 for master’s), full tuition
statistics recorded on government sites support and coverage of student fees and health insurance.
and in articles written during the COVID-19
pandemic and compare the information with The fellowship is named in honor of alumnus Woodland Ellroy
data from periods of standard operations. ƃȢȢӗ ʥȃɁ ɨljƺljȈʤljǁ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ƺɁȶǹljɨɨljǁ Ǽɨƃǁʍƃɽlj ǁljǼɨljlj ǹɨɁȴ
ÇɁɨɽȃ :ƃɨɁȢȈȶƃ ծě Ȉȶ іўљіӝ ƃȢȢ ɨljƺljȈʤljǁ ȃȈɰ ˎɨɰɽ ӯȃlj ƃȢɰɁ ɁƹɽƃȈȶljǁ
TRB Minority Student Fellowships are for a second) master’s degree in Agricultural Education. His thesis
juniors, seniors and graduate students who was aptly titled, “A Study of the Needs in Vocational Agricultural
are pursuing transportation-related degrees Education of Negroes in Gates County, North Carolina.”
and who plan to enter the transportation
profession upon completing their education. In addition to the fellowship and program awards, the fellows
Each university uses its own selection process will participate in the Society of Woodland E. Hall Fellows,
in deciding which students to send as TRB a collaborative, interdisciplinary organization that fosters
Minority Student Fellows. networking, partnership and academic support among past and
present fellowship recipients. The society endeavors to increase
Stanley received his B.S. in supply chain career readiness and job placement of graduates by providing
management from N.C. A&T in 2019. opportunities to enrich their resumes and CVs with transferable
skills and professionalism.
34 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
AMANDA GRAY, ALIYAH MCCRAY, FELICIA PARK, MILES STATON and
ERICA THOMPSON received grants totaling $34,500 from the Dwight David
Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP). The funds will
provide 2020-21 academic school year tuition assistance, a stipend and
expenses for the 100th Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting.
Gray, McCray, Park and Staton are supply chain management students in the
Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, while Thompson is a civil
engineering student in the College of Engineering.
The DDETFP local competition is designed to stimulate interest among
students attending a minority-serving institution of higher education or
community college to conduct transportation-related research, pursue
transportation-related degrees, enter the transportation workforce and
enhance the breadth, scope and diversity of knowledge of the entire
transportation community in the United States. It provides funds for students
to pursue associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees in transportation-
ɨljȢƃɽljǁ ˎljȢǁɰӝ ěȃlj ƃʥƃɨǁɰ ƃɨlj ǼȈʤljȶ Ɂȶ ɽȃlj ƹƃɰȈɰ Ɂǹ ȴljɨȈɽ ƺɁȶɰȈǁljɨȈȶǼ
academic records, class standing, GPA, transcripts, transportation work
experience and personal recommendations.
The awards were procured under the recommendation of N.C. A&T
Transportation Institute and Center for Advanced Transportation
Mobility (CATM) Director Maranda McBride, Ph.D., and Education and
Workforce Program Manager Teresa McRae.
Willie A. Deese College of Business ŚȈȢȢȈƃȴɰ ʥƃɰ ƃʥƃɨǁljǁ ˎɨɰɽ ɥȢƃƺlj Stanley presented “Detention,
and Economics students—KIANA for her presentation, “The Future Hours of Service, and Supply Chain
WILLIAMS, who is studying supply of Mobility: Automation,” in the Management,” based on his research
chain management, and PATRICK Connected and Automated Vehicles as Transportation Review Board
STANLEY, who is pursuing an MBA session of the UTC Student Spotlight: (TRB) Minority Student Fellow for
with a supply chain management Virtual Conference. Her research, 2021 during the conference’s Freight
concentration—presented their conducted in 2019, examined and Logistics session. He is analyzing
research during the Southeast autonomous vehicles’ impact on commercial vehicle accident data
Regional University Transportation the transportation industry. After from trucking capacity statistics
Center (UTC) Conference hosted by analyzing a U.S. Department of recorded on government sites and in
Florida Atlantic University. They were Transportation study that tested the articles written during the COVID-19
selected to present their research capability of autonomous vehicles pandemic, comparing the information
by the UTC conference board from versus human-operated vehicles with data from periods of standard
among 40 submissions representing ɽɁ ɥɨljʤljȶɽ ɽɨƃǹˎƺ ƺɁȢȢȈɰȈɁȶɰӗ ɰȃlj operations. He presented his research
member universities throughout the concluded that although autonomous paper again at the 100th annual TRB
Southeast Region. vehicles present valid safety and meeting, which took place virtually in
liability concerns, they are capable of January 2021.
reducing collisions.
NCAT.EDU 35
ATHLETICS
N.C. A&T
ĄK:KřKČ ÃK :ԇČ
їѕіўӲїѕ ĀĄ Ś ĄA
North Carolina A&T was awarded the 2019–20 Academic The MEAC did not name Talmadge Layman Hill or Mary
Performance Rate (APR) award, the Mid-Eastern Athletic McLeod Bethune All-Sports Award winners for 2019–20,
:Ɂȶǹljɨljȶƺlj ӯÃK :Ӱ Ɂǹˎƺlj ƃȶȶɁʍȶƺljǁ Ȉȶ °ʍȶljӝ due to the suspension of winter championships and
spring sports because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“The ultimate goal is to develop and graduate our
student-athletes. Congratulations to North Carolina The MEAC completed its 49th year of intercollegiate
A&T State University, including Chancellor Dr. Harold L. competition with the 2019–20 academic school year.
Martin, Sr., Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III and the Located in Norfolk, Virginia, the conference is comprised
administrators, coaches, student-athletes and support of 11 historically black institutions across the Atlantic
staff for winning the Academic Performance Rate award,” coastline: Bethune-Cookman University, Coppin State
said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas. University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M
University, Howard University, University of Maryland
N.C. A&T was honored academically for the second Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State
straight year, posting the MEAC’s highest APR over University, North Carolina A&T State University, North
the past four academic years. The A&T Department of Carolina Central University and South Carolina State
Athletics will receive $25,000 from the conference. University.
36 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
BOWLING
yʍɨʰ ƃȶǁ ɽȃlj Śƃʤljɰ ljƃƺȃ ǁɨƃǹɽljǁ ˎʤlj
ʥɁȴljȶ ǹɁɨ ɽȃlj ƺɁȴɥljɽȈɽȈɁȶӝԝ
The top 35 eligible players based on
the 2019 Women’s PBA points list
ʥljɨlj ljȢȈǼȈƹȢlj ɽɁ ƹlj ǁɨƃǹɽljǁӝԝěȃɨljlj
women have been on previous team
rosters that consisted of mostly men
before this season.
With the luck of the coin, Terrell-
¶ljƃɨȶljʰ ɨljƺljȈʤljǁ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɥȈƺȟӝ
Because of the talented pool, either
she nor Waves coach Bob Learn Jr.
ǁɨƃǹɽljǁ ɁʍɽɰȈǁlj Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ɽɁɥ іѕӝԝ
ěKĄĄK¸¸ӳ¶K ĄÇKť Č yĄČěČ ěȃlj ˎʤlj ʥɁȴljȶ ěljɨɨljȢȢӸ¶ljƃɨȶljʰ
drafted were all familiar to her. They
North Carolina A&T women’s bowling “To even hear the commentators say either bowled against Terrell-Kearney
head coach KIM TERRELL-KEARNEY that coach Kearney’s team should not as an opposing coach or when she
ȴƃǁlj ȃȈɰɽɁɨʰ Ȉȶ їѕїѕӝԝ be underestimated because they’re was an assistant coach for Team USA
super talented shows you there is a ǹɨɁȴ їѕѕўӸіјӝԝԝ
yȈɨɰɽӗ ɰȃlj ƹljƺƃȴlj ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ǹljȴƃȢlj future for women in bowling. It is no
to coach an all-female team in the longer just dominated by the men.” Terrell-Kearney and the Fury made
Professional Bowlers Association Ā9 ¸ljƃǼʍlj ȃȈɰɽɁɨʰ ƃɰ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ
(PBA). Second, her team, the Phoenix On June 23, the PBA announced two women’s team to win a match in the
yʍɨʰӗ ɨljƺɁɨǁljǁ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ʥȈȶ ljʤljɨ Ȉȶ ɽȃlj new professional bowling teams that league.
league by an all-female team. would be comprised of all women.
Those teams will join the race for Tom Clark, the PBA commissioner,
Terrell-Kearney is staying busy. On top the 2020 PBA League Elias Cup, the gave his assessment of Terrell-
of coaching the Aggies and a PBA ƃɰɰɁƺȈƃɽȈɁȶԇɰ ɽɁɥ ɽljƃȴ ƺȃƃȴɥȈɁȶɰȃȈɥӝԝ Kearney’s team.
team, she was named an assistant
coach for Team USA earlier this year. Terrell-Kearney said it was a privilege “O’Keefe won so many PWBA Tour
ɽɁ ƹlj Ɂȶlj Ɂǹ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ǹljȴƃȢlj ƺɁƃƺȃljɰ ɽȈɽȢljɰ Ȉȶ їѕіў ӯˎʤljӰ ɽȃƃɽ ɰȃlj ɰȃɁʍȢǁ
The collegiate team Terrell-Kearney ƃȶǁ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ǹljȴƃȢlj ƺɁƃƺȃ Ɂǹ ƃ ǹljȴƃȢlj probably be named the 2020
coaches was excited to see their team. PWBA Player of the Year despite the
coach making history. Cameron cancelation of the season,” said Clark.
Strombeck, the 2021 MEAC preseason “The women get a chance to “Add all-time legend (and 10-time
bowler, called Terrell-Kearney’s compete with the men, the best in major champion) Liz Johnson, 2018
ƃƺɽȈɁȶɰ ȈȶɰɥȈɨƃɽȈɁȶƃȢӝԝ the world, and see where we stack PWBA Rookie of the Year Jordan
ʍɥӝ Ślj ȃƃʤlj ˎʤlj ǼȈɨȢɰ ɽȃƃɽ ƹljȢȈljʤlj ɽȃƃɽ Richard, two multi-time PWBA Tour
“Seeing a team full of female bowlers they can win. Our goal is to win.” champions Stefanie Johnson and
compete against the men was super Maria Jose Rodriguez, and this team
cool,” said Strombeck. “It showed us The Fury and Miami Waves are ƺɁʍȢǁ ˎȶǁ ȈɽɰljȢǹ ȃɁȈɰɽȈȶǼ ɽȃlj KȢȈƃɰ :ʍɥ
(as a team) if you can bowl than you ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɽʥɁ ɽljƃȴɰ ȴƃǁlj ʍɥ Ɂǹ ƃȢȢ Ȉȶ Ȉɽɰ ˎɨɰɽ ɰljƃɰɁȶӝԅ
can bowl, it doesn’t matter that you’re women in PBA history that dates
female.” ƹƃƺȟ ɽɁ їѕіјӝԝ Phoenix entered the tournament as
the No. 6 seed in the Carter Division
Strombeck and her teammates The PBA consists of 12 teams split into and defeated the third-seed Silver
watched the tournament together two divisions. The Fury is in the Carter ¸ƃȟlj їӸіӝ ěȃlj yʍɨʰ ʥɁȶ ɽȃljȈɨ ˎɨɰɽ
through instant messaging because Division along with Dallas Strikers, game, 243-214, but lost the second
they were not together because of Philadelphia Hitmen, Brooklyn Styles, game, 216-212. In the sudden-death
ɽȃlj :ÝřAӸіў ɥƃȶǁljȴȈƺӝԝ Silver Lake Atom Splitters and Las roll, Rodriguez secured the win with
Vegas High Rollers. On July 7, the a strike after the Atom Splitters left a
іѕӸɥȈȶ ɰɽƃȶǁȈȶǼӝԝ
NCAT.EDU 37
ATHLETICS
FOOTBALL
AGGIES VS. EAGLES:
THE CLASSIC CONTINUES
The North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central CAMPBELL
football series will continue over the next 10 seasons, CHOSEN FOR
the two schools announced Dec. 17, 2020. NFL FORUM
Starting this fall, the agreement calls for both Assistant athletics director for equipment, KATRINA
schools to play each year until 2030. The Aggies and CAMPBELL, was selected as one of the panelists for
Eagles have been playing each other since 1924, with the historically Black college or university (HBCU)
the Aggies leading the all-time series 52-34-5. Careers in Football Forum (CFF), hosted by the NFL.
During both teams’ recent run in the Mid-Eastern The forum took place Dec. 10, 2020, and consisted of
Athletic Conference (MEAC), the game routinely had a 30-minute, moderator-led Q&A session followed by
championship and postseason implications and was a 10-minute student Q&A.
played in front of sellout crowds.
“Personally, to be selected validates my voice and
Before this announcement, the Aggies’ move from knowledge as being important and necessary,” said
the MEAC to the Big South in the fall (2021) left the Campbell. “It means that I am in the right place to
rivalry’s future in doubt. be able to help others. Professionally, to be selected
means that my work and work ethic are speaking for
“I know there have been some concerns about themselves. Any and everything I do I put forth my
whether this great tradition of North Carolina A&T best effort. If my name is attached, I want to make
meeting North Carolina Central on the gridiron sure it is right!”
would continue with our move to a new conference
this fall,” said N.C. A&T Director of Athletics Earl Campbell is the only female head equipment
Hilton. “I am glad to say that tradition is going manager in the MEAC, and she was also the only
nowhere. Our fans look forward to this game each equipment manager on this year’s CFF panel.
year. Aggies have a lot of friends and family who are Breaking barriers is nothing new for Campbell.
Eagles and Eagles have a lot of friends and family
who are Aggies. It is truly a family feud.”
The home team will alternate each year, starting
with the 2021 game in Greensboro.
Future N.C. A&T vs. NCCU Football Games
(Host Institution)
• Sept. 25, 2021 (N.C. A&T)
• Sept. 3, 2022 (NCCU)
• Sept. 9, 2023 (N.C. A&T)
• Sept. 21, 2024 (NCCU)
• Sept. 20, 2025 (N.C. A&T)
• Sept. 12, 2026 (NCCU)
• Sept. 4, 2027 (N.C. A&T)
• Sept. 2, 2028 (NCCU)
• Sept. 1, 2029 (N.C. A&T)
• Aug. 31, 2030 (NCCU)
38 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
FOOTBALL
After graduating from N.C. A&T in 2004 with a Bachelor Her responsibility on the panel was to provide her
Ɂǹ ČƺȈljȶƺlj ǁljǼɨljlj Ȉȶ ɥȃʰɰȈƺƃȢ ljǁʍƺƃɽȈɁȶӣˎɽȶljɰɰ ƃȶǁ insights and experiences from her point of view with
wellness, she served in the Air Force before being the assistance of a moderator to help provide a smooth
medically retired at the rank of captain. Even further, and informative discussion. Topics discussed included:
she is an eight-year breast cancer survivor. recommendations for internships to take part in while
in school and advice to students looking to be involved
“To represent my alma mater to the NFL and a national in college athletics. Campbell got to speak to and
HBCU event is remarkable,” said Campbell. “This was encourage the students and give them some insight as
a chance for me to give back to the university by to what it is actually like being in college athletics and
representing it in a positive and professional light. what it takes to get there.
HBCUs are more than a place of higher education; they
are home, they are family, they are an opportunity, they “Being the only equipment manager on the panel,
are vital! and the entire forum, was a blessing,” said Campbell.
“So often, athletic equipment contributions are
I have gained so much from my alma mater and I rarely recognized. I’ve had moments when student
was proud to be able to represent North Carolina equipment managers were disappointed when
Agricultural and Technical University.” ljɧʍȈɥȴljȶɽ Ȉɰ ȶɁɽ ȃȈǼȃȢȈǼȃɽljǁ ȢȈȟlj Ɂɽȃljɨ ˎljȢǁɰӝ
encourage equipment managers to always put forth
Campbell handles the equipment operations and their best effort and know that their work is extremely
contracts for 17 Division I men’s and women’s sports. important. This was an opportunity to represent
She has the responsibility of ensuring all athletics athletic equipment in a positive light and encourage
uniforms and apparel for A&T is designed according to them to continue towards their goals.”
conference, university and NCAA rules, as well as proper
ɰȈ˃ȈȶǼ ƃȶǁ ˎɽɽȈȶǼ ɽljƺȃȶȈɧʍljɰ ɽɁ Ɂʍɽˎɽ ɽȃlj ƃɽȃȢljɽljɰ NCAT.EDU 39
appropriately and safely.
ATHLETICS
BASKETBALL
AÝĄČKěě ĀĄÝÃÝěKA
AHMAD DORSETT has been “The biggest difference we will see as a program with travel
promoted to associate head ʥȈȢȢ ƹljȶljˎɽ ʍɰ ƹljƺƃʍɰlj Ȉɽ ʥȈȢȢ Ȣljɰɰljȶ ɽȃlj ǁȈɰɽƃȶƺlj ʥlj ȃƃʤlj
coach for men’s basketball. to travel and the time we will have to prepare on the day of
Dorsett has played an games not having doubleheaders,” said Dorsett.
integral role on the men’s
basketball coaching staff Dorsett was recently recognized as one
since 2018. of the top assistant coaches in the Mid-
Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
“This promotion means a lot
to me,” said Dorsett. “I am With this recent promotion and the imminent move to
very blessed and thankful the Big South looming, Dorsett still has goals he wants to
to head coach Will Jones accomplish down the road.
and athletics director Earl
Hilton for the opportunity to be a part of a tremendous
institution here at North Carolina A&T.”
Dorsett was recently recognized as one of the top “My goal is to ultimately lead my own Division I program,”
assistant coaches in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference said Dorsett. “This is another positive step in that direction.
(MEAC) by Jeff Goodman (Stadium). To have the trust of coach Jones … is huge for my growth,
so I will be well-prepared when the opportunity arises.”
“Coach Dorsett brings it every day,” said Jones. “He has
had success and is one of the best assistants in the
country. I appreciate what he has done for our program.
He has earned the promotion.”
Prior to his successes at A&T, Dorsett was hanging
banners as an assistant at High Point University, where he
spent seven seasons. During that time, he aided in four
Big South Conference regular-season championships and
ǹɁʍɨ ɥɁɰɽɰljƃɰɁȶ ƹljɨɽȃɰ ȈȶƺȢʍǁȈȶǼ ɽȃlj ˎɨɰɽ ɨljǼʍȢƃɨӸɰljƃɰɁȶ
championship and a postseason berth in the Panther’s
Division I history in 2012-13.
With A&T’s move to the Big South approaching,
Dorsett’s successes in the conference could prove to be
advantageous for the Aggies.
“I am very knowledgeable on what it takes and what type
of recruiting that needs to be done so we are successful
in that league,” Dorsett said about the Big South.
One major change Dorsett brought to light between the
MEAC and the Big South is the travel between teams
and the fact that unlike in the MEAC, when the Aggies
move to the Big South, there will no longer be men’s and
women’s basketball doubleheaders.
40 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
TENNIS
ĩӝČӝ KÃ9 ČČť AÝKČÇԇě AKěKĄ Ā¸ ťKĄԇČ AĄK Ã
By Marlene Estenssoro Pineda, Student-Athlete
FLORIELVIS HURTADO never gave
up her dream of coming to North
Carolina A&T.
Hurtado has been playing tennis
since she was 8 years old. She started
playing in connection with her
physical health, as she struggled with
easily gaining weight from a young
age. Because of that, her parents
made the decision to get her involved
in a sport and she chose tennis.
What made her come to N.C. A&T?
Hurtado’s native country of Venezuela admission exams and all she needed her visa a second time. In December
is experiencing tough economic was to process her visa. The U.S. 2019, her visa was accepted and
times, which is why Hurtado and Embassy in Venezuela was closed, the dream of leaving her country in
many others leave in search of a so Hurtado traveled to Colombia to pursuit of a better lifestyle came true.
better future in other countries. process the document. The embassy
in Colombia denied her visa. It should be noted that Hurtado
During her senior year of high played a good role in the season of
school at Unidad Educativa Colegio Hurtado’s teammates and coaches 2020 without having trained with
Yacambú, she began looking for were not expecting that to happen—a the team before. She won three of
universities in the United States. student athlete with good academic her doubles matches and was just
grades who was well known for Ɂȶlj ɥɁȈȶɽ ƃʥƃʰ ǹɨɁȴ ʥȈȶȶȈȶǼ ȃljɨ ˎɨɰɽ
“I found A&T because one of her state and country and, most college match against Crystal Nzewi
my friends from Venezuela importantly, a girl who had just from Longwood University.
recommended it to me. She also been offered a full ride. She never
helped me get in touch with the understood the reason for the denial. “I just want to say that there’s nothing
women´s and men´s tennis coach, harder than seeing your future
ŚȈȢȢȈƃȴ :ɨʍɽƺȃˎljȢǁӗԅ ɰƃȈǁ ʍɨɽƃǁɁӝ “I remember all my teammates from destroyed in just a minute. The day
A&T texting me they were happy for that my visa got accepted, I got down
The acceptance process is longer for me to join the team. Even though they on my knees and started crying and
international students. Depending knew about what happened with my praying to God for giving me this
on the school, they must take two or visa, they kept telling me to not give opportunity and the strength not
three standardized exams: SAT or ACT up. I cried every day but what kept to give up and move on. Every day I
and the Test of English as a Foreign me motivated was all the emotional feel without encouragement to do
Language (TOEFL). International support that my teammates and anything I remember that moment
students who do not pass the TOEFL coaches gave me,” said Hurtado. and tell myself that I must do my
cannot enroll in many English- best all the time. And that is what an
speaking institutions. Due to all the support that she Aggie does, isn´t it?
received from her teammates and
Everything seemed perfect: Hurtado coaches, Hurtado decided to process
graduated with honors and she
won the state, regional and national
tournaments in singles before
coming to A&T. She passed the
NCAT.EDU 41
ATHLETICS
TRACK AND FIELD
OLYMPIC
42 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
By Brian M. Holloway ‘97 “Something felt off,” said Stewart about the NCAA indoor
nationals. “The atmosphere felt off. Normally it’s easy
Last March, inside the Albuquerque Convention Center in to focus on the task ahead, but there was just so much
the high-altitude state of New Mexico, North Carolina A&T uncertainty all around us.”
track star TREVOR STEWART took his extra-large hands
and wrapped them securely around a small inhaler, Stewart continued to stretch and take whiffs of his inhaler
placed it inside his nostril and breathed in gently. Then he as he learned of teams leaving Albuquerque to return
placed the inhaler inside his other nostril and repeated home. After stretching, he does a few laps around the
the routine. track. Something is not right.
Stewart was preparing to compete in the 2020 NCAA “Do you think they are going to send us home,” Stewart
Indoor Track and Field Championships. Along with remembers asking Quincy Hall, a competitor from the
Stewart, eight other Aggies were competing for individual, University of South Carolina?
relay and a team national championship.
His question is soon answered. Yes.
The inhaler is for Stewart’s asthma, a condition the then
23-year-old has had since he was a child. To combat Word spreads that the NCAA has canceled its indoor
ƃ ƺɁȶǁȈɽȈɁȶ ɽȃƃɽ ȴƃȟljɰ Ȉɽ ǁȈǹˎƺʍȢɽ ɽɁ ƹɨljƃɽȃlj ƃɽ ɽȈȴljɰ championship, decision that ended the indoor collegiate
and can cause awful coughing episodes, Stewart has careers of seniors like Stewart and his teammates such as
ɥƃɨɽȈƺȈɥƃɽljǁ Ȉȶ ȟƃɨƃɽljӗ ɽɨƃƺȟ ƃȶǁ ˎljȢǁ ƃȶǁ ɥɨƃƺɽȈƺljǁ AKEEM SIRLEAF and MADELEINE AKOBUNDU. They will
discipline. never have a chance to compete for another NCAA indoor
championship.
He has mastered asthma to the point where he was the
NCAA runner-up in the 400 meters in 2019. But as he “I will be coming back to (NCAA indoor championships)
inhaled in New Mexico, there were rumors and whispers and of course I have been there before,” said Duane Ross,
throughout the convention center of the national meet ɽȃlj ǼǼȈljɰ ǁȈɨljƺɽɁɨ Ɂǹ ɽɨƃƺȟ ƃȶǁ ˎljȢǁ ɥɨɁǼɨƃȴɰӝ Ԅ9ʍɽ ǹɁɨ
being canceled. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a the seniors, they will never be able to duplicate 2020 no
respiratory ailment, was developing into a pandemic and matter how well they do in their careers.”
it was already starting to impact the sports world from
the NBA to collegiate conference basketball tournaments. Whereas asthma could not stop Stewart from becoming
It eventually canceled March Madness, the annual NCAA one of the best 400m runners in the world, there was no
Division I men’s college basketball tournament that amount of karate or discipline slowing down COVID-19.
generates billions of dollars.
In a matter of days, the NCAA canceled the 2020 outdoor
While the NCAA basketball tournament is a lengthy ɽɨƃƺȟ ƃȶǁ ˎljȢǁ ɰljƃɰɁȶӝ ȶ ɽȃlj Ȣƃɽɽljɨ ʥljljȟɰ Ɂǹ Ãƃʰӗ ɽȃlj
three weeks, the NCAA indoors only last three days. 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed until 2021. The
Perhaps the brevity of the event will give the Aggies a decision made by Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
chance to compete for individual, relay and team national and the International Olympic Committee forced N.C.
championships. ծě ɽɨƃƺȟ ƃȶǁ ˎljȢǁ ɰʍɥljɨɰɽƃɨɰ ɰʍƺȃ ƃɰ CHRISTOPHER
BELCHER, RODNEY ROWE and national champion
KAYLA WHITE to put their dreams on hold.
Current student-athletes like Stewart, Akobundu and
sprinters Sirleaf, CAMBREA STURGIS and RANDOLPH
ROSS to do the same.
“I try not to think about what could have been because
that just opens up a whole lot of (wounds),” said
Akobundu about the cancellation of the NCAA indoor
ƺȃƃȴɥȈɁȶɰȃȈɥɰӝ ԄŚlj ʥljɨlj ɨljƃǁʰӗ ƃȶǁ ʥlj ǁljˎȶȈɽljȢʰ ȃƃǁ
the team to make some noise. Being there for the last
time, being so close to it and having it snatched away
from you, it hurts.”
NCAT.EDU 43
ATHLETICS
Pictured top to bottom:
Trevor Stewart, Akeem Sirleaf
and Madeleine Akobundu
Śȃljȶ ɽȃlj ɥƃȶǁljȴȈƺ ˎɨɰɽ ɰɽƃɨɽljǁӗ Čɽljʥƃɨɽ
thought perhaps they could wait it out over
some time before getting back to work.
“I’m thinking they will delay the outdoor
season two to three weeks and then we’d
jump back in it,” said Stewart. After all,
the Virginia native had dedicated his
ȢȈǹlj ɽɁ ɽɨƃƺȟ ƃȶǁ ˎljȢǁӝ
“In high school, it was indoor season,
outdoor season and then New Balance
(outdoor nationals). I’ve been training all
that time for an opportunity to compete
in the Olympics. It left me wondering, what
happens now?”
Deaths, cases and uncertainty are what COVID-19
has introduced to the world. Multiple conferences
across the nation canceled or postponed their fall
seasons. The hope is an indoor season this winter
followed by an outdoor season and then the Tokyo
Olympics.
“We can sit here and keep crying, ‘Woe is me,’ or we can use
this (time) to our advantage,” said Ross. “We can rest up and
let our bodies heal. We can come up with a better training
regimen that deals with the excess time we have to get ready.
We can’t dwell on not having the 2020 Olympics too much. It’s a
year later, so let’s make the best of it.”
ěȃƃɽ Ȉɰ ɽȃlj ƃɽɽȈɽʍǁlj Ɂǹ ČȈɨȢljƃǹӗ ʥȃɁ ɧʍƃȢȈˎljǁ ǹɁɨ ɽȃlj ěɁȟʰɁ ÝȢʰȴɥȈƺɰ Ȉȶ
July 2019 for the country of Liberia. The Ivory Coast native lived in Liberia
from birth until age 5 before moving to Minnesota.
44 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
The 2019 outdoor season was tremendous for Sirleaf matter of seconds. It’s not something you can describe.
after he ran a personal record 10.55 in the 100m and a It happened so fast. You’re reminded of what you missed
personal record 20.37 in the 200m. Both those times Ɂʍɽ Ɂȶ ljʤljɨʰ ɽȈȴlj ʰɁʍ ǼɁ ȈȶɽɁ ɽȃlj Ɂǹˎƺlj ƃȶǁ ɰljlj ƃȢȢ
earned him a spot on the Liberian Olympic team. He also those NCAA trophies from previous years. But it’s not
advanced to NCAA nationals in three different events completely a bad thing. (The time off) is allowing your
including the 400m, the 4x100 and the 4x400. body to recover and rest.”
But the 2020 indoor season did not go as well, as Sirleaf Sturgis, who went into the NCAA indoor nationals
spent most of the 2020 indoor season injured. He made ranked second in the nation in the 60m and ninth in the
it to NCAA nationals as a member of the 4x400 team, but nation in the 200m, agrees the rest and recovery have
he was not having the season he wanted because of the been good, but the pandemic has wreaked havoc on
injury. However, those multiple cancellations may turn out motivation.
to be positive for him.
Ԅɽ ʥƃɰ ɽɁʍǼȃ ƃɽ ˎɨɰɽ ƹljƺƃʍɰlj ɽȃljɨlj ʥƃɰ ȶɁ ɁʍɽǁɁɁɨӗ ɽȃljɨlj
Ԅ:ÝřA Ȉɰ ǁȈǹˎƺʍȢɽӗ ƹʍɽ Ȉɽ ȴȈǼȃɽ ƹlj ƃ ƹȢljɰɰȈȶǼ Ȉȶ ǁȈɰǼʍȈɰljӗԅ was no Olympics. There was nothing to look forward
said Sirleaf. “I don’t think I could have competed to the to,” said Sturgis. “There was no one around to say you’ve
best of my ability because I was hurt.” got weights, you’ve got practice or you’ve got meetings.
There was no Coach (Randolph) Ross around to keep you
ČȈɨȢljƃǹ ɰƃȈǁ ƃɽ ɽȃlj ɽȈȴlj ȃlj ɧʍƃȢȈˎljǁ ǹɁɨ ɽȃlj ÝȢʰȴɥȈƺɰ motivated.”
he was in the best shape of his career. With the injury,
he had second thoughts about whether he was good But now Sturgis and the others see hope on the horizon.
enough to compete in the Olympics.
The Olympics are still a possibility in 2021. Ross will be
“I was doing everything right, but I still got injured,” he training his athletes toward making the Olympic trials
said. “I was stretching, eating right and getting eight with the hope that if they are hitting Olympic Trial marks,
hours of sleep, but my body wasn’t recovering like it the school meets will take care of themselves. In the
usually does. Looking back on it, I’m glad we’re getting meantime, it’s just a matter of getting back to work.
this time off because I get to refocus my mind and body
to get ready for this upcoming season.” “With Coach Ross as our coach, getting back into shape
is not a worry,” said Akobundu. “Every summer we come
For seniors like Stewart, Akobundu and Sirleaf, time is an back not in the best shape and then coach gets us, and
issue when it comes to collegiate action. Young superstars all of sudden we’re back in shape.”
like Ross, a freshman out of Garner, North Carolina, and
rising junior Cambrea, their legacies are still being written. Stewart says he is doing abdominal workouts throughout
the day and lifting 50-pound bags of clothes for
Ross had a tremendous career debut. He went to the conditioning until the team gets back on campus. His
NCAA indoor nationals with the second-fastest time in asthma pump is on the shelf for now, but he may soon
the nation in the 400m. He also had a chance to win a have to pull it out again because his coach has a message
national title in the 4x400 relay after the team recorded for him and all the Aggie Olympic hopefuls.
the second-fastest time in the nation at the University of
Arkansas in February 2020. “Take care of your bodies,” said Coach Ross, a former
Olympian. “I struggle with my student-athletes
After competing at the NCAA indoor nationals, Ross was sometimes because of what they are putting in their
ȢɁɁȟȈȶǼ ǹɁɨʥƃɨǁ ɽɁ ȃȈɰ ˎɨɰɽ ɁʍɽǁɁɁɨ ɰljƃɰɁȶӗ ȃȈɽɽȈȶǼ ɽȃlj bodies. Our society is based on getting everything quick,
mark to make Olympic Trials and perhaps winning MEAC grabbing a hamburger instead of making the meal
and national titles. The coronavirus halted what appeared yourself.
to be the best freshman season in school history.
“You can’t train and compete at the Olympic level unless
“I still feel like I’m going to compete on a lot of big stages you’re taking your craft seriously. When you show up at
after this (virus) is over,” said Ross. the Olympic Trials, the competition you’re facing is doing
it for a living. They’re doing it to pay their mortgage and
Still, Ross can only imagine what it would have been like take care of their families. That’s the type of motivation
to see the Aggies compete for a national title with the you’re facing, so you better have your mind right and your
amount of talent they sent to New Mexico. body right.”
“Not competing at indoor was like having the best
thing that ever happened to you in life taken away in a
NCAT.EDU 45
VOLLEYBALL
Ā ÇAKÃ: ¸ěČ ěK ÃԇČ ěĄ řK¸
TO ITALY
The North Carolina A&T volleyball team and be able to visit another country
was set to travel to Italy in March 2020, and immerse themselves into another
to visit historic cities such as Milan, culture for a week, I was excited to
Pisa, Florence and Rome. Those plans share that with them.
came to a sudden halt when university
ɁǹˎƺȈƃȢɰ ɰɽɁɥɥljǁ ƃȢȢ ȈȶɽljɨȶƃɽȈɁȶƃȢ “It’s extremely disappointing to know
travel because of the deadly novel they won’t be able to experience
coronavirus virus (COVID-19) that would that. When you have the excitement
eventually take more than 200,000 building up for over a year and
American lives. everything comes crashing down, it’s
pretty hard for everyone.”
Each player was sent back to their
respective hometowns as they At the outset of the pandemic, Italy was
lamented on the cancellation of a one of the hardest-hit countries in the
dream trip. The players’ and coaches’ world. By the end of March, Italy had
efforts of fundraising, practicing more than 105,000 cases of the virus.
and preparing for the trip left
everyone involved with the program While saddened by the university’s
disappointed. decision, there was a wide range of
understanding as to why the decision
“It’s one of those opportunities that had to be made. Like other schools
don’t come along very often,” said N.C. across the country, N.C. A&T canceled
A&T head volleyball coach Hal Clifton. the remainder of the 2020 spring
“For them to have that experiment semester.
46 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
ԄŚlj ȃƃǁ ɽɁ ǼɁ ʥȈɽȃ ɽȃlj ːɁʥ ƃȶǁ said Pitt, who came into 2020 with native, gave insight on the traveling
whatever life gave us we had to take a chance to become the Aggies all- restrictions that hindered her from
it and make something out of it,” time kills leader. arriving at the university early.
said senior setter Edie Brewer, the
reigning co-Mid-Eastern Athletic She may still have a chance to make “I was able to go home, but I had
Conference (MEAC) player of the year. program history. There is a chance to quarantine for 14 days before I
the Aggies will participate in the was able to spend time with my
9ɨljʥljɨӗ ʥȃɁ ʥƃɰ ƃȢɰɁ ƃ ˎɨɰɽӸɽljƃȴ MEAC’s 2021 spring schedule. There family and enjoy myself there,” said
All-MEAC selection in 2019, said she is also a chance the NCAA will give Rupertova. “But I did not know if
ǹɁʍȶǁ ƃ ʥƃʰ ɽɁ ˎȢȢ ɽȃlj ɽȈȴlj ƃʥƃʰ ǹɨɁȴ volleyball players an extra year of COVID would allow me to be able to
the court and classroom. eligibility for the spring. come here. We did home workouts
and prepared ourselves for if we
“I was able to spend three months Months after hearing their trip to Italy could come. A few days before classes
with my (three) sisters and dad. My was canceled, the Aggies are back started, I got the news that I would
mom lives in Vegas, so I wasn’t able to work in Moore Gym. They are not be able to come to the United States.
to see her. Being with all of them was going to let the trip cancelation stop I had to adjust to things superfast
super cool since we all live across the their drive and determination to get when I got here.”
country.” better. They’re going to use the fall to
train, workout and rest. While they wait for the spring
yɁɨ ɽȃlj ǼǼȈljɰԇ Ɂɽȃljɨ ˎɨɰɽӸɽljƃȴ ȢȢӸ season, the Aggies are taking
MEAC honoree, senior Courteney Pitt, Even though this was not what the safety precautions during this time
the idea of not going to Italy was one team or coaches expected, they are of COVID to prevent any more
thing. The idea of not having a season happy to be able to be back in school disappointment in the future.
in the fall was another. and practicing with one another. Yet,
the team realizes COVID is still an
ԄyɁɨ ȴljӗ Ȉɽ ǁȈǁ ȶɁɽ ȃȈɽ ȴlj ƃɽ ˎɨɰɽ ɽȃƃɽ Ȉɰɰʍljӝ °ʍȶȈɁɨ ˎɨɰɽӸʰljƃɨ ɽɨƃȶɰǹljɨ ɰɽʍǁljȶɽ
we possibly wouldn’t have a season,” Amelie Rupertova, a Czech Republic
NCAT.EDU 47
ATHLETICS
VOLLEYBALL
SENIOR
MOMENTS
48 N.C. A&T MAGAZINE
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NCA&T Magazine spring 2021
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