Media Personality Sheryl Underwood to “Take Over” N.C. A&T Radio Studios

"Nationally known comedienne, talk show host and actress Sheryl Underwood is set to take over the airwaves at North Carolina A&T State University’s WNAA studios from 3-5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2, 2016.

Underwood will dish and deliver the quick-witted and humorous dialogue she is so well-known for, along with music provided by WNAA’s DJ Jimmy Jam. The “Sheryl Underwood Takeover” marks the first time Underwood, who’s syndicated talk show airs every weeknight on WNAA at 10 p.m., has broadcast a live show on A&T’s campus.

While on campus, Underwood will promote her search for “College Reporters” for The Sheryl Underwood Radio Show, in which students will be able to gain significant hands-on experience.

Underwood began her career in comedy during a time in which there were very few successful African-American female comediennes. In addition to her roles as co-host of CBS’s “The Talk,” and host of “The Sheryl Underwood Radio Show,” she is a multimedia entrepreneur, and philanthropist. 

Underwood is the owner and CEO of Pack Rat Productions, Inc.; a national spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark’s DEPEND Underawareness Campaign; the 23^rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; and founder and CEO of the Pack Rat Foundation for Education, which raises money to support 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their students.  

Underwood holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in Media Management Mass Communication from Governor State University."

- A Press Release

White House Initiative on HBCUs Announces Third Class of All-Stars

"Two North Carolina A&T State University students have been included in the 2016-17 class of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) All-Stars.

Senior public relations major Niyah Brooks and third year mechanical engineering doctoral candidate Paul McGhee are among 73 students from across 63 HBCUs named to the 2016 HBCU All-Stars, which includes undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

“Being nominated for the 2016-17 White House HBCU All-Stars for North Carolina A&T State University was one of the most honorable and exciting opportunities I've ever received,” said McGhee. “I’m an active leader, scholar and supporter of the community, university and the rest of the world, striving to bring out the best in everyone that I have the honor to cross paths with.” 

HBCU All-Stars are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.

Throughout the next year Brooks and McGhee will serve as ambassadors by providing outreach opportunities and communicating with other students about the value of both education and the White House Initiative as a networking source.

"Now that I have been appointed as [an] HBCU All-Star, I will be tasked with serving as a liaison between N.C. A&T and the White House,” said Brooks. “I will spread awareness of initiatives that are important to me. I really want to focus on the "It's On Us" initiative, which aims to reduce sexual assault on college campuses. I also want to promote the importance of voting to my peers."

Using social media, relationships with community-based organizations, and sessions with industry professionals, Brooks, McGhee and all other HBCU All-Star ambassadors will share proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. They will also participate in the White House HBCU Week Conference, national and regional events, and webinars with Initiative staff and other professionals on a range of disciplines that support a spirit of engagement and personal and professional development.

“During the course of one academic school year, the 73 All-Stars will distinguish themselves as exemplars of the talent that HBCUs cultivate and as noble ambassadors of their respective institutions,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. “The Initiative is looking forward to working with this third class of All-Stars and is confident this opportunity will allow the Initiative to meaningfully connect with HBCU students and advance academic excellence at their schools.”

“Our goal is to provide a unique opportunity for these talented students that exposes them to critical national conversations and thought leaders. No doubt they will make their mark and represent their campuses well,” said Deputy Under Secretary of Education and Acting Executive Director White House Initiative on HBCUs Kim Hunter Reed.

The All-Stars were selected from over 300 students from 24 states, the District of Columbia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Virgin Islands."

- A Press Release

BioSolar Adds N.C. A&T Engineering Team to Strengthen Efforts to Increase Capacity and Reduce Cost of Lithium-ion Batteries

"BioSolar, Inc., a developer of breakthrough energy storage technology and materials, has entered into a new sponsored research agreement with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to strengthen the engineering development efforts of its battery technology. The company’s goal is to increase the capacity and reduce the cost of lithium-ion batteries.

Dr. Sung-Jin Cho, assistant professor in the Department of Nanoengineering at North Carolina A&T State University, will be the lead investigator of the newly initiated sponsored research. Cho also serves as Director of Nano Energy Laboratory, a role he has held since August 2014. Prior to his current position, Cho was a technical lead at Johnson Controls Inc., Battery Technology Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 2008 to 2014. He led the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) program to design and evaluate battery material and lithium-ion cell engineering for automotive application for over six years. Prior to pursuing his Ph.D. in the U.S., Cho worked on lithium-ion battery technology development in Korea, and held a number of positions at LG. His research encompasses fundamental materials studies such as catastrophic failure mechanism study, synthesis and physical characterization, as well as device and system design and fabrication.

This agreement represents a natural progression from the scientific development phase represented by the company’s existing sponsored research program at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), now scheduled to conclude in October 2016. In place since 2014, this agreement and subsequent scientific efforts have resulted in the creation of innovative intellectual properties that form the basis of BioSolar’s critical core technologies. The company currently co-owns two patent-applications for a supercapacitor technology and its super cathode technology with UCSB.

“We are excited to have Dr. Cho lead our new engineering and commercialization program at North Carolina A&T State University,” said Dr. David Lee, CEO of BioSolar. “His experience in developing high energy lithium batteries and process development draws many parallels to what we are seeking to build upon. We believe this new effort will positively complement our previous activities at UCSB, bringing us one step closer to achieving our corporate objectives and ultimately realizing value on behalf of our shareholders.”

BioSolar is developing a breakthrough technology to double the storage capacity, lower the cost and extend the life of lithium-ion batteries. A battery contains two major parts, a cathode and an anode, that function together as the positive and negative sides. Inspired by nature, BioSolar is developing a novel cathode based on inexpensive conductive polymers and organic materials that can fully utilize the storage capacity of conventional anodes. Founded with the vision of developing breakthrough energy technologies, BioSolar's previous successes include the world's first UL approved bio-based back sheet for use in solar panels. 

About North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically black university. It is a land-grant, higher research university and constituent member of the University of North Carolina system. A&T is known for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was founded in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. "

- A Press Release

N.C. A&T Partners with Zipcar to Offer Car Sharing on Campus

"North Carolina A&T State University has launched a new partnership with Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing network, to offer a Zipcar car sharing program on campus. The transportation option is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty, and staff ages 18 and older, as well as members of the local community over the age of 21.

N.C. A&T will initially offer three vehicles—two Ford Focuses named “Jasen” and “Jeslyn” and a Volkswagen Golf named “Grunwald.” The Zipcars will have designated parking spots located in a campus lot outside the parking deck and Aggie Dome for convenient pick-up and return. 

This year, N.C. A&T members can join for $15, with rates for Zipcar vehicles on campus starting at $7.50 per hour and $69 per day. After the first year, members will have an option to pay an annual membership fee of $25. Gas, insurance and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days. 

“We are delighted to partner with Zipcar to bring a service that is tailored to the needs of our students,” said Angela Peterson, N.C. A&T associate vice chancellor for campus enterprises. “Our students will be excited and truly inspired by the opportunity to have mobility, flexibility and convenience within the footprint of their campus, giving them an alternative solution for transportation. We look forward to a successful partnership.”

Zipcar members with iPhones and Android devices may download the Zipcar mobile app to make reservations, lock and unlock the vehicles and honk the horn to help locate the vehicle. Reservations can also be made over the phone or on Zipcar’s website.   

“The Zipcar program on campus gives students, faculty and staff the freedom of using a car without the hassle of owning one,” said Katelyn Bushey, Zipcar director of university sales. “We’re happy to partner with N.C. A&T, to give their community a transportation option to fit their needs and their wallet.”

N.C. A&T students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar at http://www.zipcar.com/NCAT.

Zipcar is a leading car sharing network, driven by a mission to enable simple and responsible urban living. The company operates in urban areas and university campuses in over 500 cities and towns across Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. Zipcar is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc., a global provider of vehicle rental services. 

About North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically black university. It is a land-grant, higher research university and constituent member of the University of North Carolina system. A&T is known for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was founded in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. "

- A Press Release

A&T Alumni Homecoming Concert to Feature “The Whispers”

"North Carolina A&T State University boasts the Greatest Homecoming on Earth and for good reason. Each year thousands of alumni, students, family and friends converge on the City of Greensboro for an abundance of fun-filled and inspirational events than one person couldn’t possibly pack into one week, but that doesn’t keep everyone from trying.

The Aggie Alumni Homecoming Concert, presented by the North Carolina A&T Real Estate Foundation always draws a huge crowd and this year looks to be no different. This year’s concert, with the theme “It Just Gets Better with Time,” will feature legendary R&B crooners, The Whispers, on Friday, Oct. 28 at 8:30 p.m. at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Since 1963, The Whispers have been mesmerizing audiences with their tight harmonies and chart-topping songs such as “And the Beat Goes On,” “Lady,” and “Rock Steady.” The group boasts seven gold albums, two platinum albums, 12 Top 20 Singles, American Music, Soul Train and Grammy Award nominations and an NAACP Image Award.

Timeless vocalist, Stephanie Mills will be a special concert guest. Mills is an award-winning R&B and Gospel singer, songwriter and Broadway star. From her well-known role as Dorothy in “The Wiz,” to hit songs such as “I Feel Good All Over” and “I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love,” she continues to be a favorite among music and theatre lovers of all ages.

General admission tickets are on sale for $120 each with general event tables of 10 seats at $1,200. Reserved tables of 10 are available at a cost of $1,400, $2,800 and $5,000. The N.C. A&T Real Estate Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution. Some reserved tables will receive a charitable deduction.

Money raised from the concert will be used to fund A&T student scholarships.

The university’s annual homecoming celebration will begin Sunday, Oct. 23 and continue through Sunday, Oct. 30, with daily activities and events, including the homecoming parade, football game versus the Florida A&M Rattlers and Aggie FanFest. Highlighted alumni events will also include the 37^th Annual Richard E. Moore Memorial Golf Tournament, Fall Convocation, the Former Miss A&T Luncheon, the coronation for Mister and Miss A&T, the homecoming comedy show, concerts and more. 

About North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically black university. It is a land-grant, higher research university and constituent member of the University of North Carolina system. A&T is known for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was founded in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina."

- A Press Release

JOY COOK’S BOOK SIGNING AT BARNES AND NOBLE Public Relations meets Author

"Joy Cook is well known in the public relations world with 14+ years of experience and also made history in becoming the White House Tweetup invitees to attend the arrival ceremony of the Prime Minister of Great Britain, David Cameron. Now she is well known is the book world but writing “Watch The Company You Tweet: 4 Step Guide to Making an Impact on Twitter”. This book discusses ways to optimize yourself or your business on social media and how to do it the effective way. 

On January 19, 2015 “Watch The Company You Tweet: 4 Step Guide to Making an Impact on Twitter” went from Number 33 to Number 1 on Amazon’s non-fiction best seller list overnight. The book received great reviews and positive feedback it continues to be in the top 30 of best sellers on Amazon today. 

“This book is a game changer! It is a MUST read if you want to be a trendsetter and a Twitter champion.” --Lenee Braxton, Legal and Contracts Consultant

“Watch The Company You Tweet: 4 Step Guide to Making an Impact on Twitter” is a practical guide that shows you that Twitter is a tool, not a toy” --Rev. Odell Cleveland, Chief Administrative Officer, Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Meet the Author, Joy Cook at her book signing June 11, 2015. This event will take place at Barnes & Noble: Friendly Center 3102 Northline Avenue Greensboro, NC 27408. 

This event will be held from 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM. The author will be on hand to meet and greet you, read from her book and sign your books! If you would like more information email aisha@joycookpr.com or call (336) 256-9378."

- A Press Release