N.C. A&T Celebrates 125th Anniversary of Second Morrill Act of 1890

"North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is joining the nation’s other 18 historically black land-grant universities in organizing a slate of events to celebrate 125 years of providing access to all citizens through education, research, and Cooperative Extension outreach.

The celebration commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act legislation passed by Congress in 1890, which opened the doors of public higher education to all Americans.  This landmark legislation stipulated for the first time that African Americans were to be included in the U.S. Land-Grant University System.  Its intent was similar to the First Morrill Act of 1862, which established funding for a public land-grant college in every state that would be “accessible to all, especially to the sons of toil.”  Southern and Border States, however, refused enrollment to African American citizens.  Congress allowed these states to establish separate institutions through the Second Morrill Act.  The result is a legacy of achievement, access to equal opportunity, and an emphasis on service to the underrepresented by the community of historically black land-grant universities, known collectively as “the 1890s.”

N.C. A&T’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is organizing the university’s celebration. It will begin with a lecture by Dr. M. Ray McKinnie, associate dean, on Feb. 17, then building to a convocation at the Library of Congress in July, and culminating with a National Day of Prayer in August.  The campus then will turn its attention to the 125th anniversary of the establishment of N.C. A&T in 1891. That yearlong celebration begins in August.

“This is a special celebration for the 1890 community as we look back on our mission and long list of achievements,” said Dr. Bill Randle, dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.  “Many of us have become flagship institutions in our state.  We are especially proud of our accomplishments and future here at N.C. A&T State University.

“We are delighted and proud to use the anniversary celebration of the Second Morrill Act to educate our community and state about the contributions N.C. A&T and the historically black land-grant colleges and universities have made to our nation’s progress, both economically and socially,” added Dr. Shirley Hymon-Parker, associate dean of A&T’s Agricultural Research Program.

Please log on to 125th Anniversary Celebration of Second Morrill Act of 1890 website for more information and updates. For a press kit complete with the schedule of events, a brief history and pictures, visit the media resourceswebpage.

Partial schedule of events:

March 19 - Observance of anniversary celebration during Founder’s Day Convocation, (10 a.m.-noon, A&T Campus)

March 19 – Second Morrill Act Celebration Luncheon, ticketed event (12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. Revolution Mill Event Center, 1200 Revolution Mill Drive, Greensboro)

March 25 – Small Farmers’ Appreciation Day (during Small Farms Week, March 22-28), featuring observances of anniversary celebration

April 23 – 1890 Day, with Wellness Walk/Run and Community Health Fair (Noon-3 p.m., A&T campus, Corbett Sports Center)

Aug. 30 – National Day of Prayer, commemorating the signing of the Second Morrill Act"

- A Press Release

A&T BECOMES LARGEST HBCU IN THE NATION

"Preliminary fall enrollment numbers indicate that North Carolina A&T State University has secured the largest enrollment of a historically black college and university (HBCU) in the nation.

N.C. A&T begins the academic year with approximately 10,734 students, up 173 from last year’s enrollment at the same time. According to news reports, Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) approximate fall enrollment is 10,231, down 504 from the previous year and Howard University’s approximate fall enrollment is 10,480, up 183. In previous years, FAMU led in enrollment of all HBCUs and Howard came in second.

“It shows that the strategies put in place to move us toward the fulfillment of A&T Preeminence 2020 are paying off,” said Akua Matherson, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management.

A&T Preeminence 2020 is the university’s strategic plan. One of the key metrics to measure success is a total enrollment of 13,500. To meet that mark, the university has to continue: recruiting right-fit students while becoming the institution of choice for more transfer students; generating significant growth in graduate enrollment; strengthening the research enterprise and research opportunities; and improving upon student retention rates.

This year, A&T posted a retention rate of 79 percent or 6,296 students.

“Continuous growth in enrollment ensures that we will continue to be a viable part of the economic engine and growth of the Triad,” Matherson said."

- A Press Release

Companies keep coming back to A&T for workforce talent

   

"Each year hundreds of local, national and global companies attend the annual Career Awareness Program and Career Fair at North Carolina A&T State University. This year, two recruiters share their experiences in interviewing and hiring North Carolina A&T talent just in time for the Sept. 10 fair that will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Corbett Sports Center.

    The office of career services, led by Joyce Edwards is prepared for another successful fair. The 2014 Unlock Your Potential themed event marks the 40^th annual career fair at N.C. A&T. There are 169 companies registered for the fair, which provides a fine balance of returning and new employers representing various industries across the world.

     “We attend the career fair at A&T to build relationships with students who are starting to explore career options,” said Kathy Woodard, a 14-year recruiting veteran and recruiting manager at First Citizens Bank. “We also want to build awareness of First Citizens Bank as a place where you can do far more than be a banker. We have so many career paths here – IT, finance, audit, HR, marketing, analytics, risk management, project management and the list goes on,” she added.  

First Citizens Bank launched an IT summer internship program last year and hired four Aggie interns. Woodard shared that two of those interns will be joining the FCB team after graduation.

BASF, The Chemical Company has attended the fair for the past two years. Latasha Teemer, university recruitment specialist said that “BASF comes to the N.C. A&T career fair to recruit great talent into its Professional Development Programs.”

    “The students are very professional and have a talent we are seeking. We enjoy building relationships with the students and faculty. We have sites that are in close proximity to the University so we are always looking for up and coming talent to join our workforce. It's truly a career fair where the caliber or quality of candidates is just like none other,” Teemer added.

BASF has hired interns for the Engineering Professional Development Program, a 2 year engineering rotational program.

    “My interns have helped me make contacts with faculty and student organizations. I am very impressed with the talented interns and FT employees I have hired through attending the career fair. They make me proud and represent our company very well,” Teemer shared.

To access the full list of companies registered for the career fair click here."

-A Press Release

A&T to host kickoff for CISCO sponsored robotics competition for teenagers

"North Carolina A&T State University and CISCO Systems Inc. will host the FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) Kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at CISCO Systems, 7100-7 Kit Creek Road Durham, N.C. 27709. At the event, FTC coaches, team mentors and volunteers will participate in interactive workshops and the FTC tournament theme will be announced.  

FTC is a technology competition for students in grades 7-12. Teams are responsible for designing, building and programming robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. FTC’s mission is to teach students the value of hard work, innovation and creativity. FTC goes beyond competition by teaching teens the importance of working together, sharing ideas and treating each other with respect and dignity.

The College of Engineering at N.C. A&T manages all regional and state competitions for NC FIRST LEGO League and NC FIRST Tech Challenge. CISCO Systems Inc. located in Research Triangle Park, has been a long time supporter of the FIRST programs.

For more information about FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Technology Challenge contact Dr. Kory Bennett at firstrob@ncat.edu.

- A Press Release

Washington Monthly ranks N.C. A&T in 2014 National Universities list University maintains No. 2 spot for Social Mobility

"For the third year in a row, North Carolina A&T State University ranked No. 2 in the nation for social mobility in Washington Monthly’s 2014 National Universities Rankings.

Social mobility measures how well a university performs as an engine for improved social status.

By using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System Survey, Washington Monthly compares the percentage of Pell Grant recipients to the predicted graduation rate, the actual graduation rate and other factors. While 57 percent of North Carolina A&T students receive Pell Grants, a figure the magazine uses to determine the school’s commitment to educating lower-income students, graduation numbers soar to 41 percent—well over the predicted graduation rate.

Overall, N.C. A&T ranked No. 49 with a score of 66 out of 100, an improvement from last year’s place at No. 53. In addition to social mobility and overall placements, Washington Monthly ranked the 277 colleges and universities listed in research and service.

N.C. A&T was ranked at No. 19 for ROTC programs in the service category. In the service category, N.C. A&T came in at No. 189 for federal work-study funds spent on service, No. 172 for community service participation hors and No. 174 for service staff, courses and financial aid support.

N.C. A&T was listed at No. 215 for science and engineering PhDs awarded, No. 189 for faculty receiving significant awards and No. 157 for faculty in national academies in the research category.

To view the rankings click here. "

- A Press Release

University appoints academic officer for strategic planning

ALICE STEWART

"Alice C. Stewart, associate professor of strategic management in the School of Business and Economics was named Interim vice provost for Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.

Prior to joining North Carolina A&T in 2004, Stewart was the director of strategic analysis and planning at the Ohio State University and assistant professor of strategy at the Fisher College of Business. 

“Alice Stewart is an experienced professional equipped with the necessary experience to succeed as the interim vice provost for strategic planning and institutional effectiveness. I am confident in her abilities to lead at this juncture,” said Provost Joe B. Whitehead Jr.  

The vice provost for strategic planning and institutional effectiveness serves as the principal liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to ensure that accreditation requirements are incorporated into the planning and evaluation process of the institution and that all new programs are consistent with SACSCOC guidelines. Areas of direct responsibility and oversight include university planning, institutional research, assessment, and student learning quality enhancement plan.

Stewart is a member of the Academy of Management, the Southern Management Association and the Association to Advance Colleges and Schools of Business. She is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi.

"I am honored to be asked to serve. I believe that higher education is in a time of challenge and transition.  I hope that my efforts will help N.C. A&T thrive in the coming years,” Stewart said.

Stewart received a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of Kentucky."

- A Press Release

Sports Hall of Fame announces new inductees

"Six of the seven 2014 North Carolina A&T Sports Hall of Fame inductees won at least one MEAC championship during their collegiate careers. The North Carolina A&T Sports Hall of Fame announced its new members on Thursday with five football players, one track and field athlete and one men’s basketball player earning the prestigious honor.

Football’s James Bowden, Darryl Klugh, Connell Maynor, Troy Pelshak, Barry Turner, track and field’s Shenan Robinson and men’s basketball James Sparrow will be announced as the new members on Thursday, Sept. 4 at the North Carolina A&T University Alumni-Foundation Event Center at 7 p.m. The media is invited to a press luncheon for the inductees at the event center at noon on Sept. 4. The honorees will also be recognized on Sept. 6 when the Aggies play their home opener against No. 7 Coastal Carolina at 6 p.m., at Aggie Stadium.

“On behalf of North Carolina A&T State University and the department of athletics, I want to congratulate the 2014 inductees,” said Earl M. Hilton III, A&T’s director of athletics. “We appreciate their commitment to their sport, university and community. Their individual accomplishments translated into team success, and that is the true sign of a Hall of Famer.”

Bowden played wide receiver for A&T from 1991-95. He made 94 receptions for 1,694 yards and nine touchdowns. He helped the Aggies win the 1992 MEAC championship and earn a playoff berth in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.

Darryl Klugh is considered one of the best defensive backs in school history. He secured three different All-American honors during his career, including Division I-AA All-American accolades. In 1999 he led the MEAC in interceptions and was a first-team All-MEAC selection. The Aggies 1999 team also broke the school record for wins (11), won the MEAC championship and won the school’s first ever NCAA football playoff game. His younger brother Hasaan is a quarterback on the 2014 Aggies football team.

Maynor has continued to have success in football more than 20 years after his collegiate career ended. He led the Winston-Salem State Rams to the Division II national championship game in 2012, and he is the current head coach at Hampton University. Before his coaching career, Maynor established as one of the best all-around offensive players in school history.

Maynor won MEAC Offensive Player of the Year twice (1990 and ’91), becoming the first Aggie to win the award. He threw 18 touchdown passes and only five interceptions in 1991 as he led the Aggies to the MEAC title.

Pelshak was one of the most feared defensive players in the MEAC. He could play defensive end, defensive tackle and nose tackle. He made 52 tackles for loss in his career, including seven in one game.

Robinson was an outstanding athlete on the track. He competed in the 55 meters, 100, 400 meter relay, long jump and triple jump. He helped the Aggies win three consecutive outdoor MEAC championships (1994-96) and one indoor championship in 1996. He was named All-MEAC in the 55, 100 and long jump.

Many Aggie fans would argue that James Sparrow is the best men’s basketball player in school history. He led the team in scoring three straight seasons and during the 1975-76 season he led the team in scoring, assists and steals. He led the Aggies to three MEAC titles (1975, ‘76 and ‘78), and was the MEAC Player of the Year in ‘75 and ‘76. He has the best scoring average in school history at 18.8 points per game.

Turner’s 2,726 rushing yards is fourth all-time on the Aggies rushing list. He also made 92 receptions for 1,148 yards and nine touchdowns. He helped the Aggies win back-to-back MEAC titles in 1991 and ‘92.  He is one of only three players in school history with more than 4,000 all-purpose yards."

- A Press Release

A&T Appoints Interim Dean for the School of Education

DR. MIRIAM L. WAGNER

"North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has named Dr. Miriam L. Wagner as the interim dean for the School of Education, effective July 1.

As interim dean, Wagner will serve as chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Education. This position reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.

 “I am delighted to work with Dr. Wagner as the interim dean of the School of Education. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge and is a proven leader at North Carolina A&T,” said Whitehead.

Wagner will be responsible for the overall administration of academic and research programs in the School. The position also includes oversight of student recruitment and retention, budgetary management, faculty development, evaluation and assessment of academic programs, and maintaining high academic and research standards of the School.

Wagner joined North Carolina A&T State University in 1992. In 2011, she was appointed chair of the department of human development and services where she supervised faculty and staff in the rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, mental health counseling, adult education and school administration. As chair, Wagner managed the implementation of the doctoral rehabilitation counseling program in 2013 and the Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic in 2012.

Prior to her professorship at North Carolina A&T, Wagner served as director of counseling and assistant professor of psychology at Winston-Salem State University. She received a PhD in community counseling and bachelor’s degrees in psychology and English literature from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and master’s degrees in human resources and school counseling from N.C. A&T."

A Press Release

#RuralPride Kicks-Off Rural Summit Series in Greensboro, NC with First Summit on LGBT Rural Community

"On June 6, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will hold the first in a series of summits focusing on the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people living in rural communities across the country. The event, co-hosted by the LGBTQ Law Center and the True Colors Fund, will take place in Greensboro, NC at North Carolina A&T University.  This event launches the start of the #RuralPride summit series being organized across the country to elevate the voices of LGBT people and families in rural communities, explore how these communities are particularly vulnerable, and discuss proposed and enacted federal policy changes that can increase equality and access for rural LGBT people and their families.  The #RuralPride campaign, a partnership between NCLR and USDA, will challenge the stereotype that LGBT people only live in metropolitan areas and raise awareness of the particular issues faced by LGBT rural communities, including increased rates of economic insecurity, lack of family protections, lack of nondiscrimination protections, and the heightened challenges facing rural LGBT youth and rural LGBT people of color. Said USDA Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights Dr. Joe Leonard: “We are excited to host the first in this series of summits aimed at highlighting the experiences of LGBT people living in rural America. We look forward to continuing to work closely with this community in the future and ensuring that USDA continues to serve all rural people and families.” NCLR Policy Director Maya Rupert said: “We are thrilled to be involved in this important effort to highlight the needs of rural and small town LGBT people. We are committed to ensuring equality for all LGBT people and families–regardless of geography.” Added LGBTQ Law Center Lead Attorney Kelly Durden: “As a legal organization dedicated to serving LGBT people throughout North Carolina, we are familiar with the unique needs of LGBT people and families living in rural communities. We are proud to work with this community every day and are excited for this opportunity to centralize the experiences of the rural LGBT community.” Learn more at www.NCLRights.org/RuralPride." A Press Release