About Our Pride, Our Future
North Carolina A&T State University is one of America’s most highly-respected, doctoral research land-grant universities. The university’s learner-centered community develops and preserves intellectual capital through interdisciplinary learning, discovery, and community engagement. With an enrollment of nearly 11,000 students, A&T is the largest historically black university in the nation. Within the University of North Carolina system, A&T has ranked third in sponsored research funding for nine consecutive years. Honoring a great history as a land-grant institution that produces change agents and global leaders for the careers of today and tomorrow in disciplines of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), business, the arts and humanities, N.C. A&T is celebrating 125 years of excellence, innovation and pride.
Aggies Lead. Aggies Achieve. AGGIES DO!
CHANCELLOR'S MESSAGE
For 125 years, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has maintained a rich tradition in academics, research, discovery and outreach. Established under the Second Morrill Act in 1890 – which expanded the system of land-grant universities to include a historically black institution in those states where segregation denied minorities’ access to the land-grant institutions established by the First Morrill Act (1862) – N.C. A&T has thrived in the traditional focus areas of teaching, research and extension. With an enrollment of nearly 11,000 students, A&T is the largest historically black university in the nation.
This academic year, we are celebrating the visionaries who laid the cornerstones of this progressive university, honoring the accomplishments of our outstanding alumni and continuing on the path to preeminence.
As one of the nation’s most highly-respected doctoral/research universities, A&T alumni, students, faculty and staff extend the university’s transformative research and innovative solutions to address global challenges. Ranked No. 3 in sponsored research in the University of North Carolina system for nine consecutive years, we strategically collaborate with diverse groups and individuals in our respective industries and communities here at home and around the globe.
A&T is dedicated to creating academically sound and relevant opportunities and partnerships in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines as well as enhancements in cultural competencies and social awareness, while standing firm on an uncompromising expectation of excellence among our students, faculty, staff and administrators.
Our Pride, Our Future is a celebration of this university’s dynamic resilience from humble beginnings. As a proud alumnus and chancellor of this remarkable institution, I invite you to celebrate the rich history, traditions, innovations and achievements of North Carolina A&T State University.
With Aggie Pride,
Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr. ’74
Chancellor
125th FEATURE STORY
N.C. A&T OBSERVES FOUNDERS DAY, HOSTS PRESIDENT SPELLINGS
N.C. A&T OBSERVES FOUNDERS DAY, HOSTS PRESIDENT SPELLINGS
To commemorate its 125th anniversary, North Carolina A&T State University will observe Founders Day with a series of events on March 24. University of North Carolina System president Margaret Spellings will also make her first visit to campus that day.
The first event of the day will be Founders Day Convocation at 10 a.m., in Harrison Auditorium. Spellings is set to bring greetings from the UNC System for the occasion. Classes are suspended for this event.
Two-time, N.C. A&T alumnus and current vice provost for academic affairs at The Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Blannie E. Bowen, will be the event’s keynote speaker. Prior to his current post, he served the same university in a variety of positions including head of the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education in the College of Agricultural Sciences and the C. Lee Rumberger and Family Chair of Agriculture.
Immediately following Convocation will be the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Deese Clock Tower. The tower is named for benefactors Willie A. and Carol C. Deese. Mr. Deese is a former chair of A&T’s Board of Trustees and a graduate of the university’s School of Business and Economics whose lifetime gifts total nearly $4 million.
To conclude Founders Day observance, the university will host the Birthday Bash, 4-8 p.m. in Aggie Stadium. The free event is open to the public and will include free food, games, appearances from the Aggie cheerleaders and mascots and music from 90.1 WNAA-FM and the Blue & Gold Marching Machine. The evening will be capped with fireworks.
The Office of University Relations will issue press credentials for Founders Day observance until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 24. For additional information, contact Joy Cook at 336-256-0863 or dcook1@ncat.edu.
A full schedule of events is listed below.
Thursday, March 24
- Founders Day Convocation, 10 a.m.-noon, Harrison Auditorium
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Blannie E. Bowen, vice provost for academic affairs, The Pennsylvania State University
Open to the public - Deese Clock Tower Ribbon Cutting and Dedication, noon, Deese Circle (formerly Bluford Circle)
Speakers: Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.; Dr. Bertram E. Walls, chairman, Board of Trustees; Dr. Quiester Craig, dean emeritus, School of Business and Economics
Open to the public - Media Briefing, Q&A, 2 p.m., Alumni Library - Alumni-Foundation Event Center
Speaker: President Margaret Spellings, Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.
Open to press only
** N.C. A&T-issued press credentials are required for this event
- 125th Birthday Bash, 4-8 p.m., Aggie Stadium
Features: Free food, games, appearances and performances by Aggie Cheerleaders, mascots, Blue & Gold Marching Machine and 90.1 WNAA-FM, and fireworks
Open to the public
Available Now
125th Featured Book
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University: A Pictorial History
- From the passing of the Second Morrill Act to the Civil Rights Movement to the historic installation of the first Aggie as chancellor, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University: A Pictorial History is a literary illustration of this extraordinary institution.
- This extensive collection of photos and anecdotes encompasses the essence of Aggie Pride and makes this coffee table book the perfect gift for any Aggie, and this year’s choice for the university’s Text-in-Community series.
Buy now