1980s Timeline
1980
Dr. Cleon F. Thompson became the seventh chancellor, after serving one year as interim chancellor.
1980
The university becomes an affiliate member of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina.
1981
Dr. Edward B. Fort is inaugurated as the eighth chancellor.
1983
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a 1964 A&T graduate, becomes a candidate for the presidency of the United States.
1984
A&T graduate Dr. Ronald E. McNair orbited the earth in the Space Shuttle Challenger.
1985
The following facilities were dedicated: • Aggie Stadium • Bryan House • Zoe P. Barbee Hall • Ellis F. Corbett Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center • Lewis C. Dowdy Administration Building • W.H. Gamble Complex • Warmoth T. Gibbs Social Science Hall • Haley Hall • Holt Hall • Marteena Hall • Alma I. Morrow Hall • Mattye Reed African Heritage Center • Register Staff House • B.C. Webb Animal Science Hall • F.A. Williams Cafeteria • The School of Arts and Sciences is renamed College of Arts and Sciences, effective June 1.
1986
Dr. Ronald E. McNair, A&T alumnus and U.S. astronaut, perished in the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
1986
The university's accounting program is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business.
1986
A&T received a grant of $2.25 million from the U.S. Navy Office of Naval Research for composite materials research.
1987
The School of Technology is established.
1987
Dedication ceremonies were held for the $8.5 million Ronald E. McNair Engineering Building.
1987
Approval of $16 million is received from the North Carolina General Assembly for construction of a new library.
1988
A&T achieved a record enrollment of 6,200 students.
1988
A&T broke ground for the new library.
1988
The university is funded by NASA to operate a $3.6 million space technology development and utilization program.
1989
A&T received a $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct telecommunications research.
1989
The university enrolled a record 6,500 students.
1989
Dedication services were held for the $1.7 million Charles Moore Agricultural Research Facility.