N.C. A&T, Rooms To Go Partnership to Increase Student Preparedness

Greensboro, N.C. (May 9, 2017) - National furniture retailer Rooms To Go, America's No. 1 independent furniture company with the nation's largest furniture inventory, has partnered with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to establish a Student Collaborative Research Area benefitting students. The company donated more than $12,000 worth of sofas, chairs and tables to the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at N.C. A&T as part of its program to promote greater research, study and job preparedness among HBCU students.

Representatives from Rooms To Go and the CAES at A&T recently held a dedication of the area. The furniture is located in student-lounge areas in the C.H. Moore Agricultural Research Station and Sockwell Hall, buildings in the CAES. Students nestled into the new seating within hours of its delivery and continue to use it daily.

Rooms To Go has also established Reading for Excellence Centers – comfortable learning and study environments outside the classroom -- in university dormitories and student gathering spots at HBCUs in cities where the company has stores.

“Rooms To Go has had and will continue to have a strong commitment to the training and education of young people at our premier academic institutions as they prepare for global careers. Our Reading for Excellence Centers are just one of the many initiatives we are proud to support in hope of fostering student growth,” said Steve Buckley, company president and COO.

The national company’s outreach coincides with the CAES’s efforts to boost research preparedness among students and build the oral and communication skills necessary for their success in the marketplace.

“We appreciate Rooms To Go and their support,” said Dr. Shirley Hymon-Parker, the CAES interim dean. “The furniture is attractive, functional and comfortable, and most of all, represents a goal that is totally compatible with our mission in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences – pursuing excellence in student learning and achievement to help strengthen our intellectual core.”

The generous gift to the college was guided to the CAES by alumnus Dr. Frankie T. Jones Sr. of Phoenix One Enterprise, who is affiliated with Rooms To Go. In addition to the furniture donation, Dr. Jones also facilitated through Rooms To Go the first of an annual $2,500 student scholarship in leadership to CAES student Gabrielle Jackson.

The Phoenix One Enterprise owner praised the efforts of Rooms To Go and its team for its support: “They are the glue that continue's to advocate and promote these reading centers, and make sure the furniture was delivered.”