N.C. A&T Joins National Taskforce on Higher Education and Opportunity

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 25, 2021) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is one of an elite group of 36 higher education institutions across the country that are among the initial members of the Taskforce on Higher Education Opportunity.

The newly formed organization brings together leaders from public, private, two- and four-year campuses around the nation representing some 2.5 million students in service of student success, local community partnerships and reimagining how higher education is delivered.

N.C. A&T is one of only four North Carolina campuses represented in the initiative, and one of just two historically black universities included nationwide. Other institutions include Duke University, UCLA, Minnesota, Washington University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Virginia Tech, Oregon, Arizona State, UC Davis and Spelman College.

“As the world, economy and careers marketplace change around us, higher education across the country is increasingly challenged to keep pace, ensuring that students have ample opportunity to learn and prepare for the workplace and that we meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. “The Taskforce promises to help us marshal leadership in support of those needs and be a knowledge exchange for how we can constantly and collectively improve.

“I welcome the chance for A&T to be part of this important initiative.”

One of the most immediate areas of focus for the Taskforce is helping to prepare graduates for success in a post-COVID economy. The pandemic has fundamentally changed the ways in which many organizations do business, as well as in delivery of higher education – perhaps permanently. Leaders of Taskforce institutions will collaborate on what constitute best practices going forward to ensure graduates emerge from campuses prepared for success in the new environment.

The Taskforce does not have presiding officers, but instead is being led by an eight-person executive committee. In addition to the participating campuses, the Taskforce includes the Strada Education Network and the McKinsey & Company consultancy.

For more information on the Taskforce, visit its website.