N.C. A&T Adds Two Staff Members to Honors College

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 15, 2024) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has appointed Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., as associate dean of Research and Program Innovation and Christiana Garrett ‘11 as student engagement and recruitment coordinator for the Honors College. 

Dumancas, a professor of chemistry whose associate dean appointment began Sept. 4, will lead efforts to enhance the quality and reputation of research and development, execute the research components of the college’s strategic plan and cultivate innovative partnerships.  

“The students in the Honors College represent the best students on our campus and it is very important that we assist these high-achieving students excel in their college careers by providing them with a series of programming, curricular and co-curricular initiatives to help them realize their potential,” said Dumancas. 

His goals in this role are to enhance academic and professional development resources to Honors College students; establish innovative activities among departments focused on supporting Honors college students and create relationships among departments to create programmatic activities that are effective and sustainable for students. 

Garrett will focus on development, management and implementation of engagement, and co-curricular student programming for Honors College students. She will oversee recruitment and admissions efforts, ensuring alignment with the College’s values and strategic priorities. 

Garrett’s vision for the Honors College is to create “learner-focused opportunities that sustain community and sense of belonging through cumulative and complex programing for high-achieving students.” 

“As a proud alumna, I become more inspired each day by the students in the Honors College and I'm thrilled to begin working alongside them to develop impactful experiences to support their exceptional academic endeavors,” she said. 

Garrett plans to begin the Honors College Emerging Leaders Workshop, an annual conference offering professional and career development opportunities for freshman honors students. 

“The Honors College is delighted to have Dr. Dumancas and Ms. Garrett. They will play a pivotal role in sustaining the Honors College’s excellence by promoting research, student engagement and recruitment of high achieving and highly motivated students,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D., Honors College dean. 

Prior to joining A&T, Dumancas was an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton. He has received more than $2 million in external research funding from organizations including the National Science Foundation, Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, Louisiana State University, and the Louisiana Board of Regents. He is also the author of more than 100 research publications. 

Garrett previously worked as associate director of enrichment for Park Scholarships at North Carolina State University and associate director of the University Scholars Program at North Carolina Central University, where she helped establish the Cheatham-White Scholarship Program.