Toyota, A&T Create Aggie Bridge Initiative for Student Success, Process Improvement

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 1, 2025) — Toyota North Carolina and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University are deepening their relationship with a groundbreaking new partnership aimed at bringing Toyota’s world-renowned leadership in process development and improvement to bear on student services and business operations at the university.

Launching with the beginning of the academic year, the Aggie Bridge Initiative (ABI) will integrate the Toyota Production System – the automotive company’s manufacturing and management philosophy developed to minimize waste and maximize efficiency in its production processes – with N.C. A&T institutional efforts to holistically improve the student experience, from registration through graduation.

“It is exciting anytime we can collaborate and apply Toyota Production System principles to develop innovative solutions,” said Don Stewart, Toyota North Carolina president. “I hope our processes strengthen N.C. A&T’s students’ academic experiences and that our team members learn from N.C. A&T. That is the true spirit of kaizen.”

Ten Toyota North Carolina team members will work with A&T teams to assess a wide variety of student services. They will provide university staff with lean process analysis and operational guidance to streamline academic and administrative systems. Core to the partnership is improving students’ experiences with financial aid, course registration and academic advising.

Students and their families should expect the outcomes to make a noticeable difference in student satisfaction and have a positive impact on customer service, process clarity, wait times and success in completing necessary tasks.

“We are excited to join forces with Toyota North Carolina to elevate the student experience at A&T,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II. “This initiative is not only focused on student success, it’s about building smarter systems and stronger partnerships. The Aggie Bridge Initiative is a model of how higher education and industry can co-create meaningful solutions that benefit our students, improve institutional performance, and deliver value to the economy.

“This is the future of collaboration, and A&T is proud to be leading it.”

ABI is the boldest example yet of the university’s new corporate engagement vision, A&T Exponential. A&T leaders seek to redefine how universities and corporations collaborate for mutual benefit and social good using corporate best practices and leading-edge technology. As the nation’s top producer of Black STEM graduates, A&T is using A&T Exponential to enhance students’ understanding of the rapidly evolving workplace and improve their ability to enter the workforce ready for immediate impact and leadership.

ABI represents a scalable model for corporate engagement that enhances student success, drives process innovation and strengthens the regional economy. It exemplifies the shared commitment of A&T and Toyota North Carolina to accelerating student success and driving regional transformation through education and innovation.