Awardee Bios

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
William Allen Hill, DVM, MPH ’99
Director and Attending Veterinarian
Laboratory Animal Resources
Florida State University
(Tallahassee, Florida)

William Allen Hill, D.V.M., is the director of laboratory animal resources, attending veterinarian and courtesy associate professor of biomedical sciences at Florida State University. He is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and currently serves on the board of directors. Hill also served as president of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners. He has mentored more than 700 students, authored more than 16 peer-reviewed works and secured nearly $370,000 in federal grants.

Hill, the son of Johnnie Edward Hill ’64 and Carol Murphy Hill, is a second-generation Aggie. In 1999, he graduated with honors from N.C. A&T earning a B.S. in laboratory animal science. He would go on to become the 11th African American to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University in 2003. He also holds a M.S. in public health and M.A. in theological studies.

Hill credits much of his success to the mentorship of pioneering Black veterinarians, like Dr. Tracey Hanner and Dr. Doris Fultz, and the caring community of scholars, faculty and staff within the animal sciences department.

Hill is also an ordained minister, a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Robert T. Parker, MA ’99
Director of Interpretation, Collection, and Education
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture
(Baltimore, Maryland)

Robert T. Parker is an accomplished leader in cultural preservation, museum administration and education. In March 2024, he was appointed as Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture’s director of interpretation, collection and education. He also serves on the national Board of Directors for the Association of African American Museums.

Prior to this appointment, Parker served as the first executive director and CEO of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he led the development of a destination arts museum in the city’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood. That facility opened in fall 2023 and a 50,000-square-foot museum is slated to open in 2026.

Parker built a strong foundation in public service through significant roles with the National Park Service where he managed historical sites and programs dedicated to African American history and heritage. His expertise further expanded through his work with the Chickasaw Nation where he directed the $36 million Journey Home Capital Campaign and oversaw the construction of the Chickasaw Heritage Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. He also served as director of exhibits, education and visitor services at the United States Navy Memorial Foundation’s Naval Heritage Center and as superintendent of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Maryland. 

A native of Kinston, North Carolina, Parker earned a B.A. in professional history from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s in public history from North Carolina State University.

Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics
Chuck Burch CPA/PFS, CFP® ’82
President, Burch Financial Group
(Dallas, Texas)

Chuck Burch, CPA/PFS, CFP®, is the founder and president of The Burch Financial Group, a tax, financial advisory, and wealth management firm based in Dallas, Texas. Leveraging more than two decades in the financial services industry, Burch specializes in tailored financial planning, tax strategy, investment management, retirement guidance, risk mitigation and estate solutions for individuals, families and small business owners.

With a mission rooted in integrity and client-first service, he believes in leading with honesty, educational guidance, and a collaborative, long-term client relationship approach. His unique blend of experience, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit defines a career not just focused on financial success, but on building lives and futures.

Raised in Detroit by his mother, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and the value of education, Burch discovered his passion for finance early in life. First, through a high school bookkeeping course, and then, via disciplined tracking of personal expenses, habits he continues today. He earned a full scholarship to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and received an accounting degree in 1982. This milestone shaped his professional trajectory and fueled his lifelong dedication to giving back.

In addition to his professional practice, Burch is deeply committed to community enrichment through the Chuck Burch Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit initiative in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. What began as small fundraising events has grown into more than $175,000 awarded in college scholarships to local students and it continues to expand. Chuck Burch is also a Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics Hall of Fame member.

College of Education
Shon F. Barnes, Ph.D. ’14
Chief of Police
Seattle Police Department
(Seattle, Washington)

Shon Barnes, Ph.D., was named Chief of Police for the Seattle Police Department in February 2025, but his 24-year career in law enforcement began with the Greensboro Police Department, where he climbed to the rank of captain. 

Barnes’ first stint as police chief was in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to becoming top cop, he served as deputy police chief in Salisbury, North Carolina, and director of training and professional development for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability in Chicago. 

He has served as a subject matter expert for the U.S. Department of Justice on various topics including police leadership, use of force practices, and constitutional policing standards. Barnes also helped develop a national training curriculum on police and race. 

He has been recognized as a National Institute of Justice Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science Scholar and is a member of the National Policing Institute’s Council on Policing Reforms and Race. Barnes was named an HBCU Living Legend in 2023 and inducted into George Mason University’s Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy Hall of Fame in 2024. 

Barnes earned his Ph.D. in leadership studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2014, a M.S. in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati and B.A. in history/pre-law from Elizabeth City State University. 

In 2020, Barnes walked 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, with law enforcement and civil rights leaders to commemorate the historic civil rights march in 1965, led by Martin Luther King Jr. Barnes co-founded the 54th Mile Project. 

College of Engineering
Gina Loften ’90
Chair, N.C. A&T Board of Trustees
Chief Technology Officer (retired)
Microsoft US
(Raleigh, North Carolina)

Gina Loften is a transformative technology executive and Fortune 100 board director. She spent her career driving innovation, scaling global businesses and shaping the future of digital transformation. Known for her ability to lead through disruption, she has guided some of the world’s best-known brands in modernizing operations, unlocking new revenue streams and pioneering solutions that redefine industries.

Loften’s journey spans senior leadership roles at IBM and Microsoft, where she led multi-billion-dollar businesses and global teams across research, development, consulting and sales. As Chief Innovation Officer for IBM Federal, she led technology strategy for mission-critical programs, delivering cognitive computing solutions for federal agencies, healthcare systems and educational institutions worldwide. She also served as a global leader for IBM Consulting.

Later, as chief technology officer for Microsoft US, Loften directed innovation for the company’s largest commercial market, partnering with C-suite executives and boards across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, government and education to accelerate digital transformation and modernize critical systems. Under her leadership, clients embraced new business models, executed complex M&A integrations and thrived in the era of intelligent cloud, intelligent edge and AI.

She serves on the boards of TIAA, Thoughtworks, Foursquare, Interwell Health, and RTI International. She also chairs both the Board of Trustees for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the Foundation Board for the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

Her leadership has earned global recognition by many outlets, including  WomenInc. Magazine and Diversity Woman Media. Featured by Business Insider as one of “9 Powerful Leaders of Color to Consider for Board Seats,” Loften continues to shape organizations with bold, visionary leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the corporate landscape.

Loften graduated from N.C. A&T in 1990 with a degree in electrical engineering.

John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences
Brandon Crooms, Ph.D. ’12
Assistant Professor of Business Administration in Sports Management
Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas

Brandon Crooms, Ph.D., is a leader in sports management and education, serving as assistant professor of sports management at Trinity University. In 2024, he was acknowledged as one of the most influential upcoming professionals and named to San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 under 40.

His research explores the intersection of Christian faith and the identity of Black athletes, emphasizing personal and professional development. With a unique integration of scholarly work and entrepreneurial action, Crooms channels his expertise in faith, identity and athlete development into programs that strengthen communities. As CEO of Crooms Collective LLC, he leads athlete development and youth mentorship programs, extending his impact globally through initiatives like virtual summits for athletic leaders and youth programing in Cape Town, South Africa.

Crooms earned a B.S. in sports science and fitness management from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2012. He also holds a M.S. in sports medicine and nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction: physical education teacher education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Crooms is the author of The Game Changer: A Devotional Playbook of Scripture, Prayer and Affirmations for Athletes and the founder of the Special Ops Athletics Development Conference, which provides vital education and networking opportunities for athletes, coaches and parents. He previously served as a consultant executive director for The Dad Show ATX, where he developed a podcast focused on delivering high-quality educational content centered on fatherhood to support early childhood development and strengthen family engagement.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native uses his non-profit, BPowered Up Inc., to empower athletes by focusing on holistic identity, exemplifying his commitment to positive social impact in the community through sport.

College of Science and Technology
Tabatha Williams ’11
Founder and CEO, Hall Pass & Prompt Solutions
Certified Grant Writer
(Greensboro, North Carolina)

Tabatha Williams is an AI educator, digital entrepreneur and certified grant writer whose work bridges innovation, education, and empowerment. She is the founder and CEO of Hall Pass, a collegiate apparel company, and Prompt Solutions, a tech-education organization focused on helping individuals and businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence. 

Through Hall Pass, Williams has built a widely recognized brand offering licensed college apparel with a strong emphasis on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Her designs celebrate legacy and culture — most notably, the cream-colored “Perseverance” sweaters commemorating the 65th anniversary of the A&T Four sit-ins and honoring February 1 scholars. 

Prompt Solutions reflects her passion for education and technology. Williams teaches others how to use AI tools to automate content creation, streamline grant writing, and optimize business operations. Her approach helps clients save time, reduce burnout, and amplify their impact through strategic use of emerging technologies. 

A proud graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Williams earned her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2011. She remains deeply connected to her alma mater, serving on the advisory board of The Honors College and participating in a June 2025 panel discussion attended by 200 Honors College freshmen — demonstrating her commitment to mentoring the next generation of Aggie leaders. 

With roots in STEM and a career built on strategic communication and tech-driven entrepreneurship, Williams exemplifies creative problem-solving and community-focused innovation. Her work continues to inspire others to embrace technology not just as a tool, but as a pathway to purpose and progress. 

Graduate College
Pamela Richardson Wilks, Ph.D. ’97, ’98
President, Clinton College
(Rock Hill, South Carolina)

Pamela Richardson Wilks, Ph.D., is the 14^th president of Clinton College and brings more than 25 years of transformative leadership in higher education across public and private institutions. A proud first-generation college graduate from Hollister, North Carolina, Wilks is deeply committed to academic excellence, institutional growth, and student-centered innovation —especially within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Wilks has held senior leadership roles at Wilberforce University, Shaw University, Edward Waters University, Coppin State University and Paine College. Her strategic leadership has driven institutional transformation, accreditation success, enrollment growth and operational modernization. At Coppin State, she oversaw a $30 million budget and led a 153% increase in research funding.

Her career began in secondary education before transitioning to higher education, where she taught African American studies and English at several institutions, including UNC-Greensboro, Winston-Salem State University and Johnson C. Smith University. Her expertise spans academic program development, institutional effectiveness, policy design and student success. She has worked with multiple accrediting bodies and led reaffirmation efforts across institutions.

Wilks earned her B.A. and M.A. in English and Afro-American literature from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a Ph.D. in English, literature and criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has served on numerous civic and professional boards and was honored in 2023 as a Distinguished Alumni by N.C. A&T. She and her husband, Christopher Wilks, Ph.D., are proud parents of three sons and dedicated members of the Clinton College community.

Honors College (keynote speaker)
Kwame Molden MBA ’09
Co-founder and President, Springbreak Watches
(Charlotte, North Carolina)

Kwame A. Molden is the co-founder and president of Springbreak (SPGBK) Watches, a designer watch company that offers an impressive variety of impactful, stylish and affordable timepieces. SPGBK draws strength and inspiration from its community and culture as well as from the beautiful childhood experiences Molden had growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His strong passion for education also informs the brand’s mission.

Under his leadership, SPGBK has experienced remarkable growth and achieved major retail distribution in more than 350 stores, including Belk, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. In 2023, the company was selected as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things and has also garnered significant media attention from outlets such as Good Morning America, Oprah Daily, The New York Times and AfroTech, among others.

Molden is passionate about education and committed to building community through philanthropy. He has donated more than $35,000 in watches to teachers and staff nationwide, including the entire staff of his hometown high school, E.E. Smith High School, as part of SPGBK’s Annual School Giving program.

In addition to launching SPGBK, Molden spent more than a decade as a senior process engineer for multiple Fortune 100 financial and retail companies in the Charlotte metropolitan area. He has extensive experience in managing and leading continuous improvement projects, designing core operational processes and implementing enterprise-wide technology solutions.

Molden graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2009 with a B.S. in information technology and earned his MBA in marketing from the University of North Carolina- Charlotte in 2012.

Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
Md Faruque Hasan, Ph.D. ’23
Process Engineer
Intel Corporation
(Beaverton, Oregon)

Md Faruque Hasan, Ph.D., is a process engineer at Intel Corporation, currently working in the plating group where he focuses on advanced semiconductor packaging. His role centers on enhancing plating process control, improving yield and maintaining high-quality standards.  

Hasan’s journey into science began with a simple gift — a cell phone during his higher secondary education — which sparked a deep curiosity about its materials and functions. This early fascination led him to pursue a Ph.D. in nanoengineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, which he earned in 2023. His doctoral research focused on developing high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials from sustainable carbon sources, aiming to improve energy storage efficiency and affordability. 

His research received joint funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Science Foundation, underscoring its alignment with national sustainability goals. Hasan published five peer-reviewed journal articles and was honored with the 2024 Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) Outstanding Dissertation Award. His academic training equipped him with strong skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and materials optimization. 

With a record of impactful research and hands-on experience in semiconductor manufacturing, Hasan is well prepared to tackle complex challenges in the tech industry. His blend of scientific curiosity, technical expertise and leadership continues to drive innovation and excellence in his professional journey. 

Velma R. Speight Young Alumna Award
Reyniah Taylor Massey, M.H.S. ’20
Program Specialist, Pre-Professional Scholars Program
N.C. A&T State University
(Greensboro, North Carolina)

Reyniah Taylor Massey, earned her B.S. in biology from N.C. A&T in 2020, and received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellowship to pursue her Ph.D. in applied science and technology – STEM Education. She also holds a Masters of Health Sciences from Meharry Medical College.

Massey is an adjunct Instructor in the Department of Biology at N.C. A&T, teaching majors and non-majors, providing student advising and mentoring. Additionally, she is the coordinator of special programs for the biology department, program specialist for the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, and co-advisor for the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association. Her roles involve facilitating connections between students and professional development, research and healthcare career opportunities.

She has collaborated with organizations such as the Foundation for the Development of Minority Physicians and Yale University’s School of Medicine, contributing to events like the Foundation for the Development of Minority Physicians White Coat Summit in Greensboro and interactive medical enrichment experiences, which led to her role as an instructor for the Yale Summer Enrichment Medical Academy.

Her research examines inclusive excellence in STEM education, with a focus on how diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging affect student achievement, recruitment, and retention, particularly at HBCUs. Drawing on her experience and expertise, Massey aims to contribute to the preparation of future STEM professionals.

 

Julia S. Brooks Achievement Award
Nicole Strayhorn Piggott, M.S. ’97, ’00
Director of Secondary Pathways
Guilford County Schools
(Greensboro, North Carolina)

Nicole Strayhorn Piggott is a lifelong educator and passionate advocate for public education. A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, she is the daughter of N.C. State Representative Garland E. Pierce and. Pamela S. Marsh. Pigott began her academic journey at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1993 as a N.C. Teaching Fellows Scholar and member of the Golden Delight auxiliary. She graduated with honors in 1997, with a degree in business education, followed by a Master’s in Adult Education (2000), a Master’s in School Administration from UNC-Greensboro (2003), and a Specialist in Education from UNC-Chapel Hill (2010).

With more than 28 years of experience, Piggott has served in Wake, Guilford and Forsyth County Schools in roles ranging from teacher to principal. She spent 12 years in Lexington City Schools as Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Student Services Director. In 2023, she joined Guilford County Schools as a Secondary Pathways CTE Director, continuing her mission to empower students and champion educational excellence.

Piggott is a life member of the Gate City N.C. A&T Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She serves at Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church in High Point, North Carolina. Above all, she is a proud mother to Daniel, a junior Cheatham White Scholar at N.C. A&T, and Ari, a freshman at N.C. A&T STEM Early College.

Howard C. Barnhill Distinguished Service
Barry L. Obie ’76

Barry Louis Obie is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and accomplished aviator whose career spans over four decades of military, commercial aviation, and community service. A native of Roxboro, North Carolina, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina A&T State University in 1976 and later earned a master’s degree in Executive Development from Ball State University.

During his 21-year Air Force career, Obie held key global assignments, beginning in aircraft maintenance before becoming a pilot. He flew KC-135 Stratotankers and EC-135 Airborne Command Post aircraft, served as an instructor pilot, and supported Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. At the Pentagon, he managed strategic upgrades and played a vital role in consolidating military C4I assets. He retired in 1998 from HQ Strategic Command with numerous honors.

Transitioning to civilian aviation, Obie flew Boeing 747 and MD-11 aircraft for UPS, accumulating over 8,000 flight hours and visiting more than 30 countries. He retired as an MD-11 Captain in 2018.

Obie is a dedicated alumnus of NC A&T, serving in both the Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia chapters. He chairs fundraising efforts, helped establish a $25,000 university endowment, and received the 2025 Super NOVA Award for outstanding service. He actively supports the Aggie Alumni Foundation and participates in events honoring university legacy.

His community involvement includes volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and serving in leadership roles at Mount Olive Baptist Church, where he secured a $95,000 safety grant and helps distribute food to over 500 families monthly.

A 27-year member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Obie mentors youth through ACE Academies and school outreach programs, promoting STEM and aviation careers. His life exemplifies service, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others.