North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, commonly known as North Carolina A&T or simply A&T, is a notable public research university situated in Greensboro, North Carolina. As part of the University of North Carolina System, it was established on March 9, 1891, by the North Carolina General Assembly.
Aerial view of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, circa 1926.
Initially named the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race, it holds the distinction of being the first institution for people of color in North Carolina, under the Morrill Act of 1890.
Then-First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama was presented a hood signifying her honorary doctoral degree by N.C. A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin in 2012
The university initially focused on subjects like agriculture, English, horticulture, and mathematics. It underwent a significant change in 1967 when it was designated a Regional University and renamed to its current title.
Maj Gen Richard S. Haddad hands out the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl championship trophy to North Carolina A&T head coach Rod Broadway. North Carolina A&T won the thriller 41-34 over Alcorn State in the at the Georgia Dome. (Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chance Babin)
With more than 13,000 students, North Carolina A&T is the largest historically black university in the United States.
John O. Crosby; N.C. A&T’s first president (1892–1896)
It is particularly renowned for its College of Engineering, which produces the highest number of African American engineers in the country, and its College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, known for graduating a large number of African American students in agriculture.
More details The College Building built in 1893, was one of the campus’ first buildings. It was destroyed by fire in 1930.
The university also excels in fields like kinesiology, landscape architecture, nursing, teaching, and journalism/mass communication.
Image of the cover of “Dear A&T,” the Alma Mater of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
North Carolina A&T offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including 54 undergraduate, 29 master’s, and 9 doctoral degrees across various colleges and schools.
Ronald McNair, class of 1971, physicist and NASA astronaut who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. NASA/JSC – http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/portraits/mcnair.jpg
Moreover, the university has a robust research portfolio, receiving significant funding for projects in diverse fields and ranking high in research activity. It is also known for its large campus, including a working farm and research parks.
An early image of Noble Hall, originally the Agricultural Building, now houses the School of Nursing
The student and alumni community, known as “Aggies”, have a strong presence in athletics, particularly in the Colonial Athletic Association. The university’s sports teams have a rich history, especially in football and basketball, with multiple championship wins and NCAA Tournament appearances.
An early image of students learning to make butter. University of Miami – http://www.education.miami.edu/ep/paris/html/agricultural.html
In terms of historical significance, North Carolina A&T has played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, particularly with the Greensboro sit-ins initiated by four of its freshmen students in 1960. The university has continued to evolve and expand, integrating sustainability and green initiatives into its campus development and operations.
An early image of Marching Band at the Negro Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina (now North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University) with Band Director Charles E. Steward; 1915. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University – http://library.digitalnc.org/cdm/ref/collection/yearbooks/id/8437
Overall, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University stands as a vital institution in American higher education. Its commitment to academic excellence, significant research contributions, and historical impact, particularly in advancing the rights and education of African Americans, make it a prestigious and respected university nationally.
The sheet music to “Dear A&T,” the alma mater of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
President Joe Biden disembarks Air Force One at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, and greets EPA Administrator Michael Regan’s son Matthew, 7, as he arrives for an event at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Thursday, April 14, 2022. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)
President Joe Biden greets students David Johnson and Mansi Bhavsar during a tour of a cybersecurity lab in the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research & Innovation Complex at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, Thursday, April 14, 2022. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)
President Joe Biden listens to professor Kaushik Roy during a tour of a cybersecurity lab in the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research & Innovation Complex at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, Thursday, April 14, 2022. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)
