Message from the Chancellor

Greetings,

In the vibrant tapestry of our academic landscape, NCCU Now stands as a beacon of inspiration and celebration. It serves as a testament to the diversity of talent, the depth of knowledge and the boundless creativity that touches every corner of North Carolina Central University (NCCU). With each issue, we showcase the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, staff and alumni, while also highlighting the innovative research and transformative endeavors that define our institution’s identity.

Within these pages, you will find stories of perseverance, ingenuity and collaboration that illustrate the breadth and depth of our collective achievements. For instance, the perseverance of Gigi, part of our esteemed K-9 unit, ensures the safety and security of the Eagle community, while the entrepreneurial spirit of alumna Crystal Taylor, recognizes opportunities for creative expression and social impact within hip-hop and Black culture.

Moreover, our commitment to infrastructure development ensures that our buildings’ design and functionality align with the needs and aspirations of our students, maximizing their potential to serve as dynamic hubs for learning, research and collaboration.

Over the past two years, we’ve made significant strides in fulfilling the ‘Eagle Promise,’ ensuring timely degree completion, fostering socially and globally engaged initiatives, nurturing proven leadership skills and preparing our students to be job-market ready. These accomplishments underscore our commitment to excellence and our dedication to equipping our students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

The spirit of innovation, collaboration and excellence that permeates the sloping hills and verdant green of our university fills me with confidence in the bright future that lies ahead for NCCU. With each new generation of scholars and leaders, our legacy grows stronger, ensuring that the spirit of North Carolina Central University will continue to thrive for years to come. Together, we have built a community that embraces diversity, fosters innovation and inspires change. That is NCCU Now.

In Truth and Service,

Johnson OAkinleye

Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D. Chancellor

NCCU NOW MAGAZINE is

27707. View the Spring 2024 digital version and past issues at issuu.com/nccentraluniv

NCCU NOW CONTRIBUTORS

CHIEF BRAND OFFICER Stephen W. Fusi

EDITOR Mark Lawton

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Pandora Frazier ’82

WEB CONTENT MANAGER Jay Morrow ’95

WRITERS Kelvin Allen, Brielle Barrow, Laurie Willis Davis, Attiyya Dunn ’16, Stephen W. Fusi, Ariel Germain ’06, ’17, Nicole Hodges, Terri Hyman, Mark Lawton, Quiana Shepard, Chance Thweatt

COPY EDITOR Cassandra Harper

PHOTOGRAPHY

DeAndres Royal ’10, Kelly Starbuck

NCCU BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CHAIR Kevin M. Holloway '75

MEMBERS

David Alexander ’94, ’99

Roderick G. Allison ’95

William V. Bell

G. Keith Chadwell

Emily M. Dickens ’95, ’99, ’02

Cameron Emery ’24

Lisa F. Martinez

James Mitchell ’85

Cornell Slade ’75

Antwan Thornton ’15

Alexandra Valladares ’10, ’14

James S. Walker

ADMINISTRATION

CHANCELLOR Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.

PROVOST AND VICE CHANCELLOR OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

David H. Jackson Jr., Ph.D.

VICE CHANCELLOR OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Akua J. Matherson, M.Ed.

VICE CHANCELLOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Angela Alvarado Coleman, Ed.D.

VICE CHANCELLOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Susan Hester

CHIEF OF STAFF Catherine Edmonds, Ed.D.