N.C. A&T State University 125th Anniversary

Dr. Jarvis Hall, political science professor at NCCU; Rosaland Fuse-Hall, president of Bennett CoDr. Jarvis Hall, political science professor at NCCU; Rosaland Fuse-Hall, president of Bennett College and Dr. Harold Martin, chancellor of N.C. A&TSU celebrate the 125th anniversary of North Carolina A&T State University.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is celebrating its 125th year of existence with a series of events throughout out the year. University of North Carolina System president Margaret Spellings also makes her first visit to campus that day.

The university held its 125th Anniversary Scholarship Gala on Saturday, April 23 at the Grander Resort and Conference Center. This formal event included student performances and live entertainment to raise scholarship dollars for deserving N.C. A&T students.

Three recipients were honored with a Chancellor’s Legacy Award: Dr. Edward B. Fort, Legacy Award in Education; Dr. Velma R. Speight, Legacy Award in Alumni Service; and Willie A. Deese, Legacy Award in Philanthropy, who is also the namesake on the Deese Clock Tower.

The Deese Clock Tower is named for benefactors Willie A. and Carol C. Deese. Deese is a former chair of A&T’s Board of Trustees and a graduate of the university’s School of Business and Economics whose lifetime gifts total nearly $4 million.

North Carolina A&T State University is an 1890 land-grant doctoral research, historically Black institution of higher learning, offering 177 undergraduate degrees through eight colleges and schools, with an option to participate in the honors program or study abroad. The university also offers nine doctoral degree programs (11 concentrations), 29 master’s programs (46 concentrations) one post-master's certificate program and 8 post-baccalaureate certificate programs in collaboration with seven colleges and schools.