Historical Highlights

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University's rich history dates back over 100 years. It was in the fall of 1890, when the North Carolina General Assembly enacted a second Morrill Act that "mandated a separate college for the colored race." Citizens of the Greensboro community banned together to support the plan and members such as Dr. DeWitt, a black dentist, C. Benbow and Charles H. Moore donated the 14 acres of land for the site and an additional $11,000 in cash that aided in construction of the buildings. The plan was approved on March 9, 1891 and the first building was completed in 1893: the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race (now North Carolina A&T State University) had found its new home.

In 1915 state legislators changed the college name to The Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina and then in 1967, elevated its status to "university." N.C. A&T became a constituent university of The University of North Carolina in 1972.

Since its inception in 1891, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has maintained a tradition of excellence in education. Under the helm of Dr. James C. Renick, the University continues to thrive as it sustains its rich legacy.

A land-grant institution, N.C. A&T is located in Greensboro, N.C. over 188 beautiful acres. It has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and a workforce of 1,661 employees. The University is a learner-centered community that develops and preserves intellectual capital through interdisciplinary learning, discovery, engagement, and operational excellence.

This unique, comprehensive university offers more than 84 undergraduate degree programs, more than 35 master’s degree programs, and five Ph.D. programs in mechanical, electrical and industrial engineering, energy and environmental sciences, and leadership studies. The academic programs are offered through the Schools of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Nursing, Technology, Graduate Studies, and the Colleges of Engineering and Arts and Sciences.

A&T’s outstanding student body is the primary strength of the University. Students are carefully selected from thousands of applicants annually. Once on campus, they are taught and mentored by excellent faculty, the majority of whom have earned doctoral or other terminal degrees from some of the nation’s most prestigious graduate and professional schools.

A&T is the nation’s leader among colleges and universities that graduate minorities with degrees in engineering and technology. It also is one of the largest producers of African American Certified Public Accountants.

The University has advanced to the forefront in the area of research. A&T annually generates over $33.3 million in sponsored programs and $5 million in appropriations for agricultural research and cooperative extension. It generates contracts with major international companies, foundations, and federal agencies to secure funding to enhance academic programs and to provide student scholarships.

A&T's alumni, who number over 30,000, occupy leadership positions around the world. These alumni spread the Aggie mystique all over the nation, continuing to strive for excellence and to make their mark in society. To learn more about our alumni, visit our Distinguished Alumni page and view photos.

Nine presidents/chancellors have served the University since it was founded. They are Dr. J. O. Crosby (1892-1896), Dr. James B. Dudley (1896-1925), Dr. F. D. Bluford (1925-1955), Dr. Warmoth T. Gibbs (1956-1960), Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor (1960-1964), Dr. Lewis C. Dowdy (1964-1980), Dr. Cleon Thompson Jr. (1980-1981- interim), Dr. Edward B. Fort (1981-1999), and Dr. James C. Renick (1999-Present).