A&T Vice Chancellor Receives Rutgers Distinguished Leader in Education Award

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 23, 2025) — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Christopher C. Catching, Ed.D., received the Distinguished Leader in Education Award from Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education (GSE) during its spring 2025 convocation. A 2008 Rutgers GSE alumnus, Catching delivered the ceremony’s keynote address Wednesday, May 21.

The GSE Distinguished Leader in Education Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate excellence in educational leadership and a profound dedication to making education accessible and equitable for all. Each year, GSE faculty select an individual or individuals who demonstrate passion, dedication and leadership in the field of education and in support of GSE’s mission, which is to support equity and excellence in education in New Jersey and beyond. Past award winners have included industry leaders, authors, educators and more.

“Rutgers saw in Dr. Catching the same things that attracted North Carolina A&T when he was selected as vice chancellor for Student Affairs. His commitment to equity and excellence and his passion for serving students set him apart as a higher education leader,” said A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II, who hired Catching in January of this year following a national search. “We’re proud of Dr. Catching for earning this well-deserved honor and grateful to our colleagues at Rutgers for recognizing his exemplary leadership.”

 An accomplished leader in higher education student affairs and success, Catching has worked to expand equity in higher education, serving students across 11 institutions in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina. He served in leadership roles for Stockton University, Southern Connecticut State University, Hofstra University, Rutgers University and Seton Hall University.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, Catching earned his doctoral degree from Rutgers in social and philosophical foundations, an M.A. in higher education and student affairs from New York University and a B.A. in history from Montclair State University. He has also completed the prestigious Institute for Education Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He serves as a trustee on the AtlantiCare Regional Healthcare Services Board and on the board for the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.

Catching’s address focused on the transformative power of education to elevate the lives of individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. He acknowledged the GSE’s 100-year legacy as a leader of change in education and reflected on things he wished he had known about leadership as a graduate student and early in his career.

Catching offered new graduates three leadership principles shaped by his family, his experience as an educator and leaders who guided him and reinforced his belief in the power of education to transform lives.

“Lead with purpose. Lead with integrity. Lead with wisdom,” he said. “I hope these principles offer something useful and inspiring as you enter the next chapter of your journey.”

Catching said he learned to lead with purpose from his parents, educators and administrators who modeled a foundation of hard work and instilled in him a desire to treat people well. “So many people invested in me and taught me to believe in myself,” he said. “These lessons serve as a compass for me as an educator and leader today and moving forward.”

As a first-generation college student who benefited from the Educational Opportunity Fund program at Montclair State, Catching said the experience was eye-opening. “This opportunity transformed my life and revealed my life’s work,” he said. “I wanted to be like my advisor, advocating for students and especially those who are underserved, first-generation and limited-income. This continues to guide me today.”

Catching told graduates that integrity is the most important characteristic of a leader. “You can learn the technical aspects of being a leader and educator, but you can’t learn how to be honest and trustworthy,” he said. “Your talent might open a door, but your character determines whether you keep it open for yourself and hold it open for others.

“Leadership is not a popularity contest, it is a privilege and a responsibility. It’s not about you, it’s about those you serve.”