Three N.C. A&T Alumni Honored as HBCU Living Legends

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2025) — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Catherine Edmonds, Ed.D., ’92, was one of three distinguished alumni honored during the 2025 HBCU (Historically Black College and University) Living Legends Scholarship Gala.

Held in the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Aug. 16 event celebrated Edmonds for her extensive career in public and higher education across the state. Most recently, she was appointed as chief academic officer of her alma mater after serving Elizabeth City State University as interim chancellor and North Carolina Central University as chief of staff. She also received the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 for her dedication to public education.

“This is really a full circle moment,” said Edmonds. “To be acknowledged for a career that was made possible because I attended N.C. A&T, and to receive the award after coming back to serve the institution, my heart is truly filled with Aggie Pride.”

Nian Avery ‘91 and Charyl Streeter Harry ‘77 were honored alongside Edmonds.

Avery, owner of Avery’s Memorial Chapel in Asheville, North Carolina, earned his B.S. in business administration before becoming an undertaker and starting his own business in 2017.

Harry, founder of Triad Culture Arts, has dedicated her career to celebrating and preserving Black history through cultural programing in Winston-Salem. She earned her bachelor’s degree in textiles and related art, now known as fashion merchandising and design.

The trio’s outstanding contributions to education, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation placed them with 30 other North Carolina HBCU alumni recognized this year.

In addition to celebrating alumni achievements, the gala spotlighted the HBCU Living Legend organization’s primary mission: student success. Three A&T students – Sara Felder, Markaiah Mathis and Aris Williams-McKinney – each received $1,000 scholarships through the HBCU Living Legends program. These scholarships help defray academic expenses and recognize students for their merit, service and character.

The bi-annual gala celebrates alumni excellence and raises funds for student scholarships. It features tributes, networking and a shared commitment to empowering future generations of HBCU leaders.

For more information about the HBCU Living Legends program and its impact, visit hbculivinglegends.com.