Former NASA Astronaut, NFL Player Melvin to Honor N.C. A&T’s 2025 Astronaut Scholars

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Dec. 2, 2025) – Former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver Leland Melvin will recognize the national achievement of two North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University students for their selection as 2025 Astronaut Scholars by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF).

This free event, which is open to the public, will take place Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium, 1009 Bluford St., Greensboro. A clear bag policy is in effect.

Avery Love and Alexis Spence, high-achieving junior students in STEM disciplines, are among only 74 students from 51 different U.S. participating universities to be selected in 2025 for this prestigious academic and professional development program. They are also the first pair of students from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to be selected as Astronaut Scholars as sophomores, their first year of application eligibility.

ASF awards up to $15,000 in financial support to each Astronaut Scholar, recognizing exceptional academic performance, leadership and commitment to research and innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

In 1994, A&T became the first HBCU ASF Partnering Institution and has since produced 22 Astronaut Scholarship recipients who have earned 25 Astronaut Scholarship awards.

Melvin is the only person drafted into the NFL to have flown in space, a milestone recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame which displays his Detroit Lions jersey in Canton, Ohio. A former astronaut, engineer and senior leader, he began his career at NASA Langley Research Center developing optical fiber sensors for aerospace vehicles before flying on two Space Shuttle Atlantis missions. After retiring from spaceflight, he led NASA Education, co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force and chaired the International Space Education Board, advancing national and global STEM initiatives.

Melvin is also a STEAM advocate who uses his experiences as an athlete, scientist and artist to inspire students, earning four honorary doctorates, recognition as an ICON MANN, and the of the NFL Players Association Award of Excellence. He authored “Chasing Space,” a memoir that chronicles his journey from the football field to the stars, and co-created the “Space Chasers” graphic novel series, blending science and adventure to captivate young readers. As an advocate for education and outreach, he has received numerous honorary doctorates in recognition of his impact on science, technology, and advocacy. He is also an executive producer of two time Emmy and Peabody nominated Nat Geo documentary film, The Space Race, that highlights the experiences of Black astronauts. In August 2024, Melvin received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to STEAM and aerospace education.

“It is a thrill to see STEM, innovation, the arts, education, athletics, and community engagement converge at the nation’s largest HBCU in honor of Avery and Alexis’ 2025 Astronaut Scholarship selection,” said Alsace-Lorraine Gallop, A&T’s national scholarships and fellowships coordinator, ASF Liaison, and Fulbright Program Adviser with NCAT Extraordinary Opportunities. “This special event aligns with A&T’s commitment to support dynamic educational experiences and lifelong learning.”

The Astronaut Scholarship was established in 1984 by the surviving Mercury 7 astronauts to encourage university juniors and seniors in STEM to pursue scientific advancement and help ensure the nation’s global leadership in technology. In addition to financial support for eligible educational expenses, Astronaut Scholars gain lifelong engagement opportunities with astronauts, executives, researchers, innovators and alumni through the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program. They also receive a fully funded trip to attend ASF’s Innovators Symposium and gala, which includes a technical conference where scholars present their research.

Media interested in covering this event should email media relations director Jackie Torok, jtorok@ncat.edu.