Chancellor Martin Proclaims Saturday, Aug. 22, 'Dr. Edward B. Fort Day'

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Aug. 22, 2026) - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Chancellor James R. Martin II has proclaimed today - Saturday, Aug. 22 - as "Dr. Edward B. Fort Day" across Aggie Nation in honor of the chancellor emeritus who gave more than four decades of his life to A&T.

Fort passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, at the age of 94. His funeral/homegoing service is today. He was a remarkable figure in A&T history who laid the essential foundation for the doctoral research university success that A&T enjoys today.

Fort established A&T's first doctoral programs, saw a total of 30 academic programs developed and launched and relentlessly touted A&T as a "world-class university." The university's largest research facility, the Edward B. Fort Interdisciplinary Research Center, was built under his leadership and is named in his honor. 

Chancellor Martin issued the following proclamation in recognition of Fort's many achievements: 

Proclamation

Declaring August 22, 2026,
Dr. Edward B. Fort Day
In Aggieland and Throughout Aggie Nation

WHEREAS, Dr. Edward B. Fort, eighth chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, devoted more than four decades of service to the university as chancellor, chancellor emeritus and professor, helping to shape the institution's modern identity and trajectory;

WHEREAS, Dr. Fort assumed leadership of the university in 1981 and served until 1999, guiding North Carolina A&T through a transformative era of growth, innovation and national prominence;

WHEREAS, under his leadership, the university launched more than 30 academic programs including its first doctoral degrees in 1994, awarded its first doctoral degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering in 1998, expanded enrollment, strengthened its global engagement and elevated its reputation as a leader in engineering, technology and research;

WHEREAS, his administration oversaw some $80 million in campus development projects, including construction of major academic facilities and development of the Interdisciplinary Research Center, which was later named in his honor as a lasting testament to his vision for a research-intensive future;

WHEREAS, through appointments by Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, service with NASA, leadership in higher education organizations and contributions to state and national policy initiatives, Dr. Fort brought distinction not only to North Carolina A&T but to historically Black colleges and universities across the nation and development of the International Space Station;

WHEREAS, colleagues, students and alumni remember him as a leader of extraordinary intellect, curiosity and discipline, renowned for his attention to detail, commitment to excellence and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education;

WHEREAS, even after stepping down from a remarkable chancellorship that was so critical to North Carolina A&T’s emergence as a research university, Dr. Fort remained an active and cherished presence on campus, continuing to teach, mentor, write, attend university events and champion the institution he loved;

WHEREAS, Chancellor James R. Martin II has observed that “Dr. Fort played an invaluable role in the development of North Carolina A&T, laying our essential foundation as a research university and making possible so much of who and what we are today”;

WHEREAS, upon his passing Aug. 9, 2026, at the age of 94, North Carolina A&T alumni, faculty, professional staff, students and the university’s extended family mourn his loss and join the Fort family today in bidding farewell to their patriarch;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES R. MARTIN II, Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, do hereby proclaim Saturday, August 22, 2026, as

DR. EDWARD B. FORT DAY

in Aggieland and throughout Aggie Nation, and call upon students, alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, supporters and friends of the university to honor his memory by reflecting upon his life of scholarship, leadership and service; by celebrating the remarkable institution he helped build; and by renewing our commitment to the vision of excellence, opportunity and achievement that he advanced for more than 40 years.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on behalf of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University this twenty-second day of August, two thousand twenty-six.

__________________________________
James R. Martin II
Chancellor
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University