CAES News

A&T Celebrates 135th Anniversary of Second Morrill Act

08/22/2025 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

A&T will celebrate the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act with milestone events in 2025-26.

N.C. A&T Student Secures Medical Internship in Mombasa, Kenya

07/14/2025 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Honors College

A rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will intern with the International Medical Aid in Mombasa, Kenya. Tyra Dennis, who is using a $1,000 grant from the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for the opportunity, is pursuing global health advocacy through this program.

A&T Interdisciplinary Team Introduces Wound Dressing Innovation

05/22/2025 in Research, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering

A dynamic team of graduate researchers from N.C. A&T captivated judges and attendees with their sustainable, next-generation wound dressing innovation called Woundra at the 2025 Innovation Venture Expo.

Two Students Selected as 2024 Astronaut Scholars

02/13/2025 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Honors College

Honors College students Breyana Robinson and Kennedy West have been selected as 2024 Astronaut Scholars.

Three CAES Programs Rank in Top 10 Nationwide for Black Graduates

12/10/2024 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) remains No. 1 in graduating African Americans with bachelor’s degrees in agriculture, agriculture operations and related sciences, tied with Tuskegee University.

USDA Grant Fuels A&T, N.C. State Organic Crop Research Collaboration

10/17/2024 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Researchers at North Carolina A&T and N.C. State will test a promising new method to improve soil health and organic crop yields while mitigating the effects of climate change.

Renowned Landscape Designer Hood '81 Wins Vincent Scully Prize

10/02/2024 in Alumni, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Walter Hood ’81, a University of California, Berkeley department chair, is the 2024 winner of the Vincent Scully Prize from the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

A&T, EPA Partnership Grows at Environmental Symposium

09/18/2024 in Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The partnership between North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the Environmental Protection Agency strengthened as students, professors and environmental officials gathered for a symposium at the University Farm.

African Nations’ Delegates Get Look at N.C. Agriculture at A&T

08/29/2024 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) welcomed a delegation of government leaders from the Republics of Malawi and Zambia to campus this summer to showcase agricultural research and techniques the nations may consider adopting.

A&T to Lead “Ag Tech Corridor” Project with $1M from National Science Foundation

03/15/2024 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Starting this spring, N.C. A&T will lead a project that aims to break that bottleneck. Funded by a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines, Goins will lead a team of university, N.C. Cooperative Extension, business and research partners in developing a plan to share information and technology faster and more broadly across the state by building an “ag tech corridor” from central North Carolina to the east.

From Novice to Notable: Small Farms Week Speaker to Share Story, Inspire Others

02/07/2024 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Ronald Simmons, of Master Blend Family Farms in Kenansville, North Carolina, started his business in 2012, became N.C. A&T’s Small Farmer of the Year in 2018 and returns this year as keynote speaker for the week's luncheon event.

USDA Announces Investment in CAES Environmental Justice Project during Campus Visit

01/25/2024 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small made her inaugural visit to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to see firsthand the ways the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is using the federal agency’s funding to advance programs, research and scholarships. She also came to bring good news: USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will invest nearly $1 million in a new A&T project to help advance environmental justice in agriculture through its Agricultural and Food Research Initiative (AFRI.)

Three A&T Students Selected for Astronaut Scholarship, Make HBCU History

01/23/2024 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Science and Technology, Honors College

Three North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University undergraduate students have been selected as 2023 Astronaut Scholars, an elite scholarship awarded annually to the nation’s most academically accomplished students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees.

Small Farms Week 2024 Explores “New Paths to Profits”

11/27/2023 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

New niche crops, ethnic foods and multicultural food traditions are all on the menu for the 38th annual Small Farms Week, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s annual tribute to small-scale agriculture. Set for March 24-30, 2024, the week’s theme is “New Paths to Profits.”

Solar-Powered Charging Trailer Brings Tech to the Field

11/01/2023 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

A new portable charging trailer, customized for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences research division, can run presentations, access the internet, charge phones and other electronics, even play Bluetooth radio.

Modern Milking: Bringing Advanced Tech to the Barn

10/10/2023 in Cooperative Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

An advanced milking system takes the only dairy in the nation at an HBCU to the cutting edge of precision agriculture, helping A&T to educate students ready for impact in the industry.

National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame to Honor EPA Administrator Regan for A&T

09/29/2023 in Alumni, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Representing North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan ‘98 will be inducted into the government category for the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation.

Business N.C. Names CAES Dean Ahmedna to ‘Power List’

08/03/2023 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Mohamed Ahmedna, dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been named to Business N.C. magazine’s Power List in the area of agriculture.

USDA Awards $1.8M to N.C. A&T Agriculture, Nutrition, Consumer Sciences Projects

08/02/2023 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Graduate College

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) will receive nearly $2 million to test environmentally friendly growing techniques, improve educational training on food allergies, strengthen nutritional science programs and more – six projects in all – as part of a competitive grant program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Four ACUE-Credentialed Faculty Members Earn Teaching Excellence Awards

06/02/2023 in Academic Affairs, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Engineering

Four faculty members who completed the rigorous Association for College and University Educators (ACUE) development program were recognized as outstanding teachers during North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s 2022-23 award banquet.

“A New Day for American Agriculture:” USDA Leader Visits N.C. A&T to View Climate-Smart Investments

02/14/2023 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s only twice-appointed leader, Secretary Thomas Vilsack, came to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the University Farm on Wednesday, Feb. 8, to discuss the major investment USDA is making in climate-smart agriculture – and then, to get a first-hand look at those practices in action.

N.C. A&T Receives $1.1M in New USDA Grants to Help Small Farmers, Students

10/27/2021 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T has been awarded nearly $1.1 million in new grant funding from the USDA to help small farmers across North Carolina and recruit students interested in careers in natural resource management.

Earth Day Panel to Focus on Environmental Justice and Black America

04/21/2021 in Alumni, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Prominent experts from multiple institutions will explore new and emerging environmental concerns on this 51st annual celebration of Earth Day.

Sang Awarded Two Grants to Study Foods’ Effects on the Body, Disease Prevention

04/12/2021 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Shengmin Sang, Ph.D., a professor of functional foods and human health at N.C. A&T’s Center of Excellence for Post-Harvest Technologies at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, has been awarded two grants totaling nearly $1 million from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T Awards Small Farmer of the Year

03/24/2021 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

As part of Small Farms Week, Mike Jones of Mae Farms has been named the 2021 N.C. Small Farmer of the Year, a recognition awarded annually by Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T.

N.C. A&T Adds Ph.D. in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

01/21/2021 in Academic Affairs, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

North Carolina A&T will offer a new Ph.D. in agriculture and environmental sciences through its College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

EDF and N.C. A&T Partner to Support Future Environmental Leaders

12/17/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Environmental Defense Fund and CAES held a virtual signing ceremony to formalize an internship program that has been operating for three years to develop future environmental leaders.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation Funds Grant To Empower Community Gardeners

12/10/2020 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

A grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation will enable Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T to strengthen the state’s network of community gardens.

Sanjun Gu Receives Regional Excellence in Extension Award

10/15/2020 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Sanjun Gu, Ph.D., horticulture specialist with Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, will be honored with this year’s 1890 Institutions Regional Excellence in Extension Award for expansion of horticulture science to all communities.

Commissioner Troxler, Team Address Food Insecurity in Second Forum

10/06/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler brought a timely message to the CAES this week: food insecurity is one of this era’s prominent problems, but one that his agency is helping to mitigate.

Avery County Growers named N.C. Small Farmers of the Year

10/02/2020 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Amos and Kaci Nidiffer, the owners of Trosly Farm in Avery County, are the 2020 North Carolina Small Farmers of the Year.

N.C. A&T Cooperative Extension Conference Aims to Strengthen Communities Oct. 22

09/30/2020 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Cooperative Extension at N.C A&T, in partnership with its Strategic Planning Council, will connect real people with real issues and real strategies during the Grassroots Leadership Conference on Thursday, Oct. 22.

N.C. A&T creates graduate level Interdisciplinary Environmental Certificate Program

09/08/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Graduate College

The Graduate College at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has created a graduate level interdisciplinary certificate program focused on training students to find solutions to contemporary environmental issues

N.C. A&T faculty part of $10 million poultry research project

08/06/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

A multi-university team that includes two faculty members from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has won a five-year, $10 million grant from the USDA to research the sustainability of antibiotic-restricted poultry production.

N.C. A&T Team Determines Method to Improve Shelf-Life of Peanuts

07/13/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

A study led by Jianmei Yu, Ph.D., a research associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, evaluated whether the protease treatment of peanuts will have an impact on the oxidative stability during storage. Yu’s previous study showed this treatment was more effective than others in reducing the allergen content of peanuts.

Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T Helps North Carolinians Weather COVID-19

05/06/2020 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

For Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a call to action that Extension has answered with a full-throttle effort to help limited-resource families and farmers withstand an unprecedented crisis.

CAES Students Named to USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program

03/10/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Two students for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences were named to USDA’s Future Leaders in Agriculture program.

North Carolina Celebrates Small Farms Week, March 22-28

02/24/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s annual tribute to small-scale agriculture begins March 22 with events and educational programs designed to inform the public and provide research-based information to support small farmers.

Farmers, ag professionals learn hints about hemp at N.C. A&T’s first hemp conference

02/20/2020 in College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

More than 250 industry partners, Extension agents and farmers from across the state came to the campus of North Carolina A&T on Feb. 11 to learn the latest tips and information for growing industrial hemp during the university’s first Hemp Conference.

N.C. A&T Recognizes Seven Distinguished Alumni during Fall Convocation

10/24/2019 in Academic Affairs, Alumni, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Journalism & Mass Communication English, College of Business and Economics, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Science and Technology

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University celebrated its annual Fall Convocation program Thursday, Oct. 24, in Harrison Auditorium. The program recognized student athletes for their academic and athletic accomplishments and welcomed back alumni for “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth” celebration.

N.C. A&T Alumnus, Walter Hood Awarded the MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant”

09/25/2019 in Alumni, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

The MacArthur Foundation announced today that Walter Hood ’81, founder and creative director of Hood Design Studio, a landscape architecture firm based in Oakland, California is a 2019 recipient of the “Genius Grant.” The $625,000 award is administered by the MacArthur Fellowship program that is paid out over a five year span, with no strings attached. The grant is given to extraordinary, talented and creative individuals as an investment in their potential.

N.C. A&T has Third Consecutive Record for Research Funding

07/18/2019 in Research, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Engineering, College of Science and Technology

Faculty researchers at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University earned $64.37 million in contracts and grants in 2018-19, school leaders revealed today.

A Taste of Summer: N.C. A&T University Farm Hosts Tomato Taste-ival

06/27/2019 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Cherokee County Growers Are Small Farmers of the Year

04/01/2019 in Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences