CAES graduating students Alaina Brock, right, and Mercedes Bridges, take in the atmosphere at the start of North Carolina A&T State University’s spring Class of 2024 undergraduate commencement exercises.
More than 140 students in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences entered N.C. A&T in the early years of COVID and now leave with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Spring 2024’s graduation.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of numerous graduation ceremonies, yet this one holds special significance, as my final one as chancellor of this esteemed university,” said Harold L. Martin, Sr., who retires as chancellor of N.C. A&T at the end of the 2023-24 academic term. “It’s been a privilege, an extraordinary journey, and thank you for the most memorable 15 years of my career.”
The undergraduate commencement, held in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, saw 101 CAES students walk the stage as baccalaureate candidates. Some of these students spoke to their college experience, ranging from navigating the early stages of the pandemic as freshmen to lessons learned along the way.
“Graduation feels so bittersweet,” said Stephanie Kinchin, a food and nutritional science major. “If I could do it all over again, I would. Coming in here, having two years of COVID and having to adjust – it definitely has been a journey. I’ve learned so much about myself and my peers at A&T. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world.”
Harold L. Martin, Sr., who retires as Chancellor of N.C. A&T at the end of the 2023-24 academic term, waves goodbye as he leaves his final graduation during North Carolina A&T State University’s spring Class of 2024 undergraduate commencement exercises.
“We’ve overcame a lot of obstacles to get here”, said agricultural education major Ja’Quan Battle. “There were times where I didn’t think I would make it. But I’m truly excited and ready to earn my master’s in media communication at Norfolk State University.”
Keynote speaker Tamron Hall, Emmy-winning journalist and host of the “Tamron Hall Show”, echoed the sentiments that the graduating students endured unique challenges in their academic career.
“You stepped out on faith and applied to come to this university,” said Hall. “You stepped out on faith in the middle of a global pandemic to keep going. And you proved to be more resilient than you ever imagined, but you also started building a brand.”
During the event, University of North Carolina Systems Board of Governors Secretary Pearl Burris-Floyd recognized Devona Dixon, Ph.D, with the Teaching Excellence Award.
“Dr. Dixon has passion for innovation to her role with the fashion merchandising and design program,” Burris-Floyd said. “With a diverse range of courses under her instruction, she takes care of her students, makes sure that they are understood. Through her motivation and her teaching, she aims to inspire. Dr. Dixon’s commitment has depth and meaning.”
Dixon, an associate professor in Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, is among the A&T faculty members who have received national certification in evidence-based teaching practices by the Association of College and University.
The day prior, 39 CAES graduate students were among many in N.C. A&T to walk the stage in the university’s Graduate Commencement Ceremony at the Steven Tanger Center.
Stephanie G. Adams, Ph.D., 1989 N.C. A&T alumna and dean of University of Texas at Dallas Erik Jonsson School of Engineering, spoke to the graduates as Friday’s keynote speaker.
“The first thing I encourage you to do when you leave today is to thank those who have supported, encouraged, nurtured, mentored, guided and protected you during this part of life’s journey,” said Adams. “To the 2024 graduates, regardless of the path that you have traveled or the challenges that you have faced, your presence here today is a testament to your resilience.
You achieved this milestone not only for your intellectual talent, but because in the face of life’s challenges, you stayed determined, showed faith in yourself, exercised self-discipline, and maybe made some self-sacrifices, all while meeting the requirements of the degree you are earning today.”
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