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| N.C. A&T Honors College to Launch Initiative
in Philippines with State Department Grant by
Charity L. Cohen EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 20, 2026) – The Honors College at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has been awarded a $35,000 IDEAS Grant from the U.S. Department of State, setting the stage for a transformative international partnership and global learning initiative called the Aggie Phil Trek. This achievement places N.C. A&T among just 32 awardees selected from more than 200 eligible proposals reviewed by higher education professionals nationwide, underscoring the university’s leadership in expanding global engagement and academic excellence. The Aggie Phil Trek program is designed to broaden study abroad opportunities for Honors College students by establishing new connections in the Philippines, specifically in Manila, Iloilo and Antique. These regions are celebrated for their renewable energy facilities, sustainable agriculture, vibrant business sectors and rich ecosystems. The initial phase, taking place in spring and summer 2026, is an exploratory trip led by the university’s Honors College and the Office of International Affairs. “This grant represents a transformative opportunity for our university to explore new global partnerships and learning environments in Southeast Asia,” said Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., Honors College associate dean of research and program innovation who serves as the project’s principal investigator. “As a native of the Philippines, I am deeply committed to building bridges between N.C. A&T and institutions abroad. Aggie Phil Trek will lay the groundwork for long-term collaborations that benefit both our university and our international partners.” During the exploratory journey, the university’s team members will immerse themselves in the cultural, academic and economic landscapes of the Philippines. The itinerary begins in Manila, where participants will acclimate and explore the city’s storied history through guided tours of landmarks such as Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the National Museum. Manila’s culinary scene will also be showcased with a food tour of Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, offering a taste of Filipino heritage. A highlight of the trip is a visit to the Makban Geothermal Power Plant in Laguna, providing firsthand exposure to renewable energy operations and sustainability practices. The team will then travel to Iloilo City, a dynamic hub in the Western Visayas region. Here, the itinerary includes a tour of the Taklong Island Marine Reserve in Guimaras, where the group will learn about marine biodiversity, conservation efforts, and local ecosystems. Further activities in Iloilo include a visit to the Estancia Fishing Port, offering insights into the region’s fisheries and seafood industry, as well as culinary tours highlighting local specialties such as La Paz Batchoy and fresh seafood markets. The team will also explore Iloilo’s historical sites, including Molo Church, Jaro Cathedral, and Calle Real, deepening their understanding of Filipino heritage and community life. A cornerstone of Aggie Phil Trek is the development of international partnerships. The itinerary includes campus visits and memorandum of understanding signings with the University of Antique and the University of the Philippines Visayas, paving the way for future faculty and student exchanges. These meetings are designed to strengthen institutional ties and lay the groundwork for sustainable study abroad programs that will benefit A&T students in years to come. “Our Honors College is dedicated to providing high-achieving students with experiences that prepare them for leadership in a global society,” said Margaret Kanipes, Ph.D., Honors College dean. “Aggie Phil Trek is a milestone for N.C. A&T, marking our first exploratory initiative in Southeast Asia. By partnering with universities in the Philippines, we are expanding our horizons and strengthening our commitment to diversity, innovation, and academic excellence.” Aggie Phil Trek aligns with A&T’s Preeminence 2030 strategic plan, which calls for increased globalization, mobility and visibility. The initiative will offer hands-on learning in energy, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture and economic development – fields critical to U.S. national security and prosperity. The grant will fund international travel, program development and external evaluation, ensuring robust monitoring and long-term sustainability. About North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. An exponential university, A&T is recognized widely for its national leadership in graduating African American students in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 as only the second land-grant college created under the second Morrill Act and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. |
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| University Galleries at N.C. A&T Present
“African American Atelier’s Story of Art and Community” By Markita C. Rowe, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences public communications specialist EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 19, 2026) – The University Galleries at  North
Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host “More
Than a Gallery: The African American Atelier's Story of Art and
Community” on Thursday, March 26, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the
Dudley Memorial Building, 202 University Circle.This event is part of the ongoing ART Your Lunch! Curator’s Gallery Talk Series, which transforms a standard lunch hour into an experience of art, conversation, and cultural insight. During a typical lunch break, attendees step away from meals and schedules to explore how creativity shapes identity, builds community and sparks understanding across cultures.  Jocelyn
Brown will share the story of the African American Atelier, a
gallery founded by Eva Hamlin Miller and Congresswoman Alma Adams
‘68 ‘72. Participants in the March 26 event will gain insight into
the atelier’s history, mission, and programming, leaving inspired by
how creativity can connect people, preserve culture, and drive
meaningful impact.Housed in the Greensboro Cultural Center, the atelier showcases works by African American artists and artists of color. Over the years, it has grown into a living, evolving hub where artists are supported, stories are honored and communities connect. Through exhibitions that amplify diverse voices and programs that nurture emerging talent and spark dialogue, the atelier demonstrates how art can reach far beyond its walls. Brown has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience and nearly seven years at the African American Atelier. Her work spans grant management, financial oversight, program coordination and community engagement, all guided by a belief that art is essential to preserving culture and expanding access. At the atelier, she cultivates spaces where artists thrive. This event is free and open to the public. University Galleries hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday by appointment. Admission is free. Group tours are available. For more information, call Roymieco Carter, interim University Galleries director, at 336-334-3209 or visit the University Galleries website. |
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| N.C. A&T Names Nail ‘93 Interim Associate Vice
Provost for Enrollment Management by Jackie Torok EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 18, 2026) – A senior student success and workforce readiness executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience has been appointed to serve as North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s interim associate vice provost for Enrollment Management.  Dawn
M. Nail ‘93, Ed.D., is filling this role for the second time in her
tenure at her alma mater, during which she has demonstrated an
ability to translate data into action, align cross‑sector partners
and lead large, mission‑driven portfolios in complex environments.
She also has been a trusted advisor to executive leadership,
offering deep expertise in learner engagement, readiness pathways,
analytics and systems‑level improvement.Nail previously served as interim associate vice provost for Enrollment Management from January 2022 to February 2023, when she also served as head of undergraduate admissions. Since February 2023, Nail has served as executive director of A&T’s Center for Academic Excellence where she has provided enterprise leadership for a centralized student success and engagement portfolio, establishing shared standards, service models and performance expectations supporting persistence, progression and graduation across academic units. She first began working for the center as a retention advisor in March 2015 before becoming director of training and workshop development services in February 2017, then associate director in February 2018 and interim director from February 2020 to January 2022. Additionally, she was a Freshman Studies/Student Success lecturer at the center from March 2015 through December 2021. Nail has served as a lecturer in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences since fall 2025 and served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences from January 2005 through December 2014. Nail earned a B.A. in public relations from A&T, a masters in corporate communication from Austin Peay State University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and management from Capella University. She is charter advisor of both Tri-Alpha First-Generation National Honor Society and Tau Sigma National Transfer Honor Society, an active member of the National Academic Advising Association and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society since 2016. |
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