North Carolina A&T Receives $20 Million Gift from Anonymous Donor
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is celebrating a monumental gift of $20 million from an anonymous donor, marking the second-largest donation in the university’s history. The generous contribution is set to have an immediate impact on scholarships for students striving to cover the costs of attending the university for the 2024-25 school year.
Despite being recognized as America’s most affordable doctoral research university, a significant portion of North Carolina A&T’s student body relies on the Pell Grant for financial aid. Many high-achieving students with an average GPA of 3.75 still face financial challenges while pursuing their education.
Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. expressed gratitude for the transformative gift, emphasizing its role in addressing the rising costs of higher education. The donation will not only support scholarships but also fund initiatives in emerging academic areas, international opportunities, and campus lecture series.
The breakdown of the $20 million donation includes $15 million for scholarships, $2 million for endowed professorships in artificial intelligence, $2 million for international opportunities, and $1 million for the Chancellor’s Speaker Series. These allocations align with the university’s strategic plan, Preeminence 2030: North Carolina A&T Blueprint, and aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive campus environment.
The university officials anticipate that the gift will also contribute to enhancing international exchange programs, retaining top professors, and sustaining the Chancellor’s Speaker Series. This significant donation follows a $45 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2020, solidifying North Carolina A&T’s position as a leading institution for higher learning and innovation.
Vice Chancellor of University Advancement, Kenneth E. Sigmon Jr., expressed deep appreciation for the extraordinary gift, highlighting its crucial role in supporting students, faculty, and programs at North Carolina A&T. The university looks forward to leveraging this generous donation to continue thriving as a hub for education and innovation.