Andrew M. Perkins, Jr., assistant vice chancellor for facilities at North Carolina A&T State University, recently received the Public Service Award at the annual Willie Deese CEO banquet held in Pinehurst, N.C. Deese is president of Merck Pharmaceuticals and also the chairman of the N.C. A&T Board of Trustees.

The weekend of executive networking was sponsored by the North Carolina Institute of Minority Development. Perkins was recognized for his role and commitment to the minority business community. Since the arrival of Perkins on A&T campus, the minority participation has risen from the single digits to over 25 percent on all university construction projects.

Perkins fostered continuous support to the minority firms throughout North Carolina while mentoring several firms to broaden their capabilities and opportunities. He serves on the North Carolina Board of Transportation representing mass transit issues. During his tenure minority contracting opportunities have substantially improved in the transportation program.

He received his B.S. degree in architecture from Hampton University and his M.S. degree in architecture from the University of Wisconsin. Perkins retired with the rank of Colonel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after 30 years of distinguished service.