That is precisely why Provost Joe B. Whitehead Jr. and a pair of committees – one external and one internal – are working on a plan to restructure the academic enterprise at N.C. A&T.

“The overall objective is to establish the best academic structure to reach the goals of a preeminent land-grant institution and to position the university and our students for long-term success well into the future,” Whitehead said.

A&T Preeminence 2020 is the university’s strategic plan that reflects a bold vision to extend the institution’s reach and promise to create impactful educational, social, economic and global change. It is designed to enhance student success in the classroom that translates to outstanding accomplishments as working professionals, in professional schools, and in graduate education.

The External Review Committee, comprised of four higher education professionals with experiences as dean, provost and at the presidential level, was charged with recommending an academic restructuring that would: enhance visibility and strengthen academic programs; enhance synergy and collaboration in curriculum and research; provide more opportunity for innovative teaching, research and engagement; provide effective and efficient use of resources; and greatly enhance student success.

The Internal Academic Restructuring Steering Committee, comprised of diverse faculty from the university’s nine schools and colleges, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, Student Government Association, and Graduate Student Association, was charged with responding to the academic structures from the external committee; identifying new programmatic areas consistent with market and enrollment trends; identifying existing programmatic areas that are not consistent with market and enrollment trends; and developing a framework for the ongoing review of academic programs.

“The recommendations contained in the report of the internal committee are under review,” Whitehead said.

The internal committee’s report addressed each aspect of the charge through subcommittees whose recommendations were synthesized into summary recommendations that include possible academic structures.

“We embarked on the restructuring and program analysis for a number of reasons,” the provost said. “We are positioning A&T to attract faculty who will engage and educate the students who must thrive in the global knowledge economy, and we are positioning A&T to meet these challenges in the most efficient and effective ways possible.

The university’s leadership has been preparing for the academic restructuring long before the process began with the external committee’s meeting in April. Since then, that committee has delivered its report, the internal committee has met and made recommendations, and the provost has hosted two town hall meetings to discuss restructuring and program analysis. The next steps are to engage the Dean’s Council and to deliver recommendations to the chancellor and board of trustees.

“As we look toward fulfilling the strategic plan and beyond, it is imperative that we offer programs of study that encourage interdisciplinary teaching, learning and scholarly activity that will challenge and prepare our high-achieving students and faculty to solve tomorrow’s global challenges,” said Whitehead.