N.C. A&T Alumni Times

On April 9, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University students, deans, and administrators traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina for “Aggie Day at the State Legislature,” to strengthen our relationships with key decision makers.

Fifteen Cheatham-White scholars were selected to attend, and advocate on behalf of the university. These freshman scholars applied from multiple states across the country, and averaged in the top 15 percent of their graduating high school classes and boasted an average GPA of 4.51, SAT score of 1,364 and ACT score of 30. Students were encouraged to share their stories in a way that leaves a notable impact on state legislators.

“Witnessing first-hand how our university advocates for its resources is almost mind-blowing,” said Tony Watlington Jr., a junior, business and economics student. “It was very inspirational to directly meet with policy makers, who make a direct impact on our campus.”

A total of 14 meetings were arranged with legislators of the N.C. General Assembly. Those North Carolina representatives included Sen. Dan Blue, Rep. John Fraley, Rep. Jon Hardister, Sen. Michael Garrett, Rep. Amos Quick, and Rep. Pricey Harrison. Additionally, A&T Alumni Rep. Nasif Majeed, Rep. Raymond Smith, Sen. Erica Smith, and Sen. Gladys Robinson were in attendance.

Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger ushered students down to the Senate Chamber floor to further discuss current and future aspirations.

Freshman Cheatham-White Scholar and accounting student, Naya Davis shared a new understanding of political engagement, “I’ve never had any interest in government, but after meeting the representatives, I see how important the work is that they are doing. I learned that I don’t have to pursue a high position to get involved. I can easily start by attending city council meetings or joining a committee.” Davis added, “I really appreciated that they took time out of their busy day to meet us, and answer our questions. It was clear that they were just as excited to meet us, as we were to meet them.”

Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. addressed the Legislative Black Caucus highlighting “as one of the state’s two land-grant institutions, N.C. A&T seeks continued investment in agriculture and extension services to ensure support for research that will produce measurable, high-impact outcomes for our local and state economies.”

Inclusively, many deem this year’s Aggie Day at the State Legislature as a success. N.C. A&T Director of External Affairs, Ray Trapp explained how essential it is for our institution “to make our voices heard to carry the message of the wants, needs, and necessities to continue our path to preeminence and to lead as a top tier land-grant research university.”