2 min read September 2022 — The key differentiator for NC Central University is in its ability to establish strong relationships with corporations. Johnson Akinleye, chancellor of the university told Invest: that the university has been able to sign agreements with major names like Lowe’s, Intel, TikTok and GlaxoSmithKline, which provide millions of dollars for new education programs and research support.
What have been the main highlights and milestones for the university over the past two years?
One of the biggest accomplishments over the past two years is the completion of major infrastructure expansion on our campus, projects that are essential to our growth. We cut the ribbon on the NCCU Student Center building. We were facing some difficulty in terms of housing availability so we undertook a public private partnership, and have built three additional residential halls. We also rolled out new degree programs through academic program expansions. We have launched undergraduate degrees in clinical research, biomedical sciences, sports medicine, nutrition and dietetic and information technology and cybersecurity, and graduate degrees in higher education administration and assistive technology in visual impairment. In addition, we have in planning stages a Doctorate of Psychology, a Bachelor of Fashion and Apparel Design, an Ed.D. in Counseling, Counselor Education and Supervision and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
What is the university’s strategy as it pertains to partnerships?
We’ve made a lot of strides in developing partnerships with corporations and foundations. At the end of 2021, we received $1.5 million from home improvement firm Lowe’s. An auditorium in our new School of Business will be named after Lowe’s and the partnership will also focus on developing a curriculum that creates a pathway into a program in logistics and supply chain. We have a partnership with Intel Corporation which has invested $5 million to assist our law school in developing a Technology Center to enhance our curriculum. We received $1 million from TikTok and we have a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, which awarded NCCU $1.8 million in grants to create a biotech program.
What differentiates your institution from others?
What differentiates our institution from others in the market is our ability to provide diversity in the workforce. When new corporations are exploring the possibility of coming to invest here in the Triangle, we are able to bridge the talent gap across disciplines in STEM, biosciences, pharmaceuticals and clinical research. We are a key resource for corporations and industries looking to recruit talent from a diverse population. That is one of our strengths.
What have been the university’s recent efforts to increase diversity and inclusion?
We don’t take the issue of diversity and inclusion lightly. We have one of the most robust diversity and inclusion programs here on our campus. We have developed programs and services designed to increase the recruitment, retention, matriculation and ultimate graduation of students designated as underrepresented enrolled at NCCU. Student organizations on our campus include the Native American and Indigenous Student Association (NAISA), Caribbean Student Association, Raíces Latino Student Organization, COLORS LGBTQ Student Organization, ASFABA (Association of Students For a Better Africa), Asian Student Organization and the African American Male Initiative Center. We provide workshops on topics such as equity in data, internalized racism, Black gender variant college students, equity initiatives, QTPBIPOC staff and faculty in conservative departments, career readiness for Black male students, inclusive spaces for staff of color, safe spaces for LGBTQ survivors of trauma and yoga. We welcome all forms of diversity on our campus.
What is the role of educational institutions in the economic recovery in Raleigh-Durham?
Educational institutions play a major role. From the economic impact standpoint alone, our institution has a huge impact on spending in the region from our faculty and staff, our students and our alumni. In terms of talent, we have a high percentage of students who upon graduation choose to remain and become employed in critical workforce segments in North Carolina.
How has the labor shortage affected your institution?
It’s been a very tough environment for labor, and higher education has been no exception. We have faculty and staff that are exercising retirement options or choosing a different line of employment altogether. Like any other organization we are feeling some of the pressure. But we are doing all that is possible to make sure that we stay competitive in this very difficult market and be able to retain our best employees to keep our organization relevant.
How well did your institution adapt to the challenges of the past two years?
I believe we adapted well under the very difficult circumstances. Many of our students did not enjoy the normal college experience you would expect due to constraints posed by COVID. But even then, we did not suffer any major loss when it comes to our graduation rate. Our students adapted to the new situation. Faculty and staff members were also very resilient. More than 80% of our faculty embraced the online modality for teaching. Now post-COVID-19, we have returned to some semblance of normality. We are back at almost 100% occupancy in housing on campus and we’re learning to deal, manage and live with COVID-19.
What is your outlook and what are your top priorities for the near term?
The outlook for us is bright. We want to continue to grow. Our enrollment is up in our graduate and professional programs and our first-time freshmen student enrollment is holding steady. Our priority continues to be providing quality education for our students as well as encouraging cutting-edge research. This fiscal year alone, our institution has brought in nearly $26 million in sponsored research. We hope that we will continue to be successful in these areas.
For more information, visit:
