Message of Thanks to the Eagle Family 7/3/2026
July 3, 2026
Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, Trustees, Board Members, Friends, and Supporters of North Carolina Central University,
Today is an important day for North Carolina Central University!
With the passage of the State Budget by the North Carolina General Assembly, our university has received a significant vote of confidence in our mission, our momentum, and—most importantly—our people.
The budget includes more than $110.3 million in core appropriations for North Carolina Central University, including recurring base funding, enrollment growth support, continued investment in the Cheatham-White Scholars Program, program-specific funding, collaborative initiatives, and additional resources that will strengthen our university for years to come. The budget also includes important investments in capital and infrastructure improvements on our campus, support for faculty and staff compensation, athletics through sports wagering revenues, and expanded academic programs in health-related fields that will help prepare the workforce North Carolina needs.
While these investments are certainly meaningful, what they represent is even more significant. They represent confidence in North Carolina Central University. They represent confidence in our students, whose talent and determination continue to inspire us every day. They represent confidence in our faculty and staff, whose unwavering commitment to excellence has positioned NCCU as one of the fastest-growing institutions in the University of North Carolina System.
And they represent confidence in the extraordinary future that lies ahead for our university.
This moment did not happen by chance.
It is the result of years of hard work, thoughtful stewardship, measurable progress, and the collective advocacy of countless members of the Eagle family. Whether you shared our story with legislators, welcomed visitors to campus, supported our students through philanthropy, advocated as an alumnus, served on one of our boards, or simply demonstrated excellence in your daily work, you helped make this possible.
For that, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the responsibility that accompanies it. We are committed to being exceptional stewards of every public dollar entrusted to our care. We will continue making thoughtful, strategic investments that enhance student success, strengthen academic excellence, expand research opportunities, improve campus facilities, support our employees, and position NCCU for long-term financial sustainability.
This budget provides us with new opportunities, but it does not diminish our responsibility to remain innovative, accountable, and focused on achieving the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves through Vision 2030: Soaring to New Heights.
The progress we have made together demonstrates what is possible when a university community is united around a common purpose. Yet there is still much more to accomplish.
We will continue pursuing transformative investments in our campus. We will continue expanding opportunities for our students. We will continue building partnerships that strengthen our communities. And we will continue telling the remarkable story of North Carolina Central University with pride, authenticity, and confidence.
I encourage each member of our Eagle family to remain engaged. Continue advocating for our university. Continue investing your time, talent, and resources. Continue sharing the impact of an NCCU education with your communities, your elected leaders, prospective students, and future supporters.
Together, we are shaping the next chapter in the history of this great institution.
The future of North Carolina Central University has never been brighter. With continued partnership, responsible stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, I am confident that our greatest accomplishments are still ahead.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for your continued partnership. And thank you for helping North Carolina Central University soar to new heights.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Ms. Carrie Everett, most recently a sophomore music major, on Sunday, April 5, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer..
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr. Zyarre Prince, a sophomore student majoring in criminal justice, on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Ms. Aubra Daniels, accounting technician in the NCCU Travel Office, on Monday, March 2, 2026.
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr. James Winston, heating plant maintenance technician in NCCU Facilities Management, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
North Carolina Central University’s The Ultimate Homecoming Experience 2025 has drawn to a close, and I could not be prouder of the Eagle community. This year’s celebration reflected the true spirit of NCCU, where our unity, pride, and purpose were evident in every event, performance and gathering. Our football Eagles played in front of a sold-out stadium, and our fans projected a sea of maroon and gray in every direction.
Today, we pause to remember and honor the life of Jessica Nelson, a junior in our online business administration program, who passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of London Powers, a junior social work major, on Monday, Aug. 11. 
I’m deeply saddened to share that Sulaimane Bangura, a rising third-year law student, passed away on Tuesday, July 8.
My Eagle Family:
My Dearest NCCU Family: