Aspiring Eagles Academy

Malachi Griddine proudly serves as the 27th Mister North Carolina Central University. A member of the Aspiring Eagles Academy (AEA) Cohort of 2023 and a Spring 2024 initiate of the Gamma Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Malachi made university history as the first student to win four consecutive Royal Court elections.

Malachi credits AEA with providing the mentorship, resources, and supportive community that helped shape his confidence and leadership skills. Through the foundation established by AEA, he has embraced new opportunities, grown as a campus leader, and achieved significant milestones throughout his collegiate journey.

Featured in NCCU Now (Fall 2025), the Aspiring Eagles Academy highlights NCCU’s commitment to supporting first-generation and rural students through a comprehensive, high-impact transition program. The article details how the five-week Summer Bridge experience provides incoming freshmen with eight college credits, academic coaching, leadership development, and cultural enrichment while emphasizing the program’s unique year-round support, which follows students throughout their undergraduate journey. With four-year graduation rates significantly higher than non-participants, the Aspiring Eagles Academy continues to demonstrate measurable success in fostering resilience, confidence, and long-term student achievement.

Devin M. Freeman entered North Carolina Central University during the summer of 2021 as a member of the Aspiring Eagles Academy and is a recent 2025 graduate. He received his B.A. in Political Science. Furthermore, Devin's academic passions are about understanding the intersections of politics, law, and public policy. He has experience in these related fields through internships with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Harris-Walz U.S. Presidential Campaign, and more. Recently, he published a children’s book, “Building a Better Block with Brandon,” an inspiring story that encourages children to be the change they want in their communities. Lastly, he attends Cornell’s Brooks School to earn a Master’s in Public Administration and then plans to attend law school to pursue a career in politics.