Congresswoman Adams Introduces NC A&T Chancellor At House Agriculture Committee Hearing

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) today introduced North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) Chancellor Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr. at a House Agriculture Committee Hearing entitled, "Recognizing the continuing contributions of the 1890s Land-Grant Universities on the 125th Anniversary of the passage of the Second Morrill Act."

The hearing focused on 1890 Land Grant intuitions which are historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890.This year marked the 125th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which established the funding mechanism to ensure all Americans have access to educational opportunities.

Congresswoman Adams is a member of the House Agriculture Committee as well as the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Congresswoman Adams is also the co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus.

Below are Congresswoman Adams' remarks as prepared for delivery:

"As the Chancellor of America's largest Historically Black University and my alma mater, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Harold L. Martin Senior has dedicated his career to helping students succeed in higher education.

"A native of Winston-Salem, NC, Dr. Martin received his bachelors and masters of Science degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T and a Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Martin has held numerous positions in university administration at North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"In 2012 President Barack Obama named Chancellor Martin to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD). This board advises the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on agriculture and higher education issues pertinent to food insecurity in developing countries.

"Dr. Martin leads this premier 1890 land-grant University with passion and purpose, promoting global and cultural competency and social awareness. Today A&T is growing both in terms of student enrollment and in investment. Since 1999, A&T has expanded its investments in facilities infrastructure, transforming the campus into one of Greensboro's main economic engines.

"This coming academic year, North Carolina A&T has secured the largest enrollment of students of any historically black college and university in the nation, making it the largest HBCU in the country. These achievements are a testament to the hard work of A&T's administration over the last 16 years and the steadfast leadership that Dr. Martin has provided since 2009.

"Today, we recognize the importance of the 1890 land-grant and all that it has done to create and sustain historically black colleges and universities. In April, North Carolina A&T State University celebrated the 125th anniversary of the 2nd Morrill Act of 1890, which established the funding mechanism and framework for providing access to education, and enhancing opportunity for all Americans.

"As a two-time alumnus of North Carolina A&T, I welcome my distinguished fellow Aggie to the committee to share more about this amazing institution and his experiences with us this morning."