Dr. Linda T. Adams, the New Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, is ready to “create and help build on A&T’s legacies.”

As the Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Adams is responsible for reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes in academic policies and programs.

Originally from Detroit, Mich., Adams received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Wayne State University and her master’s degree and doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins University.

She served as the dean of the school of nursing at Oakland University and as an associate dean at the University of Maryland. In addition, she’s worked with the mayor of Baltimore, Md. and served as a cabinet member for the governor of Maryland. Adams has also studied the health care system abroad in Eastern Europe and has given lectures in many places around the world.

She came to A&T because of its history.  Adams also boosts about the “robust and intriguing” legacy going all the way back to civil rights. Due to A&T’s history she knew and heard about the institution long ago.

Adams has many goals she would like to accomplish here at A&T.  She wants to make sure A&T is one of the best institutions, especially when it comes to science.

“A&T has produced some of the best scientists in the world,” she said. 

One of the ways she plans to do this is by making sure all undergraduate students get involved in research on campus.

In addition, Adams wants to be sure all students are equipped with the tools to be able to think outside their selective majors and disciplines. She emphasizes the importance of students grasping the ability to work well with others. 

“You all are the future,” she said. 

The administration and staff are ultimately there for the students, since they will be the people making decisions for the world soon, according to the new Provost.

Another one of Adams’ goals is to see A&T attract the top scholars, students and professors in the future.  However, Adams said she and the administration are going to need the students help. In her opinion, students should be ambassadors for the institution and encourage high school friends and others to attend A&T.

Alongside her responsibilities Adams would like the barriers between the administration and students to disappear.

To work towards this goal she would like to hold a series of conversations with the student body about where they want to see their school in the future.  She would like the conversations to be set up in residence halls or within academic departments, fraternities, sororities and other organizations.  She has even held some meetings already.

Adams advice for students is to talk to professors they like and respect and to develop relationships with them. Students can go and talk with her.  Adams also advises students to study abroad, learn a language and volunteer. 

“Some of my best experiences came from doing volunteer work,” she said.

More advice from Adams to students is to develop and keep a good set of friends.  She cautions students to choose their friends carefully.  “Friends you make in college become lasting friendships, if you choose right,” she said. 

• Shequia Cole