Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. was one of 11 to be inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall Of Fame last weekend in Atlanta for his leadership within the field of education.

According to his biography, which is available on N.C. A&T’s website, Chancellor Martin is the first alumnus to serve as the chief administrator at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University. Martin is on record as the 12th elected chancellor.

Martin received his Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Science degrees in electrical engineering at N.C. A&T. He received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Martin held previous positions at N.C. A&T. He was once the vice chancellor of student academic affairs, dean of the college of engineering, as well as chair and acting chair of electrical engineering.

 In an attempt to enhance the university as current chancellor, one of Martin’s recent goals, is Preeminence 2020.

“I have been fortunate to have great mentors and teachers. This award is not about me, it’s about them,” said Martin in response to this weekend’s achievement.

Martin, who has had a tremendous amount of experience prior to becoming chancellor, was senior vice president for academic affairs at The University of North Carolina.

There he oversaw the development of the university’s academic mission, which included teaching, research, international programs and student affairs. He has advised the president and the UNC Board Governors, and led the President’s Council.

“This was an incredible moment in the history of North Carolina A&T. It was quite an honor to have Chancellor Martin inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, an organization whose mission has always been to educate the public about the many contributions of HBCU’s and their alumni,” said Nicole Pride, interim vice chancellor for university advancement.

“Chancellor Martin has had an extraordinary journey in his career as an academician and as a leader in higher education. This recognition helps to solidify the great work that we are doing to advance North Carolina A&T’s mission and vision,” said Pride.

He has overseen UNC’s research and educational missions as well as academic planning and faculty support. Prior to N.C. A&T, Martin served as the 11th chief administrator and seventh chancellor of Winston Salem State University, where he directed the reclassification of the university from a Baccalaureate I to a Master’s II institution, as well as creating a School of Graduate Studies and Research forming seven master’s degree programs.

“Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr. is an extraordinary leader with a dynamic sense of purpose.  He possesses outstanding leadership qualities, a sense of humor, positive attitude and a strategic direction for N.C. A&T State University.  During his many years in the academy he continues to display a very deep commitment to the higher education of the youth of North Carolina.  Over the past 13 years I have totally enjoyed being a member of the Martin Administration, both at A&T and WSSU,” said Vice Chancellor of student affairs, Melody Pierce.

Amongst those recognized at Friday’s ceremony was N.C. A&T alum Dr. Haywood L. Brown, honored for Medicine, focusing on women’s reproductive health. Brown has served as Director for the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine as well as the former president of the American Gynecological Obestrical Society.

“We are equally excited to have one of our own, Dr. Haywood L. Brown be inducted into the NBCA Hall of Fame. Every time an Aggie is recognized for their professional contributions in their career, it strengthens the fabric,” said Pride.

The Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend Conference celebrated its 29th consecutive year, focusing on the preservation of HBCU’s.

Along with Chancellor Martin and Dr. Brown, producer Will Packer, FAMU alum, was also inducted for his achievements in Arts and Entertainment. Known for his most successful film “Ride Along,” Packer was recognized for his remaining popular works such as “No Good Deed,” “Think Like A Man,” “Think Like A Man Too,” “Takers,” and “Stomp The Yard.”

“We can write out checks, we can help recruit,” said Chairman Thomas Dortch Jr. during his speech Friday night. Dortch is head of The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.

“We have to stop looking, criticizing what others aren’t doing. These are our institutions; once they are gone they are gone. This is why we do what we do. You judge by the products you produce and HBCU’s are producing wonderful product,” said Dortch.

Many supporters of N.C. A&T were in attendance including students and faculty.

“Having worked side by side with Chancellor Martin over the past few years, I can truly say that he is a transformational leader who has garnered a tremendous amount of respect and admiration throughout his years of service. Chancellor Martin has an aggressive agenda to lead this institution into the future and firmly believes in moving past the status quo. He is competitive and continues to challenge all of us to push ourselves to deliver on our promise to become a premiere institution of choice for high achieving students. I admire his integrity, passion and commitment to North Carolina A&T,” said Pride.

With the help of Martin, N.C. A&T has a bright future ahead.

“It’s my responsibility to pass it forward to students,” said Martin.  

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• Meagan Jordan Editor in Chief