North Carolina A&T State University notable alumni have left indelible marks on society, showcasing the institution's commitment to excellence since its founding in 1891 as a land-grant university focused on agriculture, science, and mechanical arts. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, this premier historically Black college and university (HBCU) – the largest in the country by enrollment – has produced graduates who excel in politics, civil rights, sports, business, and public service, demonstrating the profound impact of its rigorous programs on diverse careers.
In politics and civil rights, Rev. Jesse Jackson stands out as one of the most famous graduates of North Carolina A&T State University. Earning his B.S. in sociology in 1964, Jackson became a global civil rights leader, founding Operation PUSH and Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and running for U.S. president in 1984 and 1988. His activism inspired generations and highlighted A&T's role in fostering influential leaders during pivotal moments like the Civil Rights Movement. Similarly, U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams (Class of 1971, B.S. in business administration) represents North Carolina's 12th district, advocating for education and health equity. These notable alumni from North Carolina A&T State University underscore the university's emphasis on leadership and social justice.
Sports figures also shine brightly, with Tarik Cohen (Class of 2017, communications) emerging as a dynamic NFL running back and Pro Bowl selection for the Chicago Bears. Cohen's agility and record-breaking college performance exemplify A&T's storied athletic tradition in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Beyond athletics, alumni like Terri J. Vaughn, an actress known for roles in films and TV, represent entertainment achievements.
The implications for current students, faculty, and job seekers are clear: A&T's alumni network drives breakthroughs and opportunities, particularly in STEM and public sectors. With over 80,000 living alumni, the university's connections aid career launches, as seen in placements at Fortune 500 companies and government roles. For those eyeing higher-ed jobs in Greensboro, explore openings via Academic Jobs in Greensboro or higher ed jobs. Check professor feedback on Rate My Professor to gauge teaching quality. Visit the N.C. A&T Alumni Association for more stories. Dive deeper into categories like politics, sports figures, and entertainment figures below. This legacy motivates prospective Aggies worldwide, proving A&T transforms scholars into changemakers.
North Carolina A&T State University alumni have made their mark in entertainment, spanning categories like actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters. These individuals showcase the university's influence in fostering creative talent that shapes film, television, music, and competitive gaming on global stages.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taraji P. Henson | Actress | Electrical Engineering | unknown | Renowned actress and producer best known for her Academy Award-nominated role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring in Hidden Figures, and portraying Cookie Lyon on the hit series Empire. |
North Carolina A&T State University alumni have excelled in professional sports, particularly in American football and boxing, demonstrating remarkable athletic prowess and leadership on national stages. Categories: Athletes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarik Glenn | Former NFL Offensive Tackle | Criminal Justice | 1997 | Played 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, earning two Pro Bowl selections and starting in Super Bowl XLI. |
| James "Bonecrusher" Smith | Professional Boxer | unknown | Won the WBA heavyweight championship in 1986 by defeating Tim Witherspoon and defended it against Mike Tyson. | |
| Ladarius Gunter | Former NFL Cornerback | 2015 | Played five NFL seasons with teams including the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys after being drafted in the sixth round. | |
| Corey Grant | Former NFL Running Back | 2011 | Spent six years in the NFL primarily with the Jacksonville Jaguars, known for his speed and special teams contributions. | |
| Donald Hayes | Former NFL Wide Receiver | unknown | Played seven NFL seasons for teams like the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers, recording over 100 receptions. | |
| Gabriel Wilkins | Former NFL Defensive End | 1994 | Played four NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers, appearing in 43 games. | |
| Dwight Carter | Former NFL Defensive Back | unknown | Played five NFL seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers, known for his defensive versatility. | |
| Curtis Deloatch | Former NFL Defensive Back | unknown | Played three NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers. | |
| Kerry Cooks | Former NFL Cornerback | unknown | Played six NFL seasons for teams including the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders. | |
| Marco Anthony | Professional Basketball Player | unknown | Played professionally overseas in leagues including Germany and Luxembourg after starring at N.C. A&T. |
North Carolina A&T State University alumni have made notable contributions to U.S. politics, including civil rights activism, local government leadership, and service in Congress, shaping policy and representation for diverse communities. Categories: U.S.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesse Jackson | Civil rights activist and politician | Sociology | 1963 | Founder of Operation PUSH and Rainbow/PUSH Coalition who ran for U.S. President in 1984 and 1988. |
| Alma Adams | U.S. Representative | Business Administration | 1969 | Long-serving Congresswoman representing North Carolina's 1st district, known for advocacy in arts, small business, and health. |
| Jessie Mae Lee | Greensboro City Council member | unknown | First African-American woman elected to the Greensboro City Council in 1971, serving multiple terms. | |
| David Richmond | Civil rights activist | 1959-1960 | Member of the Greensboro Four whose 1960 sit-in sparked the nationwide civil rights sit-in movement. | |
| Earl Vaughan Jr. | North Carolina State Representative | 1969 | Served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, advocating for education and community issues. |
