Introduction to North Carolina A&T
North Carolina A&T State University (also known as North Carolina A&T or A&T) is the largest public historically black university in the United States, located in Greensboro, North Carolina. Founded in 1891 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race, it is a member-school of the University of North Carolina System and part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. North Carolina A&T is a comprehensive, doctoral-granting university composed of 11 colleges and schools.
What NCAA Division is North Carolina A&T?
North Carolina A&T is a member of the NCAA Division I for all sports, except for the baseball program which competes in the Division II. It is a part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), which is an NCAA Division I athletic conference that consists of historically black colleges and universities throughout the eastern seaboard.
History of North Carolina A&T Athletics
North Carolina A&T has a long and proud history of athletic success. The school’s athletic teams have won numerous conference championships and have produced numerous All-Americans and professional athletes. North Carolina A&T has won 41 MEAC Championships since joining the conference in 1971. The school’s most successful sports are its football and track and field programs, which have both won multiple conference championships.
North Carolina A&T Football Program
The North Carolina A&T football program has won 13 MEAC Championships, most recently in 2018. The program has had numerous All-Americans and has produced several NFL players, including Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Mills, who played for the New Orleans Saints from 1986-1994. The Aggies have played in 10 NCAA Division I-AA/FCS Playoffs and have made 11 bowl game appearances. The Aggies are currently coached by Sam Washington, who was hired in 2019.
North Carolina A&T Track & Field Program
The North Carolina A&T track and field program has a long and storied history of success. The program has won 15 MEAC Championships and has had numerous All-Americans and Olympians, including the legendary Mel Pender, who competed in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. The Aggies are currently coached by Duane Ross, who was hired in 2013.
Other Sports at North Carolina A&T
North Carolina A&T offers a wide variety of other sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. The Aggies have won numerous MEAC Championships in these sports as well and have had numerous All-Americans and professional athletes.
Notable North Carolina A&T Alumni
North Carolina A&T has produced numerous notable alumni, including:
- Sam Mills – NFL Hall of Fame linebacker
- Mel Pender – Olympic athlete
- Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States
- Kermit Washington – NBA player
- Kenny Smith – NBA player and broadcaster
- John H. Johnson – publisher and entrepreneur
- John Hope Franklin – historian and civil rights activist
- Alvin Ailey – choreographer and dancer
- Jimmie Walker – comedian and actor
- Mae Jemison – astronaut and physician
North Carolina A&T Athletics Facilities
North Carolina A&T has several athletics facilities on campus, including:
- Aggie Stadium – football stadium
- Aggie Field – outdoor track and field facility
- Bryant Indoor Track – indoor track and field facility
- Williams Gymnasium – basketball and volleyball facility
- Bob Smith Baseball Field – baseball facility
- Softball Complex – softball facility
- Soccer Complex – soccer facility
North Carolina A&T Athletics Events
North Carolina A&T hosts several annual athletics events, including:
- Aggie Football Bowl Game
- Aggie Spring Football Game
- Aggie Homecoming Football Game
- Aggie Baseball Classic
- Aggie Basketball Tip-Off Classic
- Aggie Soccer Classic
- Aggie Softball Classic
- Aggie Track and Field Invitational
Conclusion
North Carolina A&T is a proud member of the NCAA Division I and the MEAC. The school has a long and proud history of athletic success and has produced numerous All-Americans and professional athletes. The Aggies have several athletics facilities on campus and host several annual athletics events. North Carolina A&T is a school with a strong athletic tradition and a bright future ahead.