HBCU ORIGINAL
North Carolina A&T Prepares for Record Enrollment with $30 Million in Campus Upgrades | Preparing for the Largest Enrollment in HBCU History
By Steven J. Gaither | HBCU Gameday
Updated August 15, 2025, 1:53 AM
North Carolina A&T, the nation’s largest HBCU, has completed $30 million in residence hall enhancements just in time for the 2025-26 academic year. The upgrades come as the university gears up for an anticipated enrollment of more than 15,000 students in 2026.
Major Infrastructure Improvements
The university prioritized key maintenance projects across its housing facilities. Crews serviced 1,500 HVAC units, completed mold remediation in nearly 420 rooms, and finished over 60 plumbing, electrical, roofing, and locksmithing projects. Drone inspections also identified areas in need of pressure washing and cosmetic repairs, ensuring a fresher look to both buildings and outdoor spaces.
Student-Requested Amenities
In addition to critical repairs, A&T launched a new category of “student satisfaction improvements.” The university invested $250,000 in items requested directly by students—ranging from video game systems and ice machines to upgraded lounges. Future amenities will continue to be shaped by student feedback, including input from resident assistants and student government.
Technology for Living and Learning
Digital infrastructure received a significant boost as well. Six residence halls were upgraded with new network cabling, while 42 apartment complexes gained new WiFi access points. On the academic side, the university updated 1,538 lab computers, enhanced technology in 46 smart classrooms, and validated 208 additional classrooms to ensure readiness for the school year.
Strengthening Residential Support
A&T has also reinforced its housing and residence life operations. Key staff positions were filled to support student wellness and daily residential needs. The university adopted the Roompact software platform to streamline housing communication and operations.
“Students compete to get into A&T housing,” said John Lowney, Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life. “We fully appreciate our responsibility to ensure it is attractive, comfortable, safe, and healthy.”
Preparing for the Largest Enrollment in HBCU History
More than half of A&T’s undergraduates live on campus—double the national public university average. As enrollment grows, the university’s commitment to quality housing remains central. A partnership with Toyota North Carolina, through the Aggie Bridge Initiative, will further analyze and improve student service processes.
With new amenities, stronger technology, and expanded support systems, North Carolina A&T is set to welcome students back to a campus experience that reflects its academic excellence—and reaffirms its status as the largest HBCU in the nation.
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.
HBCU ORIGINAL
OVC Outdoor Track & Field — Eastern Illinois & Southeast Missouri Take Control, Tennessee State Battles in the Mix
The Ohio Valley Conference delivered a high-level championship meet in Little Rock as Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles, while Tennessee State fought to stay inside the top tier.
Eastern Illinois captured the men’s championship with a powerful overall team performance, using depth across sprints, distance, and field events to hold off a competitive field. Southeast Missouri stayed right behind the pace, finishing runner-up behind a balanced scoring attack that kept pressure on throughout the meet.
On the women’s side, Southeast Missouri dominated the field to secure the OVC crown, led by consistent scoring across multiple event groups and a strong closing push in the final sessions. Eastern Illinois again finished near the top, locking in runner-up status and showing its program-wide strength on both sides of competition.
Tennessee State was the key HBCU presence in the conference, finishing in the middle of the standings on both the men’s and women’s side. The Tigers showed flashes in sprints, hurdles, and relays, but lacked the depth needed to break into the championship tier against the OVC’s top programs.
The meet reinforced Southeast Missouri’s growing conference dominance while Eastern Illinois remains a consistent championship contender on both sides.
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.
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