Chancellor Martin Aims to Strengthen NC A&T Research
The 13th chancellor of the Greensboro university focuses on elevating STEM standing amid changing global research trends.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Scholarships
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Since beginning his tenure in fall 2024, Chancellor James Martin II has pushed to boost research output at North Carolina A&T State University. The university aims to secure R1 status while maintaining its identity as a key destination for STEM students.
Why it matters
The focus on research comes as U.S. institutions lose ground in global output rankings, with nine of the top 10 research universities located in China as of 2026. Strengthening the school's research infrastructure is seen as vital to reclaiming a competitive edge.
North Carolina A&T State University currently hosts 72 PhD candidates in its agriculture school, reflecting its research growth over the past three years. Additionally, 40% of the student body comes from households with median incomes below $39,000.
The players
James Martin II
He serves as the 13th chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University.
North Carolina A&T State University
It is the largest historically black college and university in the United States and is based in Greensboro.
The details
Chancellor James Martin II is prioritizing funding for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs to facilitate research collaborations with Ivy League universities. These initiatives are designed to expand the school's impact in health sciences and agriculture while supporting a diverse student population.
Timeline
In 2018, Harvard, MIT, and Stanford held top positions for research output.
James Martin II began his tenure as chancellor in fall 2024.
Data regarding 2026 global research output was analyzed in late spring 2026.
North Carolina A&T celebrated its homecoming week in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The university's current push for R1 status marks a stark departure from the domestic institutional dominance seen in the 2018 research output list. This transition reflects a broader shift toward globalized research competition in the STEM sector.
Students and faculty can expect expanded research opportunities in health sciences and agriculture, potentially increasing academic resources on campus. The university's ongoing growth also fuels a massive local economic engine, exemplified by homecoming events that bring $80 million to the area.
The takeaway
North Carolina A&T continues to balance high-level research ambitions with its mission to provide accessible education to students from low-income households. The success of these programs remains a critical indicator of the university's future influence in global scientific output.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Myfox8.
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