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North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University paid tribute to alumnus, physicist, and astronaut Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D., on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The ceremony marked the 40th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger disaster that claimed the lives of McNair and his six fellow crew members.
While the milestone was somber, the community gathered in the Deese Ballroom of the Student Center to celebrate McNair’s life and enduring influence. The annual commemoration featured a prerecorded reflection from McNair’s widow, Cheryl McNair, along with remarks from university officials, TRiO McNair Scholars, and local leaders. The program was enriched by presentations from the Army and Air Force ROTC, the N.C. A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir, and an art contest recognition for McNair Elementary School students.
A central panel discussion highlighted how McNair’s legacy continues to shape the lives of Aggies across generations. Although some panelists faced weather-related travel disruptions, the participants present underscored a vast network of professionals dedicated to advancing excellence in STEM and leadership.
Dr. Chiquita L. Mays, a 1995 electrical engineering graduate and former TRiO McNair Scholar, credited A&T with shaping her academic and entrepreneurial foundation. “A&T helped me find my voice,” Mays said. “It taught me how to articulate my ideas, defend my research, and lead with confidence.” After a successful corporate career, Mays founded CLM Consulting to promote servant leadership and inclusive environments. She encouraged students to be courageous: “Your work should speak for itself. Work hard and never apologize for your leadership.”
Retired Air Force Maj. Craig R. Harrison, a 1991 graduate who shares McNair’s hometown of Lake City, South Carolina, shared his journey from an AFROTC student to a military aviator and commercial pilot. Currently flying for FedEx, Harrison’s career—spanning civil engineering and C-130 piloting—demonstrated the discipline and resilience cultivated at the university.
Representing the current generation, seniors Croix Thomas and Anansi Coleman discussed how research and discovery have defined their time at A&T. Thomas, a mechanical engineering major focusing on aerospace, serves as the captain of the “Astro Aggies” rocketry team. She described leading multidisciplinary teams and navigating technical setbacks as vital preparation for the professional world. Following graduation, Thomas will join Honeywell as a manufacturing engineer.
Coleman, a physics major, discussed the importance of early research exposure through the TRiO McNair Scholars Program. His work in thin film characterization and molecular dynamics has paved the way for his future graduate studies in engineering physics. He urged his peers to maintain intellectual curiosity and pursue scholarly inquiry, noting that research strengthened his critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Together, the panelists illustrated that McNair’s legacy is not just a historical memory, but a living foundation of intellectual curiosity and service to humanity. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the responsibility placed on future generations of Aggies to pursue excellence, advance equity, and uplift their communities.
The annual event concluded by reinforcing A&T’s commitment to preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity, ensuring that the spirit of Ronald E. McNair continues to reach new heights through the achievements of those who follow in his footsteps.
