Catherine Edmonds Named Interim Provost at N.C. A&T, Bringing Deep State & HBCU Leadership

GREENSBORO, NC — Dr. Catherine Edmonds, a Granville County native and distinguished educational leader, has been appointed interim provost at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T), the nation’s largest historically Black university. Her appointment became effective July 1.

A proud alumna of N.C. A&T, Edmonds returns to her alma mater with over two decades of statewide leadership experience across the University of North Carolina System and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

Deep HBCU & State-Level Experience

Edmonds most recently served as interim chancellor of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), where she oversaw record enrollment numbers during her tenure, including the largest entering and transfer classes in over a decade.

Prior to ECSU, she was chief of staff at North Carolina Central University, another prominent HBCU, and previously held the role of deputy state superintendent at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

Her résumé also includes superintendent roles at Bertie County Schools and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools, as well as leadership positions at the UNC System Office, N.C. State’s Northeast Leadership Academy, and Guilford County Schools.

“Her breadth of experience in higher education as well as in public instruction for the state of North Carolina have given her a perspective on university academic processes, instructional needs and education overall that few other professionals possess,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II.

Succeeding Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson

Edmonds steps into the role following Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson, who is departing N.C. A&T to become the next president of Rutgers University–Newark.

Chancellor Martin praised Edmonds’ “insight, collaborative leadership, and steady hand” to help guide the university during its search for a permanent provost.

Grounded in North Carolina, Rooted in Aggie Pride

Edmonds began her career as a classroom teacher in Granville County and served as assistant principal at South Granville High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from N.C. A&T, followed by a master’s and Ed.D. in educational leadership from N.C. State University.

She has spoken widely at conferences on topics including diversity in education leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on the classroom, and the economic role of HBCUs.

Her current and former board service includes:

• Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
• NC State Education Assistance Authority
• Regional Education Laboratory Southeast
• Advisory board for A&T’s College of Education

Edmonds’ appointment as interim provost marks a full-circle moment in her career, as she returns to lead academic affairs at the very institution where her journey in education began. As N.C. A&T prepares for its next chapter, her deep experience and commitment to equity-driven leadership promise to guide the university with confidence and purpose.