GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina A&T State University announced Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
NC A&T said Martin made the announcement during a Board of Trustees meeting Friday.
Martin, 71, has served as chancellor for the past 14 years making him the longest serving chancellor in the University of North Carolina System and among the nation's 107 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“Harold Martin is the very model of a devoted, effective public servant. He’s a brilliant thinker, a disciplined leader and a great man,” said University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans.
Martin is the the first alum to lead NC A&T.
His legacy at the university started more than three decades ago, the last 15 have been as chancellor, which is a big deal according to the school's Associate Vice Chancellor, Todd Simmons.
"I can't tell you how significant that is for the university president to last 15 years, it's just almost unheard of in an era where most university presidents last an average of five years," Simmons said.
Martin is the only chancellor current A&T students have ever known.
"He was here the whole time I was here. He's always been a great guy. In fact, I just seen him yesterday, shook hands with him. Always been a class act, did great things for the school," NCAT Alumni, Raven Sekou said.
To many, the news of his retirement came as a shock.
"I was definitely surprised. I thought he was gonna be here longer but he's done wonderful things for A&T and I'm ready for you know, any new incoming person, to see what they're going to do," NCAT Student, Ma'Kayla Steele said.
Most would agree, his replacement has big shoes to fill.
"I'm a little sad but I'm ready to see who's the next person to step up and hopefully they do as good of a job," NCAT Sophomore, Phoenix Simpson said.
"Our growth trend is very different than a lot of other universities, so we really would be well served by someone who can maintain that trend, someone who can continue Chancellor Martin's development of North Carolina A&T," Simmons said.
Students say it's a bittersweet moment to see Chancellor Martin go, but send him their well wishes on his next journey.
"I'll miss him dearly and thank him for all the work that he's have done for us," Simpson said.
"It's been a long time, but have fun now... this is the best days of his life now," NCAT Sophomore, Aiden Peterson said.
"He did a wonderful job and I can't wait to see what more he's going to do with this retirement," Steele said.
"Hats off to him, you know, grateful for him, Aggie pride," Sekou said.
That same pride Chancellor Martin has played a role in keeping alive.
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