The A&T Experience Through Voices

Lewis A. Brandon, III

(Interview conducted Tuesday, May 17th, 2011)

“Each year as the story of the Greensboro Four (A&T Four) is recounted, the name Lewis A. Brandon, III emerges. Brandon, a 1961 graduate of A&T, is credited with being a civil rights activist and behind-the-scenes organizer of similar movements for justice.” (A&T Today, vol.4, no.2, Spring 2001, p. 6) As a result of his endeavors to correct social injustices, the University honored Brandon by naming him the first recipient of the NC A&T Medal for Human Rights on February 1, 2001 at the 41st anniversary of the 1960 sit-ins. While presenting the award, Brandon was described by Chancellor James Renick as “the foot soldier, the strategist… one who embodies the spirit of leadership.”

Elizabeth Dowdy

(Interview conducted Thursday, November 13th, 2008)

Mrs. Elizabeth Etolia Smith Dowdy, educator and wife of the fifth president/chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University, was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy began their journey at A&T in 1951 when he accepted the Director of Student Teaching position. Mrs. Dowdy shares with us memories of her family life and those of being first lady of North Carolina A&T State University.

Henry Frye

(Interview conducted Friday, February 16th, 2007)

Retired Chief Justice of North Carolina Henry E. Frye began his Aggie experience in 1949 when he came to Greensboro, North Carolina from a farm outside of Ellerbee, North Carolina where he grew up with his five brothers and six sisters. His career has been filled with “firsts”…first African American to complete a full law degree from the University of NC at Chapel Hill and first African American Chief Justice to the NC Supreme Court to name a few. Hear the Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Criminal Justice reminisce about his farm life, college life, personal life and his career.

Shirley Frye

(Interview conducted Thursday, October 28th, 2006)

Mrs. Shirley Taylor Frye was a teenage waitress in Greensboro, North Carolina before she began her Aggie experience in 1950 as a freshman. From a small farm in Fremont, North Carolina to teacher to public relations vice president to university administrator, this devoted Aggie shares some of those memories with you.

Lucille Piggott

(Interview conducted Tuesday, April 11th, 2006)

Dr. Lucille Johnson Piggott came to Greensboro, North Carolina in 1949 from Alton, Illinois. She arrived with her husband, the late Dr. Bert Piggott, former North Carolina A&T State University football coach and athletic director. From coed to secretary for Dean Dowdy and Dean Rankin to Dean of Women, she enjoys her memories and experiences of her beloved Alma Mater.

Velma Speight–Buford

(Interview conducted Thursday, May 4th, 2006)

Dr. Velma Speight–Buford began her Aggie experience at fifteen years old when she arrived on campus in 1949 from Greene County, North Carolina. From coed to Director of Alumni Affairs to Chair of the North Carolina A&T State University Board of Trustees, she shares with us her thoughts and feelings about the university she loves so much.