North Carolina Central University (NCCU) announced a gift of $1.5 million from Lowe’s Companies, Inc. for the university’s School of Business. The award will name the 200-person auditorium in the School of Business’ new facility and also name a new academic program.
The gift is the largest received to date for the new 70,000 square foot building that is currently under construction. Upon completion in late 2022, it will occupy 4.58 acres on the northwest perimeter of NCCU’s campus. The award will develop a new academic program in the school and provide curriculum development, faculty recruitment and student scholarships.
NCCU’s School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This recognition is bestowed upon fewer than 5% of business schools around the world and is granted after a rigorous review of the school’s scholarly and instructional performance. Since it was first accredited by the AACSB in 2007, the school has successfully maintained this recognition.
“On behalf of the students, faculty, staff and alumni of NCCU, we are grateful to Lowe’s for their generous gift that will greatly enhance the learning environment and academic experience for our students and amplify our efforts to develop astute business leaders,” said Johnson O. Akinleye, chancellor of NCCU. “NCCU’s School of Business is a signature academic program that produces influencers who serve in key leadership roles in numerous business sectors. I’m certain that the new partnership bearing Lowe’s name will fuel new ideas from our scholars that will transform business industries of today and tomorrow.”
Lowe’s gift is part of the company’s commitment to opening doors for talented and hard-working students, including through partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “Lowe’s has a history of investing in communities and focusing philanthropic contributions on initiatives that break down barriers to opportunity and economic mobility,” said Lowe’s chairman and chief executive officer, Marvin Ellison. “I’m thrilled that the new auditorium will bear the Lowe’s name. But more importantly, I’m excited that this investment will strengthen the business school at NCCU and give us an opportunity to create an academic program that will deepen the region’s talent pool of future leaders.”
“The School of Business is honored to enter into this new collaboration with Lowe’s,” said Anthony Nelson, Ph.D., dean, NCCU School of Business. “Their financial and human capital investment will enhance academic programming, allowing NCCU students to remain competitive in the ever-changing and demanding world of business.”
