Dear Eagle Community,
Our community has been shaken by the sudden and tragic death of one of our first-year students. It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news that Mr. Trevor VanDyke was killed on March 2, 2020, in a shooting at an off-campus apartment complex. He entered NCCU in August 2019 and was a graduate of Clayton High School in Clayton, N.C. Mr. VanDyke’s death is currently being investigated as a homicide by the Durham Police Department.
Mr. VanDyke was just beginning his collegiate career; he was an active member of the Aspiring Eagles Academy and a preferred walk-on for the NCCU Football Team.
On behalf of NCCU, I have extended our sympathy to his mother. This young Eagle’s untimely passing is difficult for all of us. We would ask that you place Mr. VanDyke’s family, classmates and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
We encourage students to take advantage of the resources and services that are available to help them begin to process this tragedy. Grief counseling is provided in Rush Residence Hall and L.T. Walker Complex. Students seeking support can also contact the Counseling Center, located in the Student Health Building, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at 919-530-7646 and after hours at 919-530-6106. Additional services are provided by the Office of Spiritual Development and Dialogue, Monday-Friday, by calling 919-602-6967. Please be sure to take care of yourself and those around you.
For faculty and staff, assistance is available through Compsych, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, by phone 24-hours a day, seven days a week; please call 866-301-9634 or go online at https://www.guidanceresources.com (University ID: EAGLES).
A campus vigil for Mr. VanDyke will be held today, March 3, at 8 p.m. in the A.E. Student Union. Staff from the offices of Student Health, Counseling Services and Spiritual Development and Dialogue will be on-site and available as the NCCU community remembers and celebrates Trevor’s life.
We will provide further information regarding Mr. VanDyke's funeral arrangements when confirmed.
In Truth and Service,
Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.
Chancellor
