Academic

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Award

Dr. Katie G. Dorsett

Dr. Dorsett made history in December 1992 when she became the first African American woman to hold a State cabinet post. Former governor James Hunt appointed and then re-appointed her to a second term as Secretary of the Department of Administration.

She brought change to State government by encouraging diversity in employment and equal participation in State contracting for purchasing and State construction. Dr. Dorsett appointed minorities and women to top-level positions.

In 1983, Dr. Dorsett became the first African American woman elected to the Greensboro City Council. From 1986-1992, she served on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners and was slated to become the Chair of the Board but instead took the position as Secretary of the Department of Administration.

Dr. Dorsett retired as associate professor, in January 2001, after 32 years of service to NC A & T State University. Her commitment to the community continues as she serves on Boards for NC Commission of Indian Affairs, Information Resource Management Commission, Community Colleges Foundation, Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Women’s Forum of North Carolina, Inc., NC International Women’s Connection, and UNC at Greensboro – MPA Advisory Board.

She has received a variety of honors for her work and volunteerism: Woman of the Year, Greensboro NAACP; Outstanding Service Award, NC Community College System; Academic Excellence Award, St. Augustine College, Division of Business; Meritorious Service Award, United Negro College Fund; and Distinguished Woman of NC for public service.

Dr. Dorsett is a native of Mississippi, whose parents were firm believers in education. At the age of 12 she went to Southern Christian Institute Boarding School 300 miles away from her family. She earned her undergraduate degree from Alcorn State University; her master’s degree from Indiana University and her doctorate degree from UNC at Greensboro.

LaCrystal Strong

2000 Education Award Recipient

LaCrystal Strong (right) with Katie Dorsett

Jeri Simmons (right) with Doris Mack, Adult Mentor

Presenting the Katie Dorsett Academic Excellence Award