Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe officially joined the Board of Trustees at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University last week. NC A&T is the nation’s No. 1-ranked Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
“I am excited to join the NC A&T Board of Trustees and to serve their students and community,” said Lowe in a statement. “Wolfspeed firmly believes in the power of students to change the world, and I’m eager to further strengthen our relationship while working together to usher in the next generation of scientists, technologists and innovators.”
Wolfspeed and NC A&T have combined to advance several initiatives to bolster the state’s workforce. In 2020, Wolfspeed committed $4 million over five years to the HBCU, the single largest donation in the university’s history at that time to create the Wolfspeed Endowed Scholars Program, according to information provided by the company.
The two entities worked together to establish comprehensive education and training curricula and cutting-edge research and innovation programs. Wolfspeed says the partnership opened opportunities for undergraduate and graduate credentials in silicon carbide semiconductor manufacturing, as well as training and career advancement programs for existing semiconductor manufacturing workers.
Wolfspeed subsequently announced earlier this year the continuation of this collaboration with their intent to apply for CHIPS and Science Act funding to build a new research and development facility on NC A&T’s campus. The R&D facility will be focused on silicon carbide to support the next generation of advanced compound semiconductors.
“NC A&T is proud of our continued strong partnership with Wolfspeed and the appointment of CEO Gregg Lowe to our Board of Trustees,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. “Gregg’s leadership and extensive science and technology background will serve as a vital resource for our prestigious university. I look forward to working with him as we provide new opportunities for our students to pursue the next generation of careers in the green economy, drive innovation and look to solve the problems of both today and tomorrow.”
Lowe was one of four new appointees to become a university trustee. Also joining the Board of Trustees were Gina Loften, Jini Thornton and Jasmine Amaniampong as the student representative. Lowe, Loften and Thornton will serve four-year terms on the board.