Gov. Josh Stein Selects NCCU Military Affairs Leader for North Carolina Hall of Firsts

North Carolina Central University's (NCCU) Associate Vice Chancellor for Military Affairs Ariel Aponte (Ret. Chief Warrant Officer Three) has been selected for induction into the North Carolina Hall of Firsts Class of 2026 by Gov. Josh Stein.

The North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts (NCMHOF) by the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs acknowledges remarkable individuals, like Aponte, who, by the excellence of their military career or in connection to their civic service, have brought substantial honor, recognition, and esteem to themselves, their families and to the great state of North Carolina.

Aponte brings more than 20 years of U.S. Army service, including leadership roles with the 82nd Airborne Division and Army Special Operations Command, and extensive state government experience. Appointed by former Gov. Roy Cooper, Aponte served as assistant secretary for the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, advancing strategic initiatives and policies supporting service members, veterans and military communities statewide.

Since joining NCCU in July, Aponte has leveraged his military and government leadership to strengthen coordination, partnerships and support for military-affiliated students. His work comes as NCCU reports a 13.2% increase in military-affiliated student enrollment this fall, highlighting the university's growing commitment to serving those who have served.

He will be inducted during a ceremony on Dec. 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources auditorium in Raleigh.

For more information about NCCU's Office of Veterans Affairs, visit https://www.nccu.edu/enrollment/veterans-affairs