08/12/2026
It is with heavy hearts that the National Institute of Minority Economic Development (NIMED) mourns the passing of our revered board member, leader, and dear friend, Dr. Edward B. Fort, Chancellor Emeritus and Endowed Professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
For many years, Dr. Fort served as a cornerstone of NIMED’s Board of Directors. His wisdom, uncompromising commitment to equity, and relentless drive to expand economic opportunity guided our organization’s mission and impacted countless communities across North Carolina and the nation.
Dr. Fort’s legacy is monumental. During his transformative 15-year tenure as Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, he elevated the institution into the largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in North Carolina. Under his visionary guidance:
* He spearheaded the development of NC A&T’s legendary College of Engineering, building it into the top producer of Black engineers in the United States.
* He expanded and strengthened the University’s schools of Business, Agriculture, Education, and Nursing, fostering historic growth in student enrollment, academic curriculum, faculty, and research programs.
* He recognized that true progress requires collaboration, tirelessly bridging higher education with local community residents while forging enduring, high-impact partnerships with major national corporations.
At NIMED, Dr. Fort brought that same transformative energy to our board table. He understood deeply that educational advancement and economic self-sufficiency walk hand-in-hand. His strategic counsel helped shape our efforts to build wealth, support minority business enterprises, and foster systemic economic development.
Dr. Edward B. Fort leaves behind a towering legacy of service, intellect, and advocacy that will continue to inspire our work for generations to come.
He will be greatly missed.
Kevin J. Price
President & Chief Executive Officer
National Institute of Minority Economic Development
Institute Capital Institute Community Development Initiative Women’s Business Center of North Carolina - WBCNC Women's Business Center of Charlotte