June 2022 Alumni Spotlight

Tonja McPhail-Burnett

Tell us about yourself.
Hometown: Ellerbee, NC

Graduation Year(s): Bachelor of Art, English – Elementary Education, 1996; Master of Education, Instructional Technology, 2002; Master of School Administration, 2005 (UNCG); Doctor of Education candidate Education Leadership-Higher Education Administration (High Point University)

What are you doing now?
Triad Math And Science Academy , High School Dean of Academics

Why did you choose A&T?
I choose A&T because most of the influential adults in my life were graduates of A&T. I loved the school spirit among the alumni and I wanted to be a part of the Aggie Pride movement.

Share your best college memory.
My best college memory was being presented to the entire campus as a new member of Delta Sigma Theta. This day during the spring semester of 1996 was warm, sunny, and the energy was high! The Holland bowl was packed with Aggies, friends, and family! Our probate show showed love to all the other Greek letter organizations and even spotlighted our stepping skills! I loved the way Aggies showed their support for us this day!

What Is the most important thing you learned while at A&T?
The most important thing I learned from A&T was that we as Black graduates will have to do more in the workplace than show up. Aggies dressed the part, knew their jobs’ duties AND everyone else’s I learned to lead while being a resource for others. And I learned that giving back to the Black community was not an obligation rather an honor.

Describe A&T in 3 words.
Home Sweet Home!