A&T Welcomes Experienced Leaders to Business & Finance Roles – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

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By Hope Baptiste / 04/01/2026
EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (April 1, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Division of Business and Finance has added three experienced professionals to key roles in its Business and Finance enterprise focused on operational efficiency, fiscal stewardship and financial compliance.
Lavelle Hayes began his appointment as assistant vice chancellor for Budget and Planning on Dec. 1, 2025. He oversees the Office of Budget and Planning, provides strategic leadership and ensures strong fiscal stewardship across the institution.
Hayes brings 17 years of progressive experience in higher education budget and financial management to the university. He previously served as a budget analyst at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, later advancing to budget manager at WSSU. Most recently, he served as associate budget director at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he supported institutional compliance and long-range resource planning. Hayes holds a B.S. in accounting from N.C. A&T and an MBA with a concentration in accounting from Capella University.
Jonathan Agaton also joined A&T on Dec. 1, 2025, as business systems analyst for the Business and Finance Office, bringing more than 15 years of experience in higher education finance and administration within the UNC System. Prior to joining A&T, he served as director of Financial Systems at WSSU, where he oversaw daily systems operations and contributed to strategic planning for the Division of Finance and Administration.
Agaton specializes in bridging functional finance needs and technical solutions, with expertise in Ellucian Banner, N.C. Financial System (NCFS), and business intelligence reporting. He is committed to modernizing workflows, enhancing data integrity, and translating complex information into actionable insights. He holds a B.S. in business administration from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and is pursuing a degree in computer science at Fayetteville State University.
Catherine “Cathy” Clark, CPA, joined A&T on Jan. 5, 2026, as university controller, bringing more than 20 years of experience in financial auditing, compliance and risk assessment across higher education, healthcare and government.
Clark most recently served as a financial audit manager with the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA), where she led financial and compliance audits for universities, community colleges and government agencies. She has designed improved audit procedures, ensured alignment with American Institute of CPA standards, and maintained the financial section of the OSA Audit Manual. She is also recognized for her strong commitment to mentoring and developing audit staff.
Previously, Clark served as an assistant state auditor, leading independent audits, developing streamlined methodologies, and managing teams as Auditor-in-Charge. Earlier in her career, she worked at the Wachovia Dealer Service Center, gaining foundational experience in financial processing, reconciliation and workflow management.
Clark’s expertise includes financial reporting, GAAP/GASB compliance, internal controls and process improvement. She holds both B.S. and M.S. degrees in accounting from East Carolina University.
“The Office of Business and Finance is thrilled to further strengthen its leadership and expertise with the addition of Lavelle, Jonathan and Cathy to our ranks,” said Lisa McClinton, senior associate vice chancellor for Financial Operations and deputy CFO. “As A&T continues to expand its academic and research enterprises as well as its student body, faculty and staff, and physical plant, we want to ensure we are stewarding the university’s fiscal assets strategically. Our team is well prepared to support the university’s ongoing growth and success in this new year and beyond.”
Media Contact Information: jtorok@ncat.edu
04/01/2026
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North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Division of Business and Finance has added three experienced professionals to key roles in its Business and Finance enterprise focused on operational efficiency, fiscal stewardship and financial compliance.
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