By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Durham, NC - The Raleigh-Wake Alumni Chapter of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) proudly congratulates Stephanie Wilson Jones on being named the recipient of the 2026 NCCU Alumnus of the Year Award, also known as the Eagle Excellence Award.
The award recognizes alumni who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to NCCU through their contributions of time, talent, and treasure in support of the university, alumni association, and surrounding communities.
A proud member of the Raleigh-Wake Alumni Chapter and current Region IV Vice President of the NCCU Alumni Association, Stephanie has remained dedicated to advancing the mission of NCCU through scholarship fundraising, alumni engagement, student support initiatives, and community service efforts.
As the 2025 Ms. NCCU Alumni, Stephanie campaigned under the motto, “Grounded in Truth. Soaring in Service.” Through her campaign, she raised more than $41,500 for student scholarships and has remained steadfast in her belief that service to NCCU extends far beyond Homecoming, titles, or special recognition. Since being crowned, she has continued to serve through alumni leadership, student engagement initiatives, scholarship fundraising efforts, support of NCCU Athletics, campus pantry initiatives, and community outreach efforts throughout Region IV and beyond.
Stephanie is a proud magna cum laude graduate of NCCU’s School of Business, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing in 2004. She is the Broker-in-Charge and owner of Next Move Realty, LLC, a devoted mother of two sons, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
This honor holds special significance for Stephanie, who credits her aunt, Daphne Magee-Hunter, NCCU Class of 1975, for inspiring her to attend North Carolina Central University. Stephanie often shares that none of these accomplishments would have been possible without her aunt leading the way and showing her what it means to be an Eagle. The Raleigh-Wake Alumni Chapter celebrates Stephanie’s continued leadership, service, and dedication to North Carolina Central University and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to the 2026 NCCU Alumnus of the Year and Eagle Excellence Award recipient, Stephanie Wilson Jones!
North Carolina Central University located in Durham, NC, was the first state-supported liberal arts college for African American students in North Carolina. It was chartered as a private institution in 1909 and opened its doors to students in July 1910. Its founder, James E. Shepard, served as its first president. Its purpose continues to be the development of young African American men and women into citizens with fine character and sound academic training.
