EAST GREENSBORO, NC (January 27, 2023) — Triad Business Magazine Names Three NC State A&T Alumni as 2023 Class of 40 Under 40 Honorees – Alana V. Allen ’07, Bryle Henderson Hatch ’08 , ’10, ’18, Ph.D., and Oliver M. Thomas ’06, Ph.D., M.Div.
All honorees are accomplished leaders between the ages of 21 and under 40 who have left an indelible mark not only in the workplace but across the region. In addition to their professional accomplishments, they are active in many local nonprofits and civic causes, addressing issues ranging from education to poverty to social injustice to improving the quality of life for triads.
Allen received her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from NC A&T, where she is Director of Alumni Communications within the University Advancement Division.
Allen is also the founder and executive director of I Am A Queen, a youth development nonprofit based in the High Point area of Greensboro, North Carolina. For 14 years, she has developed a thriving year-round mentoring program for girls ages 10-18 with a focus on developing their self-esteem and leadership skills. She has 16 years of experience in communications, a career that includes three years as public relations officer and deputy press secretary for North Carolina’s first female governor, Beverly E. Perdue.
Hatch earned a BA in Language Communication, a MA in Adult and Higher Education, and a PhD in Leadership Studies from A&T. He also completed post-baccalaureate studies in public communications at American University in Washington, DC, and graduate work at Hood Theological Seminary.
Hatch is an inclusion engagement professional with extensive experience in diversity, equity and inclusion, workforce development, and educational planning, and has held multiple leadership roles in educational and government agencies. As director of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, he leads initiatives to create and maintain a strong and inclusive work environment for the agency’s 15,000 employees. His past professional experience includes serving as Executive Director of A&T Community Engagement and Executive Director of Thrive High Point, a multi-million dollar program supporting diversity and inclusion in local businesses. He is active in several community and civic organizations, serving on the boards of the North Carolina Conference on Community and Justice, the Trailblazer Impact Foundation, the Inspirational Foundation, and the International Society of Furniture Designers.
Thomas has a BA and PhD in Political Science from A&T. In Cultural Elementary Education Studies at UNC Greensboro and M.Div. from Wake Forest University Divinity School.
Thomas is Director of External Affairs in the Principal’s Office and a former adjunct lecturer at A&T. In his work, he strives to promote A&T and give representatives and leaders a greater understanding of the University’s value and impact. He is a member of the 2023 Greensboro Leadership Team and serves on the Alliance for Civic Engagement, the February One Planning Committee, the University Awards and Commencement Planning Committee, the Guildford Plant Workforce Development Committee, and the North Carolina Office of Strategic Partnerships Advisory Group member. He is the author of Pedagogy Towards a Critical Liberation Theology Awareness: Developing Students as Agents of Social Change.
All 40 under 40 winners will be recognized at the awards ceremony on Thursday, February 2. Held on the 23rd from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at High Point University’s Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.