***AGGIE EXCELLENCE***
Letitia Wall --- Leading through Strategy and Service
Letitia Cooper Wall ’96, a proud graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and continued member of the Twin City Alumni Chapter, is a senior higher education executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience advancing institutional effectiveness, fiscal stewardship, and student success. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to the President at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, where she provides strategic leadership across presidential operations, governance, and cross-divisional initiatives that support organizational sustainability and community impact. Prior to this role, Wall held senior leadership positions at Winston-Salem State University, where she oversaw complex budgets, grant funding, and initiatives addressing critical student needs, including housing and food insecurity.
Beyond her professional leadership, Wall has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to community service and economic empowerment. She is an active member of The Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, contributing to programs that promote scholarship, leadership development, and financial stewardship. Her civic engagement also includes governance and leadership roles with United Way of Forsyth County and Senior Services of Forsyth County Foundation. Through her work in higher education and community leadership, Letitia Cooper Wall continues to exemplify the Aggie spirit by building systems that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.
The Aggie Spotlight shines a light on outstanding North Carolina A&T alumni who are making a meaningful impact in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and beyond. Through this ongoing feature, we proudly recognize Aggie-owned businesses and organizations that embody the spirit of leadership, service, and innovation that defines our Aggie family.
Each spotlight highlights individuals who use their talents and resources to strengthen our community — from providing essential services to mentoring youth and inspiring the next generation of Aggie leaders.
We believe that supporting Aggie-owned businesses not only uplifts our alumni but also fuels the local economy and promotes the values of hard work, excellence, community service and our commitment to Economic Engagement .
Know an Aggie who deserves the spotlight?
We’d love to hear from you! If you know of an Aggie-owned business or non-profit in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area that’s making a difference, please reach out through our Contact Form to recommend them for an upcoming feature.
Leo Rucker –
Artist, Educator & Cultural Ambassador
Leo Rucker is a talented Winston-Salem artist whose work reflects a life devoted to creativity, community, and cultural expression. For over 30 years, Leo has produced fine art that not only showcases artistic excellence but also serves as a vehicle for connection and inspiration. His belief that art is a calling — something to be shared generously — has guided his remarkable career.
Leo’s artistic journey began with accolades and continued as he pursued formal training at Rutledge College, focusing on commercial art. Later, as supervisor in the gold leaf department at Carolina Art & Frame, Leo collaborated with established artists and gained confidence to enter competitions and public showcases. His early work led to important portraiture and mural commissions, including projects for Forsyth County Partnership (Smart Start) and pastel portraits featured in Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine that spotlight accomplished ethnic women from around the world.
Beyond personal artistic practice, Leo’s work demonstrates a deep commitment to community — giving back through donation, fundraisers, and service supporting the Triad arts community. In recent years, he has worked on large collaborative murals such as “Pass It On” at Rankin Elementary (reflecting 26 nationalities) and public artworks on Board Street, Depot Street, and elsewhere, helping bring creativity and cultural pride to public spaces across the region.
Leo’s dedication to his craft and his community positions him as not just an artist, but a cultural ambassador — one who uses his talent and passion to uplift others, bridge communities, and celebrate diversity through visual art.
We’re delighted to spotlight Leo Rucker — an Aggie supporter and creative force whose work enriches our community and exemplifies the transformative power of art.
Virginia Hardesty –
Champion of Community & Forsyth Seafood Legacy
Virginia and her late husband, Charles Hardesty, took a bold leap in 1984 when they purchased a local seafood business and turned it into a thriving market and café. Drawing on their coastal roots and entrepreneurial drive, they brought fresh seafood and down-home cooking to the Triad. Over the years, Forsyth Seafood became a community staple — a place where families gathered, friendships were forged, and local culture was celebrated.
Even through challenges — including moving locations, managing expansion, and the passing of Charles — Virginia’s perseverance and faith kept the business growing and evolving. Today, her daughter Ashley Hardesty-Armstrong works alongside her, blending culinary innovation with tradition to keep the legacy vibrant for generations to come.
We’re honored to shine a spotlight on Virginia — a resilient business owner whose decades of service, innovation, and community engagement inspire us all.
Dee “Bag Lady Dee” –
Entrepreneur & Creative Visionary
