Associate Vice Chancellor Ariel Aponte is a seasoned military and government leader with over two decades of service in the United States Army, including assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Special Forces Command, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. Following his military career, Mr. Aponte was appointed by Governor Cooper to serve as Assistant Secretary for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, where he led strategic legislative initiatives, advised senior state leadership, and advanced policies supporting service members, veterans, and military communities statewide. He also spearheaded key outreach and partnership efforts across rural communities and represented the state in international engagements. Mr. Aponte later served as Associate Vice Chancellor at Elizabeth City State University, leading governmental relations, legislative strategy, and external engagement efforts. He currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for External Affairs at Fayetteville State University, where he is the principal liaison to federal, state, and local partners, advancing the university’s strategic priorities, public policy initiatives, and community engagement.