North Carolina State University Athletics
Three Members of the Pack Earn ACC Postgraduate Scholarship Recognition
2/18/2026 4:00:00 PM | Football, Pack Athletics, Men's Soccer, Track, Cross Country
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two members of the Pack have been named as recipients of the 2026 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship Awards, and one more was placed on the 2026 ACC Excellence Award List, as announced by the league office on Wednesday.
NC State is represented by Anthony Carter (football/master's: liberal studies), Grace Hartman (cross country track & field/psychology), and Aidan Payne (men's soccer/accounting).
Hartman and Payne have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship Awards. This scholarship is awarded to selected student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree after completing their undergraduate requirements. Each recipient will receive $9,000 toward his or her graduate education. Those honored have performed with distinction in both the classroom and their respective sport, while demonstrating exemplary conduct in the community and were chosen by a vote of the league's FARs at the ACC Winter Meetings.
"Each year, our ACC Postgraduate Scholarship recipients redefine what it means to be a student-athlete," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "This year's 63 honorees exemplify the relentless drive, leadership and integrity that distinguish the ACC both academically and athletically. Their ability to pursue excellence at the highest levels of competition while thriving in the classroom speaks volumes about their character and commitment. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and remain fully committed to supporting their continued success beyond their collegiate careers."
Carter is among 33 total honorees named to the 2026 ACC Excellence Award List, highlighting those exemplifying the student-athlete ideal. Student-athletes nominated for the ACC Excellence Award are also eligible for the ACC Postgraduate Scholarship.
The ACC has selected postgraduate scholarship recipients annually since 1971. Over that time, the league has provided nearly $5.8 million to more than 1,000 ACC student-athletes.
About the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford-Award
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award is named in honor of former ACC commissioners Jim Weaver, Bob James, Gene Corrigan, and John Swofford. The league's first commissioner, James H. Weaver, served the conference from 1954-70 after a stint as the Director of Athletics at Wake Forest. His early leadership and uncompromising integrity are largely responsible for the excellent reputation enjoyed by the ACC today.
Robert C. James, a former Maryland football player, was named commissioner in 1971 and served in that capacity for 16 years. During his tenure, the league continued to grow in stature and became recognized as a national leader in athletics and academics, winning 23 national championships and maintaining standards of excellence in the classroom.
Eugene F. Corrigan assumed his role as the third full-time commissioner on September 1, 1987, and served until August of 1997. During Corrigan's tenure, ACC schools captured 30 NCAA championships and two national football titles.
John Swofford was named the fourth commissioner of the ACC on July 1, 1997, and served until June 2021. He was instrumental in the launch of the ACC Network and the addition of seven new members. ACC programs won 92 national titles in 19 sports while he was commissioner.
Before 1994, the Weaver-James postgraduate scholarships were awarded as separate honors, including the Jim Weaver Award, the Marie James Award, and the Bob James Award.
About the ACC Excellence Award
The ACC Excellence Award recognizes outstanding graduates from our ACC member institutions. The goal of the award is to highlight the students embodying the student-athlete ideal. The brand of the ACC is our strong history of providing world-class education and competition. The awardees are exemplary students, athletes, and contributors to the community and society and serve as an example to their fellow students.
Players Mentioned
