Oblinger Delivers State of NC State Address; Says University Will Continue To Support North Carolina’s Economic Health

North Carolina State University Chancellor James Oblinger said the university will not pull back from its historic mission to drive economic development in the state, even in a bad budget year. Oblinger reminded an audience of faculty, staff, students, alumni and guests that “People are counting on NC State” in his State of NC State address today.

Oblinger cited several recent examples of NC State’s economic development-related work, including a partnership with the state to bring Spirit Aerosystems – and 1,000 jobs – to Kinston and a new entrepreneurial education initiative.

“These examples are only a few of the proof points of our willingness and ability to connect people, deliver knowledge and produce relevant solutions with benefits beyond our campus, beyond Raleigh and Wake County, beyond North Carolina and, yes, even beyond our nation,” he said.

“Especially in this time of a challenging economy, what we do and the way we do it is incredibly important. It is up to us as individuals to continually seek opportunities to collaborate, and to push the boundaries of our ability to push the boundaries.”

The chancellor also acknowledged “very serious” budget issues for 2009.

“We are looking at a cut of seven percent or more,” he said. “In real terms, seven percent translates to $36 million dollars. As you heard Governor Perdue say (in her State of the State address) last night, there are still many uncertainties about the state’s budget. That means we do not yet have a clear view of how our budget will be affected. One thing that is clear is that difficult decisions will have to be made.

“But there is work to be done in the meantime. We have dedicated and committed, well-educated, well-trained, experienced faculty and staff. Our students are motivated, capable and talented – they’re eager to learn. Our history supports us; opportunities await us.”

The chancellor reminded the audience that “Red Means Go” is more than a marketing slogan for the university.

“When history reflects on NC State’s response to these tough budget times, let us make sure it doesn’t say we sat waiting for a red light to change,” Oblinger said. “Let’s be remembered as an institution, an organization, a team, a family, where ‘Red Means Go.'”

The chancellor reported on NC State’s accomplishments within the five areas of its strategic plan:

• Producing leaders for the state, nation and world
• Driving innovation in energy and the environment
• Improving health and well being
• Creating educational innovation across our disciplines
• Fueling economic development for the state and the nation

Excerpts from the State of NC State speech:

• “‘Red Means Go’ describes the way we go create collaborations that produce innovations, which in turn have real impact well beyond our campus borders… collaboration, innovation and impact.”

• “NC State does things that make North Carolina and the world a better place. Each thing we do – each job we create, each program we develop, each student we graduate, each community we help, each example of groundbreaking research, and certainly in this day — each dollar we spend – builds on the history, the accomplishment, the success and the importance of North Carolina State University.”

• “We owe a debt of thanks to those who came before us and we pay that debt with our contributions to the future – because people count on (NC State).”

• “Our economists tell us that we should not expect economic recovery for at least a year, probably longer. We’ve engaged a wide range of people and groups across campus to help us prepare our approach to the budget shortfalls. We are planning our budget reductions strategically, with a goal of giving ourselves the best chance of a quick recovery.”

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