2024 Chancellor’s Fall Address

In July, Chancellor Randy Woodson announced his intention to retire after 14 years at the helm of NC State. This year’s fall address, delivered to the campus community from the atrium of Talley Student Union, was his last.

Woodson began by talking about his own dreams and ambitions, and how they were shaped by the people in his life. And he reflected on the power of a public university like NC State to help others achieve their dreams as part of an tight-knit community.

“People come to NC State to further dreams and to find people who share them,” Woodson said. “We need those other people. We need their expertise and wisdom. We need their friendship. Sometimes, in the hard moments, we need their help.”

He added, “I’ve come to understand that NC State University is a dream we all share.”

Woodson then recapped the highlights from another year at NC State — including student and faculty accolades, research and partnership success, athletics triumphs and the university’s highest-ever position in the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings. The speech also celebrated the growth and transformation Woodson has witnessed across campus since he first came to NC State in April 2010.

“This place is special,” Woodson concluded. “Its mission and people are special. Wolfpack, thank you for letting me be a part of your dreams.”

Before he could leave the stage, the chancellor was interrupted by Peter Hans, president of the University of North Carolina System, who awarded him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor given by the state of North Carolina.

Wolfpack, thank you for letting me be a part of your dreams.