Forging Our Futures

Good morning, Wolfpack,

As we head into the homestretch of Red and White Week, I am filled with an immense sense of gratitude for this place we call home. This week represents a time when we greet old friends, meet new ones and reflect on what it truly means to be a part of the Pack.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to participate in the week’s events, I encourage you to do so before our annual homecoming celebration comes to close this weekend. For faculty and staff on campus today, University Human Resources is hosting an employee celebration featuring food and games on Central Campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Yesterday, I took my oath of office and was formally installed as NC State’s 15th chancellor. As I reflect on the significance of the day, I keep coming back to what led me here. The day I decided to enroll at NC State as an undergraduate student from Shelby truly changed my life forever. Because that’s what this place does — it changes lives.

As I shared during my remarks, I see a future where NC State is the gold standard of a 21st-century land-grant university: leading with intention and curiosity and freely sharing the fruits of our labor. Because progress means nothing unless it’s shared.

Our shared vision and hope for the future hinges on our ability to unapologetically pursue groundbreaking research, to strengthen the value and return on investment of an NC State degree, and to build the financial strength that secures affordability and opportunity for generations yet to come.

To do all of this, we’ll need to be more creative, collaborative and inventive than we’ve ever been before. We’ll have challenges, but our ability to Think and Do, combined with our mission to serve the public good, will ensure we stay on the right path.

I’m thankful for all you do every day to make this place better, and I’m grateful for your support as we step into what is undoubtedly a bolder and better future.

Go Pack!

Kevin Howell
Chancellor