Raleigh, N.C. – NC State University and Chris DePerno, professor of fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology, are bringing Wolfpack pride to tables, tailgates and grills with the launch of NC State Slobberin’ Sauce, an officially licensed barbeque sauce created in collaboration with DePerno, founder of Dr. D’s Original Barbeque Sauce.

Launching August 20, the co-branded sauce celebrates North Carolina’s rich barbeque tradition while giving back to the university. Royalties generated through NC State’s trademark licensing program and sales of Slobberin’ Sauce will support student scholarships, helping future generations of Wolfpack students pursue their educational goals.

Dr. D’s Original Barbeque Sauce began more than 15 years ago as small backyard batches that DePerno and his family served at gatherings with friends and family. Over the years, the recipe was continuously refined into the signature sweet, smoky, tangy and peppery sauce it is today. 

Inspired by the state’s two iconic barbeque traditions, Slobberin’ Sauce bridges the North Carolina barbeque sauce gap by combining Western N.C.’s tomato-based boldness and Eastern N.C.’s vinegar-based flavors into one recipe designed to appeal to barbeque fans across North Carolina. The result is a sauce that symbolizes bringing the state together, one bottle at a time.

“From the very beginning, Dr. D’s Original Barbeque Sauce has extended beyond making great barbeque sauce. The goal has always been to give back to the communities that have supported us and to invest in the next generation – and thanks to this partnership with NC State, Slobberin’ Sauce will do just that,” said DePerno. 

“NC State is pleased to partner with Chris DePerno and Dr. D’s Original Barbeque Sauce to bring Slobberin’ Sauce to Wolfpack fans,” said Chris Boyer, assistant vice chancellor for strategic brand management. “This collaboration reflects our Pack’s appetite for one of our state’s favorite foods while creating a new opportunity to support students through scholarship funding.”

Slobberin’ Sauce is expected to officially launch August 20, with a featured promotional presence during Packapalooza on Aug. 22. The sauce will be available on the Slobberin’ Sauce website, and through Dr. D’s established retail and direct-to-consumer channels. 

DePerno has served on NC State’s faculty for more than 22 years, teaching wildlife management and conservation in the College of Natural Resources. His entrepreneurial journey as the founder of Dr. D’s Original Barbeque Sauce reflects the university’s Think and Do spirit by combining academic excellence, innovation and a passion for serving others.