NC State history

Lou Holtz visits with his former players during a visit to NC State in 2023.

Mar 5, 2026

Holtz’s Happiest Days Were at NC State

Former NC State football coach Lou Holtz, who led the Wolfpack to four consecutive bowl games and a 33-12-3 record in four years, died on Wednesday at the age of 89.

A plaque near the Memorial Belltower honors Richard Stanhope Pullen for donating the land that NC State University stands on today.

Mar 4, 2026

Pullen’s Planted Seed Continues To Grow

In celebration of March 7, the anniversary of NC State University's founding, and the upcoming Day of Giving on March 25, we celebrate Richard Stanhope Pullen, the institution’s first benefactor.

Oct 29, 2025

Ghostly Hill

Spring Hill House, one of NC State’s oldest structures, also has some of the most paranormal experiences. This Halloween, learn about the spirits that lurk on campus.

Students in graduation regalia look toward the stage at commencement

Oct 22, 2025

The Story Behind the Regalia

Learn how medieval-era items like maces, hoods and more lend symbolic weight to formal academic ceremonies — including Chancellor Kevin Howell’s upcoming installation.

Aerial view of NC State's campus in the early 1900s

Aug 13, 2025

Modern Languages and Modern Flight

NC State hired its first foreign languages professor in 1907. Abraham Rudy was quite a doozy as both a teacher and an inventor, and he’s our latest featured Campus Character.

A man in a hard hat works to detach the old wheel from Yates Mill as it is prepped for replacement.

Jul 16, 2025

Wheel of Yates Mill Stops Turning — For Now

The water wheel at historic Yates Mill, the oldest structure on NC State’s campus, is being rebuilt. A new wheel is slated to be installed in the fall.

Jimmy Carter speaks at the Emerging Issues Forum at NC State in 1991.

Jan 8, 2025

Carter’s Global Vision From NC State’s Campus

Former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 in December, was the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Emerging Issues Forum on Feb. 14, 1991, his only appearance at NC State.

The NC Symphony Orchestra performing at Reynolds Coliseum in 1980.

Nov 13, 2024

High-Class Entertainment With Friends

For 34 seasons, NC State’s groundbreaking Friends of the College series brought international performances to Reynolds Coliseum.

The outside of Reynolds Coliseum lit up at night

Nov 8, 2024

Reynolds Coliseum: Entertainment Hub Through the Years

Since opening in 1949, NC State’s Reynolds Coliseum has hosted rock, country, folk, blues, rap and hip-hop performances of both up-and-coming bands and some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

A group photo of the 1974-75 NC State Women's Basketball Team

Feb 1, 2024

A Unified Pack From the Start

As the women’s basketball team celebrates its 50th season, players and coaches reflect on its history as the first women’s sport sponsored by the athletics department — and the only program to be fully integrated from its inception.

Posters from various performances at Reynolds Coliseum over the years

Nov 13, 2023

The Friends of the College Performances

With its subscription-only model, NC State’s Friends of the College concert series created demand for the arts in Raleigh and surrounding communities. Beginning with a budget of less than $10,000 — but with wide support among university and local leadership — the concert series quickly grew into the largest in the country. And here’s why: a…

Van Halen performed at Reynolds Coliseum in 1982 and 1984

Nov 8, 2023

Reynolds Coliseum Concerts Through the Years

Reynolds Coliseum was among the first places that made Raleigh a regular stop for most major entertainment acts since its opening in 1949. Below is a list of notable concerts and shows at the venue, including opening acts, ticket prices and attendance when available. Have a memory or picture of a concert at Reynolds you’d…

Tim Peeler standing on a brick path and holding a walking stick while speaking to a small crowd of people

Oct 18, 2023

Tour NC State’s Hallowed Places

Walking tours are now open for groups of up to 25 people, with faculty- and staff-specific tours scheduled during Red and White Week.

A black and white photo of the scoreboard in Carter-Finley Stadium in 1985 with a cartoon character saying Hello on the main screen

Sep 7, 2023

Settling the Score (Board)

From a slab of wood to the 11th-largest display board in college football, the Wolfpack has always found innovative ways to keep score and entertain fans.

Tom Stafford directs a crowd's attention to the Belltower from the lawn of Holladay Hall

Aug 15, 2023

A Thousand Tours… And Counting

Tom Stafford, vice chancellor for student affairs emeritus, will give his 1,000th tour of NC State’s Memorial Belltower on Aug. 29.