Gift to the Pappas Real Estate Development Program Links Two Industry Leaders

When Peter A. Pappas ’83 talks about his real estate career, he begins his story with one person: Howard “Smoky” Bissell. 

“I had the privilege of joining Smoky’s team at The Bissell Companies in 1984. Smoky worked closely with his young associates, ensuring we understood the fundamental principles of real estate development. Smoky’s mentorship was an incredible influence on my own career, and I carry the lessons he shared with me to this day,” Pappas said. 

Those lessons — which became the foundation for professional success — motivated Pappas to create the Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program at NC State to educate the next generation -. The program is designed to mirror the industry education Pappas received through Bissell’s mentorship, ensuring students leave with the diverse skill set needed to plan, build and design the North Carolina of the future.

Now, a $1 million gift from Bissell and his wife Margaret to endow and name the Howard C. and Margaret G. Bissell Director within the Pappas Real Estate Development Program will support the program’s growth, bringing the relationship full circle.

“I am so appreciative of the extraordinary generosity of Smoky and Margaret Bissell in supporting the Pappas Real Estate Development Program. Smoky Bissell has been an iconic leader in Charlotte real estate for more than six decades, and his positive impact and philanthropy is felt across the city,” Pappas said. 

“Their financial contribution will strengthen our program’s ability to prepare the next generation of real estate leaders. Thanks to their commitment, our students will be better equipped to not only build successful careers but also to improve their cities and communities.”

The Bissell Directorship provides critical, flexible resources for the Pappas Real Estate Development Program’s leader — who serves as its public face and champion — to recruit top talent, engage in meaningful outreach and respond to new priorities and challenges as they arise. 

“The endowed Bissell Directorship reflects the kind of visionary leadership that fuels NC State’s strength. It positions us to attract exceptional faculty, foster deep industry partnerships and build an interdisciplinary model for real estate education — one that leverages the strengths of multiple colleges across the university to meet the demands of a growing and evolving state,” said Helen Chen, senior vice provost for instructional programs.

The new position also links two leading names in North Carolina real estate.

“Peter Pappas has set the standard in the real estate community for stepping up to invest in future generations. The Pappas Real Estate Development Program represents what our industry — and what our state — truly needs. His commitment to educating tomorrow’s real estate development leaders is a commitment to our communities,” Bissell said. “A healthy real estate industry depends on thriving communities, and Peter is helping train a new generation of leaders who will bring that perspective to North Carolina’s growth and development. I am proud to be a part of his vision.”

Bissell began his real estate career in Charlotte, North Carolina, after serving in the U.S. Navy and teaching in California. He is the founder of Bissell Companies and the visionary behind one of Charlotte’s most transformational spaces, Ballantyne Corporate Park, a 535-acre, master-planned business community. Ballantyne was recognized as International Office Park of the Year by the Building Owners and Managers Association International in 2010. 

The Bissells have developed a rich legacy of building community through physical spaces and through their commitment to education. Margaret worked at Charlotte Country Day School for more than 30 years, including 17 as head of school, and Smoky served on the Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

This community-minded perspective fits the Pappas Real Estate Development Program’s unique approach. While most similar programs at other institutions are housed within the MBA degree and focus on markets and finance, the Pappas program leverages expertise across NC State’s colleges. The holistic curriculum focuses on community design, placemaking and building to directly address North Carolina’s future growth and development challenges, preparing professionals to design and build resilient, sustainable communities. 

“The endowed Bissell Directorship brings together two well-known and highly thought-of real estate development leaders who have become synonymous with innovative and successful community development,” said Charles Flink, FASLA, the inaugural Bissell Director of the Pappas Real Estate Development Program. “Connecting the Bissell and Pappas names elevates our program throughout the state and region, ensuring we attract outstanding leadership and top students — and inspiring additional donor support.”

The Bissells’ gift caps off an exciting year of growth for the Pappas Real Estate Development Program, which was formally named by Pappas in May 2024. Numerous other NC State alumni and real estate industry leaders have invested in its long-term sustainability with additional gifts totaling $5 million. 

“This has enabled us to meet the ambitious strategic growth plan for our program. We’re enrolling more students, supporting student-centric academic offerings, growing program operations and conducting meaningful engagement,” Flink said. “Our 2025 spring semester student enrollment exceeded expectations and we now employ five adjunct faculty and course instructors.”

Courses for the Certificate in Design for Real Estate Development began in spring 2025, and the certificate is approved to launch in January. Two additional certificates — in construction and in environment — are planned for fall 2026 and 2027, respectively. These stackable graduate certificates will serve as a foundation for a planned future master’s degree program.

The program continues to find ways to help students engage with industry leaders. Thanks to donor support, in April, Flink was able to direct funds to support the student-led NC State Real Estate Club’s hosting of the first Wolfpack Exchange, an on-campus networking event for students and real estate and design industry professionals.

All of these activities — and fundraising efforts — serve the program’s long-term future, which is further strengthened with the endowed directorship. 

“We want to build upon our successful launch,” Flink said. “Endowing the position of the Pappas Program Director enables NC State to grow a best-in-class, renowned real estate development program.”

Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program Highlights

Over the last year, private support has helped the program:

• Offer six unique real estate development courses
• Expand its physical footprint with new office space on Centennial Campus
• Foster connections with industry leaders
• Hire additional staff
• Conduct four public engagement convenings through the Placemaking By Design series
• Grow its research program