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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Dallas Barnes with his wife, Patty.

Oct 1, 2024

Find What You’re Called to Do

2024 CALS Distinguished Alumni Award winner Dallas Barnes reflects on 50 years in the ag and food industry. 

Juniper Level Botanic Garden

Oct 1, 2024

Conservation, Education and Beauty

When NC State alumnus Tony Avent gifted Juniper Level Botanic Garden to the JC Raulston Arboretum, he did so with the urgency of knowing his nearly 40 years of work in plant conservation needed to continue without him. With Avent quickly approaching retirement, his gift to the JC Raulston Arboretum has inspired NC State to establish an endowment with an ambitious $20 million goal that, once fully funded, will generate operational funds to maintain the 28-acre research garden and its massive plant data collection in perpetuity. 

Red lights shining around the Memorial Belltower at Henry Square

Oct 1, 2024

Catalyzing Creative Concepts to Solve Commercial Challenges

The Chancellor’s Innovation Fund (CIF) has selected six more research projects to support this year, including several led by distinguished professors. Starting in 2023, thanks to the generosity of local entrepreneur Bill Spruill, researchers selected for CIF support also gain resources and counsel from Spruill’s 2ndF Research Commercialization Fund. 

Lance Williams taking a selfie while studying abroad

Sep 18, 2024

CALS Adventures Abroad

Seven College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students, including Lance Williams, studied abroad this summer as part of the college’s numerous study abroad opportunities. Williams was able to participate after receiving travel support from the Chancellor’s Study Abroad Scholarship, the Park Enrichment Grant, the University Honors Program Experiential Grant and the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant. 

Charles McGhee at an AGI booth during a career and college fair in Surry County.

Sep 3, 2024

Carving a Future in Agribusiness

Charles McGhee’s interest in hunting and desire to raise livestock made him curious about how meat moves from farm to table, which led him to enroll in the CALS Agricultural Institute’s food animal and poultry processing classes. The food animal and poultry processing curriculum was made possible by a gift from the Golden LEAF Foundation in 2021. 

Taj Hewitt working at a table

Aug 1, 2024

Forging a Path Forward

Taj Hewitt is a junior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biological and agricultural engineering technology. Hewitt first attended Wake Technical Community College before transferring to NC State as a Goodnight Scholar. 

Chancellor Randy Woodson waves to the crowd at his installation ceremony in 2010.

Jul 22, 2024

Woodson’s Work Is His Legacy

Chancellor Randy Woodson has announced that he will retire on June 30, 2025, kicking off an era of transition for a campus that has thrived under his leadership — especially when it comes to how philanthropic support powers the university. 

Red Chair Chats infographic with Chancellor Woodson and Rodolphe Barrangou

Jul 22, 2024

The CRISPR Revolution: Chancellor Woodson Talks Science and Innovation With Professor Rodolphe Barrangou

Barrangou joins Chancellor Woodson to discuss this game-changing technology in the latest episode of Red Chair Chats. The Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at NC State University, Barrangou was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2023. 

Two men standing in a field with a machine

Jul 9, 2024

N.C. PSI Advances AI for Agriculture

With new tools and new projects, researchers with the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative will help producers use artificial intelligence for increased agricultural yields, efficiency and sustainability. 

The Memorial Belltower podcast logo.

Jun 17, 2024

Podcast: Clyde Sorenson – NC State Alumnus, Distinguished Professor and Donor

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Clyde Sorenson, an NC State alumnus, distinguished professor and donor, to discuss the impact of private support on his work and the university as a whole.