On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Krista Walton to talk about how her office furthers NC State’s extraordinary work.

As a proud land-grant university, NC State is dedicated to realizing its “Think and Do” motto for the benefit of people all across North Carolina and beyond. According to the National Science Foundation’s most recently available Higher Education Research and Development Survey data (published in 2024), NC State is well on its way, ranking 6th in the U.S. for research expenditures for universities without a medical school.

The Office of Research and Innovation is critical to that work, ensuring that NC State students, faculty and staff can reach even greater heights by partnering with government agencies, industry and others.

While much of NC State’s research efforts involve federal grants, private support from Wolfpack donors still plays a key role in that mission. From distinguished professorships to new lab spaces and more, there are many ways to support the university as it conducts cutting-edge research.

And “research” doesn’t just involve the STEM fields. From design to the humanities and beyond, scholarly work impacts every college and program on our campus. Just as there is a place for everyone in the Wolfpack, there are also opportunities for everyone to engage with NC State in ways that they are passionate about.

Walton noted that graduate student support is particularly critical to NC State’s continuing success. Federal funding often requires NC State to cover some expenses while the grants are beginning; in the meantime, master’s and Ph.D. students have to find ways to bridge that year-or-so gap. Philanthropy shines in this respect through fellowships and other methods that help these talented and hardworking individuals learn and grow — in their classwork as well as the lab — without financial constraints.

Walton shared several examples of the importance of grad students’ work, including Verdia Diagnostics, which was co-founded by Zach Hetzler, Ph.D. This innovative startup developed low-cost sensors that can detect plant disease before symptoms are visible — a major development resulting from NC State’s Plant Sciences Initiative. She also noted Ceretune LLC, which was started by Reid Barnett. The Ph.D. student in fiber and polymer science in the Wilson College of Textiles developed a patent-pending, floating textile bio-scaffold that can remove nitrogen, phosphorus and other pollutants from our waterways. The harvested material can then be turned into fertilizer for a truly win-win scenario.

To learn more about how you can support NC State’s research efforts, visit research.ncsu.edu — and especially research.ncsu.edu/research-works, which offers a comprehensive look at how our work benefits many different kinds of industries and fields.

Be sure to check out the giving.ncsu.edu homepage as well for links to more information on what areas of support can you contribute to, how you can go about it, which development officers can provide you with more information and how private support has already made a lasting difference at NC State.

Transcript available here: https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/09/6.3-Krista-Walton-podcast-transcript.docx

On the Season 6 premiere of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Julia Law, director of NC State’s Study Abroad Office, to learn about the wide-ranging benefits that come from studying outside the United States — and how donors can help make those opportunities possible.

Studying abroad opens doors for NC State students to develop skills, explore cultures and learn languages as part of their overall Wolfpack experience. By working with students through personal advising, as well as the annual Study Abroad Fair, Law and her colleagues help the students determine where in the world they could best learn and grow based on their majors, interests and, yes, dream destinations — all with their safety and well-being in mind. Private support, including scholarships, helps students participate in a wide range of places and programs.

To learn more about NC State’s study abroad efforts and how you can help support them, visit studyabroad.ncsu.edu/facts-figures. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, please subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Podbean. Be sure to leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.

Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack!

Transcript available at news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/08/6.1-Julia-Law-Study-Abroad.docx.

On the Season 5 finale of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Lyndenise Berdecía Rivera, chair of NC State Alumni’s board of directors, to talk about her experiences with the university and why she chooses to give back.

Berdecía Rivera graduated from the Poole College of Management in 2006 and has gone on to become a consultant and digital analyst in higher education. Of all the universities she’s worked with over the years, there’s one particularly near and dear to her heart. That’s why she has chosen to give of her time, talents and even treasure in support of NC State — especially its Latinx community.

Learn how Berdecía Rivera re-engaged with her alma mater and what she’s doing now to help others find their place as students, alumni and friends of the Wolfpack.

Transcript: https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/5.8-Lyndenise-Berdecia-Rivera.docx.

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Chuck Flink, director of the university’s Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program, to talk about his decades-long relationship with NC State as a student, faculty member, volunteer and donor.

Flink is a two-time alumnus of NC State’s College of Design, where he’s currently a professor of the practice in landscape architecture and environmental planning. He is also an award-winning author, landscape architect and planner whose work has benefited communities around the world.

Together with his wife, Marjorie, Flink is a dedicated NC State supporter. In recognition of his contributions, Flink was selected as a 2019 Watauga Medalist, a 2006 Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Design and one of the original 50 recipients of the college’s Wings on Wings award.

Flink played a key role in securing funding for the university’s real estate development program, which was made possible in large part by the generosity of his friend, Peter Pappas, who is a College of Design alumnus as well.

To learn more about the Pappas Real Estate Development Program and how you can support it — especially on Day of Giving 2026 — visit go.ncsu.edu/designpod. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Podbean. Please leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.

Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack!

Transcript available at https://news.giving.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/Transcript-5.7-Chuck-Flink.pdf.

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Hyemi Sevening, assistant dean of philanthropy for the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), to learn how donors can partner in its life-changing work.

CVM is an invaluable component of NC State’s land-grant efforts, enabling the university to benefit animals — and people — across North Carolina and beyond. From training tomorrow’s veterinarians and ensuring the state’s food supply is safe to helping heal a beloved pet and much more, the college stands at the forefront of making the world a healthier and happier place through applied science.

Medicine at CVM extends far beyond emergency care for cuts or broken bones, though. Oncology, cardiology, neurology and other specialized departments diagnose and treat all kinds of ailments in all kinds of animals. Much of the research taking place within the college’s cutting-edge facilities also holds implications for human health.

As the only veterinary college in North Carolina, CVM provides an extraordinary philanthropic opportunity. Donors can benefit CVM’s students, faculty and staff through scholarships, professorships and programmatic support, as well as directly impact clients and patients of the college’s veterinary hospital by helping cover the costs of medical care. Whatever your veterinary passions, there’s a way to make your mark by giving to CVM.

Visit cvm.ncsu.edu to learn more about the College of Veterinary Medicine, and click here to learn how you can support its work on Day of Giving 2026.

If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Podbean. Please leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.

Transcript available here.

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Courtney Hughes, director of the University Fellowships Office, to discuss how it helps NC State students and alumni further their educations.

Nationally and internationally administered fellowships play an instrumental role in how Pack members Think and Do. Hughes and her office are committed to helping every applicant find the right fit for their career plans and apply successfully. These awards can also provide a major visibility boost to the university as a whole, elevating the value of an NC State education in the eyes of the public.

Listen to learn more about how they aid undergraduate and graduate students, and even alumni, in the search for invaluable academic funding.

Transcript available here.

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Kerri Fowler, executive director of Parents and Families Services, to learn how her team helps strengthen and support the Wolfpack community.

Parents and Families Services does far more than welcome the members of each new student’s personal Pack to campus during orientation, although that is an important part of its work. Throughout a student’s academic career, the office’s staff seeks to ensure that family members and other key supporters have the information needed to help empower their students academically and beyond.

From universitywide activities such as the annual Parents and Families Weekend to special “cheer kits” created for students who remain on campus during winter break, Fowler and her team work hard to ensure everyone finds their place in the Wolfpack. There are plenty of opportunities for supporters to contribute as well, including numerous volunteer openings. The upcoming Spring Fling, scheduled for March 6-8, 2026, is one of them.

To learn more about Parents and Families Services, visit parents.ncsu.edu. If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today. Please leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.

Thanks for listening, and as always, go Pack!

Transcript available here.

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we‘re joined by Debbie Acker, director of the Shelton Leadership Center, to discuss its history and invaluable work.

The Shelton Leadership Center was founded in 2002 by Gen. H. Hugh Shelton following his retirement as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A native North Carolinian and an NC State alumnus, Shelton chose to support his alma mater by helping it train and empower the next generation of Wolfpack alumni. A scholarship led to an initiative that ultimately become the center, with its mission to “inspire, educate and develop values-based leaders committed to personal integrity, professional ethics and selfless service.”

The Shelton Leadership Center is preparing to host its 24th annual Shelton Leadership Forum this Thursday, Oct. 23. The virtual event is free, with registration available until 8 a.m. that morning. The forum will begin at 9 a.m. and runs through 12:45 p.m.

To learn more about the Shelton Leadership Center, visit, go.ncsu.edu/sheltonpodcast. To register for the Shelton Leadership Forum, visit go.ncsu.edu/slcforum.

If you’d like to hear even more stories of Wolfpack success, subscribe to the NC State Philanthropy Podcast today via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Podbean. Please leave a comment and rating as well to let us know how we’re doing.

Transcript available here.

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Eva Feucht, director of the Park Scholarships program, to discuss its application process, as well as how supportive Pack members make the selection committee possible.

We previously discussed Park’s history and how private support started, and continues, its extraordinary work. Now, we delve into how the program’s leaders, through the Park Selection Committee, select which of its thousands of applicants each year are awarded these prestigious scholarships.

If the last 30 years are any indication, the committee is doing a wonderful job. The program has fielded some of NC State’s most talented and hardworking alumni who have gone on to truly impact the world. Many of the Park Selection Committee members are also alumni who volunteer their time and effort to help choose the next class of Park Scholars.

To learn more about the Park Scholarships program and how you can help its members Think and Do, visit park.ncsu.edu. To register for the program’s biennial sPark conference, scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2025, visit go.ncsu.edu/spark25.

Transcript available here.

On the Season 5 premiere of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Eva Feucht, director of the Park Scholarships program, to talk about its invaluable role here at NC State — and a milestone it’s celebrating this fall.

The Park Scholarships program was established in 1996 through the generosity of the Park Foundation, which was created by NC State alumnus Roy H. Park ’31. Following Park’s passing, his family established the scholarship program to commemorate his love for his alma mater and to help others succeed during their own time on campus. Feucht is one of those alumni, having graduated in 2002 as part of Park’s third class of students.

Other donors have joined the Park Foundation in supporting the scholarship program over the years, making gifts of all sizes to power its efforts. A new partnership with the Stamps Scholars program will enable even more Park Scholars to join the Wolfpack and then make a lasting impact on the world around them as NC State alumni.

To learn more about the Park Scholarships program and how you can help its members Think and Do, visit park.ncsu.edu. To register for the program’s biennial sPark conference, scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2025, visit go.ncsu.edu/spark25.

Transcript available here.