Chancellor Randy Woodson received the Leadership Award at the 2023 Association of University Research Parks International Conference for his vision, guidance and leadership in the development of Centennial Campus.
The AURP Leadership Award honors transformative leaders who have led the creation, development and regional impact of research parks, science parks and innovation districts.
“The Leadership Award is a leader within the community, the university or government that has really supported the research institution, and Chancellor Woodson has been a huge advocate for Centennial Campus,” said Vickie Palmer, CEO of Association of University Research Parks.
The AURP Leadership Award recognized Woodson’s support for Centennial Campus through its economic growth and expanding presence. In 2018, NC State marked a significant milestone by becoming the first university in North America to establish an IBM Quantum Computing Hub with top Fortune 500 companies aimed to advance quantum computing globally.
In addition to quantum computing companies, several other notable businesses have established a presence on Centennial Campus under Woodson’s leadership, including Hanesbrands Inc., Bayer Crop Science, LexisNexis, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and North Carolina Virtual Public Schools.
Centennial Campus is also home to the College of Engineering, the College of Textiles and France’s international business school, SKEMA, meaning Centennial Campus is equipped to serve both students and businesses.
“Most research parks at [other] universities are just for companies and not for the university,” Woodson said. “So what’s unique about Centennial Campus is it’s both a university campus and a research park all rolled into one.”
In addition to providing resources to NC State students, Woodson said the award reflects work done on Centennial Campus to promote economic development for the state of North Carolina.
“For me, it’s just validating the critical role we play as a university for keeping the economy of North Carolina moving forward,” Woodson said.
Palmer said she considered Woodson among an esteemed group that has received this award in the past, including the mayor of Sacramento, government leaders, senators and congressional representatives.
“It was really an honor to have Chancellor Woodson attend our award ceremony,” Palmer said. “Him attending and traveling to Delaware for the acceptance of that award proved his connection with the community and leadership of his organization that he felt was important to be there for.”
Established in 1986 as a nonprofit organization, AURP has grown to serve over 700 leaders in research parks and innovation districts with NC State University being a member since 1994. The organization actively supports technological evolution and economic growth via cross-sector partnerships.
Hosted by the University of Delaware this year, AURP’s annual conference unites diverse leaders and innovators to explore emerging trends, share best practices and evolve innovation ecosystems.
Through this award, Woodson said companies will begin viewing NC State University differently and paying closer attention to its activities. He hopes for this change in perception to create additional job opportunities for graduates.
“Awards are something you put on the shelf, but others around the country pay attention to it, and I think it just shines a spotlight on the University nationally or reputational opportunities for NC State,” Woodson said.
