Friday was a momentous day for the University as the Board of Governors, the governing body of the UNC System, announced Randy Woodson as the next chancellor. A reception at the Park Alumni Center on Centennial Campus followed the announcement, where University and local figures turned out to welcome Woodson.
“I cannot wait to be part of the Wolfpack family and hope to be part of N.C. State for a long time,” Woodson said. “My commitment to N.C. State is to use leadership to make the University world class, to enhance our reputation and the impact that N.C. State has on the state of North Carolina; to learn the institution, traditions and culture in a reasonable and thoughtful way.”
He also said he was impressed with the job interim Chancellor Jim Woodward has done since former Chancelllor James Oblinger resigned under fire concerning his involvement with the Mary Easley hiring.
Woodson said the University can count on his mind being focused on N.C. State and that he and his family were grateful to be part of the Wolfpack nation.
Many that attended the reception were also glad he is now part of the Wolfpack family.
Woodward said he is extremely pleased with the BOG’s pick and thinks Woodson is a perfect match for N.C. State.
“Randy Woodson is a genuinely nice person, he has a lovely family and I believe the students will love him,” he said. “He will provide educational opportunities for the students and overall, I am very pleased.”
Stephanie Hlavin, director of Creative Services, said she is optimistic of the University’s future with Woodson.
“He seems very rigorous and the University is ready for some stability. He appears to be a great follow-up to Woodward.”
She also said Woodson will need to assure the University he’s here to stay more than anything else.
“He needs to start locally and get to know the University with a clear perspective. What the University really needs is for him to be up front and let us know his plans and thoughts and to reassure everyone that he is here to stay,” she said.
College of Design Dean Marvin Malecha said Woodson’s coming from Purdue, another land grant school, is a good sign he’ll understand what’s important to NCSU.
“Since Woodson is coming from a land grant school, it will greatly benefit ours; he will already have knowledge of how our faculty works. He seems to have the right mindset and is very optimistic about coming to our University,” he said. “I look forward to working with him.”
PAMS Dean Daniel Solomon said he believes there is no one else more qualified for the job than Woodson.
“There is no college more like Purdue, without a medical school, than N.C. State. He’s a good match and there is no one else to fill the job coming from a school that similar to ours,” Solomon said.
According to Bob Kennel, a University alumnus, Woodson not only wants to enhance academics and redeem the University’s honor, he also wants to restore our athletic department to the championship level.
“Woodson is well aware of N.C. State’s athletic history and wants to take us back to the championship level,” Kennel said. “After Purdue’s 14-0 record in basketball, I believe he might be able to help us.”
Woodson will officially begin his reign as the University’s 14th chancellor sometime before May 1 and said he would be back on campus many times before he begins work.
Woodson said the students can be assured he will establish a relationship with the student body.
“I am going to get to know you, and you are going to get to know me,” he said.
