Chancellor Woodson Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Chancellor Randy Woodson has received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest state honor in recognition of leaders who have made significant contributions to North Carolina and their communities. On Oct. 30 at Woodson’s final annual fall address as chancellor of NC State, UNC System President Peter Hans presented him with the award, which is conferred by the Governor of North Carolina.

“During his nearly 15-year tenure leading the UNC System’s largest university, Chancellor Woodson has propelled NC State to remarkable heights,” said President Hans. “His commitment to advancing North Carolina has made him a valued colleague and one of the state’s most effective leaders.” 

Woodson, who has announced his plans to retire on June 30, 2025, will leave a lasting legacy marked by impact. Under his leadership, NC State has made significant advancements in academic achievement, research and innovation, public-private partnerships, economic development and overall reputation, among others. 

During his remarks at the fall address, Chancellor Woodson reflected on the university’s collective success — and thanked the NC State community for an extraordinary 14+ years together. “This place is really special — it’s mission, the people. Wolfpack, I’m so grateful to have been your chancellor. Thank you, and Go Pack!”

Statewide leaders applauded Woodson for his contributions: 

While at the helm of NC State, Woodson has also invested in the broader community through service with the Centennial Authority, Dix Park Conservancy, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Cooperating Raleigh Colleges, the Research Triangle Foundation, the Institute for Emerging Issues, and more. Additional service and recognition highlights include:

• National Leadership Award, Association of University Research Parks (AURP) 
• Chief Executive Leadership Award — Southeast Region, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) 
• CEO of the Year, Triangle Business Journal
• Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in North Carolina, Business NC 
• Beacon Award for Outstanding Achievement, NC TECH
• Executive Committee, U.S. Council on Competitiveness
• Chair, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)
• Outstanding Researcher Career Award, American Society for Horticultural Science 
• B.Y. Morrison Memorial Award, United States Department of Agriculture

Since becoming the university’s 14th chancellor in 2010, NC State has transformed into one of the nation’s preeminent public research institutions. Chancellor Woodson’s dedication to advancing North Carolina through his service to the NC State community will leave a lasting impact of innovation and success. 

This post was originally published in Partnership Portal.