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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Three female students and three male students pose in the wolf ears in the brickyard.

Diversity and Inclusion

Fostering an environment of inclusion and equity for every member of the CALS community.

Inclusion. Equity. Respect.

The CALS Office of Diversity and Inclusion builds an environment where every student, faculty and staff member can reach his or her full potential.

See NC State’s definition of diversity and how diversity benefits everyone.

our programs

Signature Programs

Our programs focus on maintaining an inclusive, diverse environment at CALS.

Explore our programs 

Student Support

We recruit and retain well-qualified students from untapped segments of the population.

Learn how we support our students 

Faculty and Staff Support

Our programs focus on maintaining an inclusive, diverse environment for CALS faculty and staff.

Explore our programs for faculty and staff 

Partner Collaborations

Through our partnerships, we help current students from underrepresented groups succeed.

Partner with us 

Diversity Resources

Many organizations offer scholarship, research and professional development opportunities.

Read more 

Uncomfortable Conversations About Race

View the FAQ on our sessions about racism and injustice.

Read and submit a question 

Diversity is what we say. Inclusion is what we do.

Diversity is about more than just one element of a person’s identity like race, gender or ethnicity. People are members of multiple communities simultaneously and live varied layered identities. At the intersection of these identities is a unique individual that we welcome, respect and celebrate.

Our Team

Dr. Alex Graves is the director of CALS ODI, and Ms. LaTosha Bradley is the program manager.  

CALS Diversity Council

Consisting of administrators and faculty members, the council develops strategies to recruit and retain students, faculty and staff from historically underrepresented groups. 

Signature Events

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Opening Doors

Opening Doors is a three-day, overnight retreat that deepens participants’ awareness of diversity and enhances their ability to create inclusive organizations.

Learn More 

Conversations That Matter

Conversations that Matter is a bi-monthly series that enhances diversity awareness and builds cultural competencies for faculty, staff and students in CALS as well as university-wide.

Learn More 

CAALS 3-D

Creating Awareness of Agriculture and Life Sciences Disciplines, Degree Programs and Discoveries (CAALS) is a week-long summer camp targeting the most underrepresented minority groups in the CALS student population: African-American, Latinx and Native American males.

Learn More 

Support Diversity and Inclusion at CALS

Please consider making a gift to the CALS Diversity and Inclusion Fund to support our equity and inclusivity programs. Your contribution will help ensure all members of the CALS community are valued and engaged.

Make a Gift 
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cals diversity and inclusion news

More Diversity and Inclusion News
Former student with her mentor

High Degree of Influence

Nannette Smith was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from NC State in 1973. What happened before and after she earned her doctorate in plant pathology? We caught up with her to find out. 
headshot of Deidra Craig

Distance Education, Closer Connections

Deidra Craig, CALS’ distance education coordinator, is passionate about sharing knowledge through online learning programs and social media. 
Marcus McFarland with jars of preserved food

Bringing Black Culture to the Table

As the first Black male to serve as a family and consumer sciences Extension agent in Union County, Marcus McFarland is teaching people to honor their culture as they build healthy habits.