Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many reasons to celebrate in 2021. The division hired Doneka R. Scott, NC State’s first Black female dean, as well as Liliana Madrid, its first director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Alumni, parents, faculty and staff and others gave generously to enhance student life and essential support programs throughout the year, especially on NC State’s Day of Giving, when the division received the most gifts of any college or unit during the 24-hour period. It was also a great year for academics, with 22 students earning National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program awards and University College programs receiving recognition for innovation in the physical and virtual classroom.

Here is a more comprehensive look back at the past year in NC State’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs:

Biggest Headlines

• Doneka Scott Becomes Vice Chancellor and Dean for DASA
• Liliana Madrid Hired as DASA’s First Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Faculty and Staff Receive 2020-21 Undergraduate Academic Advising Awards
• Who’s Feeding the Pack: Meet Feed the Pack’s Community Partners in Raleigh
• Meet NC State’s 22 Graduate Research Fellowship Award Recipients, Presented by the University Fellowships Office
• Russell Wilson Addresses Spring 2021 Graduates at Carter-Finley Stadium
• #1 at Packing the Polls: NC State Achieves Highest Voter Registration in the ACC for 2020 Election
• Forging New Paths: Department of Health and Exercise Studies, Wellness and Recreation Receive GRant to Develop Trails in Lake Raleigh Woods
• NAF Program Takes Off at NC State Through TRIO Pre-College Program
• Classes of 2024, 2025 Get in-Person Convocation Ceremonies to Start New Academic Year
• Crafts Center Remembers 9/11 Victims with Art of Remembrance Event
• Fraternity and Sorority Life Presents Annual Greek Awards

Giving Back to the Pack

• Division of Academic and Student Affairs Receives Most Gifts University-Wide on Day of Giving
• Leading By Example: Justine Hollingshead Bequests $250,000 to DASA and College of Veterinary Medicine on Day of Giving
• New Scholarship Established in Honor of NC State’s First Latinx Student Body President
• Paying it Forward: Alumnus, Former RA Ryan Unger Gives $2,500 to Student Emergency Fund
• Drumming Up Support for Music Students: New Music Scholarship Endowment Honors Two Longtime Fans of NC State Marching Band
• Opportunity to Explore: Founder of Exploratory Studies Program Establishes New Need-Based Scholarship
• TRIO Continues Talent Search Program, Secures Additional Grant for 500 Pre-College Students
• Castelloe Family Foundation Establishes Endowed Fund to Support NC State Counseling Center
• An Extraordinary Gift Honors NC State’s Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students

Inspirational Stories

• Meet Our 2021 Howling Success Award Winners: Gillian Torr, Sade Proctor, Caitlyn Sosbe and Selena Harrison
• Protectors of the Pack: Recognizing Students Who Volunteered to Help Campus COVID-19 Testing Efforts
• Against the Railing: Dance Students Share Their Families’ Immigration Stories
• The Power of the Flower: Honors and Scholars Program Students Give Flowers to Classmates During Finals Week
• Showing Gratitude Through Song: NC State LIVE Puts on Special Concert for Student Health Center Workers
• Picturing Resilience: Wellness and Recreation Asks Students to Share Inspirations, Routines That Helped Them Get Through 2020
• Students Helping Students: Juntos Program Continues Assisting Families During the Pandemic
• Finding Their Voice: Music Students Form New A Capella Group Focused on Acceptance and Inclusivity 
• Commanding Respect: NC State, Air Force ROTC Alumnus Gen. Anthony Cotton Becomes First Black Man to Lead U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command

This post was originally published in DASA.