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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
Agricultural and Human Sciences

Chancellor Woodson in the Words of His Wolfpack

November 22, 2024

After 15 years at the head of NC State’s Wolfpack, Chancellor Randy Woodson will retire at the end of this academic year. It’s a momentous change for a university community that has been transformed through his service. But the man doesn’t love talking up his own achievements, so we asked the wider Wolfpack to share their memories of working, learning, celebrating and discovering alongside our third-longest-serving chancellor.

Below, you’ll read or hear from a handful of the countless students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have been moved by Woodson’s leadership — and his kindness.

Man of the People

Despite his high-profile job steering the largest university in North Carolina, Chancellor Woodson stands apart from most of his peers by being a “regular dude.” A common theme in the stories we received was his ability to brighten anyone’s day with his charm, keen sense of humor and easygoing attitude.

Chancellor Woodson speaks with a group of students in the Technician office.
Chancellor Woodson spends time speaking with students on the Technician newspaper staff.

Catey Cox, alumna: My favorite memory of the chancellor is when I was working a football game as an aide. I was making a hot dog at the buffet and Chancellor Woodson walked over to me and wanted to know how I assembled a hot dog because I “looked like I had it figured out.” I think it’s one of the greatest compliments I received during my time as a student and it’s high on my list of endorsements overall.

Thomas Stafford, retired vice chancellor, Student Affairs (and a campus icon): Soon after he arrived on campus, Randy learned that when I started a Belltower tour, I would tell the group that they were the “best looking group I had ever had on tour.” (I would say this to every group.) Randy decided to have some fun and to reinforce my line. Whenever he passed by me and my tour group, he would say, “This is the best looking tour group I’ve ever seen,” pretending that he didn’t know I had already said the same thing. You can imagine how excited they were when I told them he was the chancellor (most of the time, they already knew who he was). They couldn’t believe the chancellor said the same thing that I had said. Over the years we’ve really enjoyed this spontaneous “double team.”

Jackie Gonzalez, alumna, former student body president: My memory was during 2017 Wolfpack Welcome Week, placing hands at the mural at the freedom of expression tunnel every year to recommit ourselves to supporting the Pack. It was my first event as student body president, and I was nervous. I joked to Chancellor Woodson that he was bold for wearing a light colored dress shirt with all the paint nearby. “Don’t even think about it,” he said. Then, “Actually, what you don’t know is that the student body president gets covered in paint every year after our photo-op.” He had me for a couple of seconds. This photo (below) is him laughing at his own joke. Funny! You catch onto his humor pretty fast.

Chancellor Woodson and a student press their hands covered in paint to a mural.
Chancellor Woodson and alumna Jackie Gonzalez add their hand prints to the Respect the Pack mural while Gonzalez was serving as student body president.

Justine Hollingshead, assistant vice chancellor, Division of Academic and Student Affairs: It’s just kind of cool to see how people gravitate to him and want to interact, they want their photo with him. Whether it’s at move-in day or commencement, they just want their selfie and their photo with him, and he’s always gracious about doing that. And I’m sure for him, he could be having the worst possible day to be the leader of our university — the CEO of NC State — and the last thing you want to do is take a picture with a random person, but yet he does it and does it all the time. I’m always appreciative of that.

An assortment of red ties
A selection of Chancellor Woodson’s red ties, which he shared with Sylvia Adcock to be photographed for an issue of NC State Magazine.

Charles Maimone, executive vice chancellor, Office of Finance and Administration: Chancellor Woodson ensures thousands of our employees know that their time, efforts and expertise are valued and appreciated — from the top. Regardless of his schedule, Chancellor Woodson prioritizes attending our employee recognition events honoring hundreds of dedicated housekeepers, groundskeepers, dining staff, police officers and so forth — taking the time to personally and directly thank our employees for their efforts and dedication to NC State.

He has handed out lunches at our employee appreciation events, he leads our annual Awards for Excellence employee recognition ceremony, he’s the keynote speaker at our service milestone breakfasts, he opens his family home to all NC State employees in December for a festive holiday celebration and he walks campus, taking the time to stop and thank employees who he meets along the way. It means a great deal to all ranks of our employees when our Chancellor takes the time to stop and thank us for our work and commitment to NC State. Chancellor Woodson’s enthusiasm for NC State is contagious and his consistent support of our university employees makes NC State a great place to work.

Chancellor Woodson speaks with NASA astronaut Christina Koch on stage in Stewart Theatre.
Chancellor Woodson interviews NASA astronaut and NC State alumna Christina Koch during a live Red Chair Chats episode that took place as part of his annual fall address in 2023.
Chancellor Woodson carries boxes with a student and parent during move-in.
Chancellor Woodson helps students move in to their residence halls during Wolfpack Welcome Week.
Chancellor Woodson visits an engineering lab and is shown something by a researcher.
A faculty researcher shows his work to Chancellor Woodson.

Stafford: Another special moment for me was his presentation of a large and beautiful Belltower plaque on the occasion of my tour number 1,000. Randy has always let me know how much he appreciates my doing the tours. I appreciate his friendship and the extraordinary leadership he has given to NC State.

Justin Egresitz, alumnus: At graduation, Chancellor Woodson processed toward the stage near me and noticed we had similar robes. He pointed to me and his robes and said, “Lookin’ good!” and we shared a laugh. When I came to the stage to shake his hand and receive my cover, he said, “Well, here we are,” and I replied, “Just a couple of great lookin’ dudes!” and we shared a laugh as we took the photo.

A Graduation Memory

Josh McKenney ’15

A still image of alum Josh McKenney taken from his Chancellor Woodson story video.Play Video

A Gift for Connection

Chancellor Woodson brings people together. He remembers small details about their lives. And he almost always stops for a selfie. Over and over, we heard how easy he is to approach, how available for questions — and how curious he has been about our community’s insights and personal experiences.

Chancellor Woodson high fives students as he makes his way to the stage during commencement.

Charlie Melvin, alumnus: On more than one occasion, I sent an email to the chancellor about something that I found to be important. He replied and replied quickly. One of these emails was sent at an embarrassing late time of night. He replied within minutes. I was not an important figure, or even a great student, but he took time out of his evening to reply. I will always remember that.

Carme Williams, alumna: On my first homecoming back since graduation (20 years ago), I had my great niece in the chancellor’s suite and Chancellor Woodson took the time to talk with her. She was in her cheerleading outfit and he teased her about not being on the football field with the student cheerleaders. She was so tickled, she said, ‘Auntie C, he thought I was a real cheerleader!’ She told her grandmother and me the story at least 10 times since. The smile that he put on her face is one I will always remember!

Kaitlyn Khachadoorian, alumna: Freshman year, I was so excited to get a photo with the chancellor when he passed by in Talley while my best friend and I were studying for finals!

Chancellor Woodson poses for a photo with two students.

Flash forward to senior year and I was Ms. Wuf and it felt so full-circle to get a photo with the chancellor in Carter-Finley during a lively night game.

Chancellor Woodson poses for a photo with Ms. Wuf.

I was also a University Ambassador, and ran into the chancellor while leading one of my Friday morning tour groups. I took the opportunity to ask for his pin and share the special tradition with my tour group! I wore it proudly at graduation, when I served as the commencement speaker for the College of Engineering materials science department graduation!

From day one to graduation, I am so grateful for these special memories with the chancellor and how he takes the opportunity to always form genuine connections with students!

Victoria Gallagher, professor, Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences: During 2020, I had the great honor of being recognized for my contributions to NC State with the Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal of Excellence. Of course, this was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and there were no graduations or ceremonies being held in person. One day, shortly after receiving the notification of this honor via email, I was driving my car between main and Centennial Campus and the chancellor pulled up next to me in his SUV. He happened to look over, saw me, rolled down his window (as did I) and shouted, “You are a big deal around here!” Of course, I was delighted in every way; first that my chancellor recognized me and second that he took a moment to share personal congratulations even during a time of great upheaval.

Grant Gibson, alumnus, former Pack football player: My best memory was sitting down in Chancellor Woodson’s office after our 2020 football season, where I had the opportunity to give him a game ball. That was truly a special moment, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat with him in an informal setting. My parents also had the opportunity to meet him during the 2021 homecoming week, during the “Leader of the Pack” ceremony. They raved about him as a leader and a human!

Becky Kirkland, photographer, University Communications and Marketing: One year, I was photographing the end of the Packapalooza ceremonies — we always try to document what’s happening on the stage from the crowd’s perspective and what the crowd looks like with the Belltower glowing in the background. At the conclusion of the music, a group of students approached me and asked if we could do a group photo. They were waving at one of the American Aquarium band members. They wanted him to join them for the photo — or so I thought. But once he arrived, they asked him if he could go back onto the stage to retrieve Chancellor Woodson. It was Chancellor Randy Woodson, rock star, they wanted to include in their photo.

Justine Hollingshead: Chancellor Woodson has been on stage with almost every headliner for Packapalooza. I think that speaks to him being able to show that human piece of who he is and that, as the leader of this university, he’s not just this suit-and-tie guy that sits behind a desk making decisions in the ivory tower. He’s a human being, and he has interests, and is a musician, and is involved in the community and is willing to — probably — go outside of his comfort zone and get up on stage and play.

Read more musical memories from our Wolfpack:

Samantha Linnell, alumna: I have always loved seeing Chancellor Woodson play guitar at Packapalooza every year. It is a reminder that he truly connects with the students at the university.

Latoya Giles, NC State employee, university program specialist, Wilson College of Textiles: Stepping back from the daily grind of work is essential to truly live. My fondest memory of Chancellor Woodson is when he joined Scotty McCreery on stage for Packapalooza 2013.

Chris White ’14: As a music lover, it’s always cool to see Chancellor Woodson up on stage rocking out during Packapalooza! I’m also forever indebted to him for choosing Wolf Tracks as a flavor of Howling Cow Ice Cream. I always have to get a scoop (or milkshake) when I’m on campus or at the Dairy Education Center.

Bob Witchger, NC State employee, associate creative director, University Communications and Marketing

Kenneth Garrard (BS ‘79, MS ‘83), retired senior research associate: In 2016, Chancellor Woodson visited the Precision Engineering Center to chat about a pair of telescopes we had just completed and delivered to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. I had filled the white boards in our conference area with drawings and equations demonstrating the optical design and mathematics behind our solution to NASA’s problem. Only myself and a new undergraduate student [named Wally] were there when he arrived. After greetings, he asked to see our project. Of course, the telescopes we built had been delivered, so only the white boards and the lab equipment were relevant. Instead of explaining the project myself, I surprised Wally by asking him to give the chancellor a five-minute overview. Wally did a great job and was impressed by his attentiveness and appreciation.

Chancellor Woodson signs a student's skateboard.
Chancellor Woodson autographs a student’s skateboard.

Krishna Patel, current student: I had the honor of sitting down with Chancellor Randy Woodson to present the 2023 Agromeck! It was an incredible opportunity to share my staff’s hard work and dedication to creating the final product throughout the previous school year. During our meeting, Chancellor Woodson expressed appreciation for the time and dedication that each Agromeck staff member puts in year after year — I loved seeing the pile of yearbooks in his office! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with the Chancellor as this will be a fond memory to reflect on after I graduate in May — alongside the chancellor!

A Living Legacy on Campus

The story of Chancellor Woodson’s tenure isn’t just about everything he’s done while at NC State; it’s about the legacy he leaves for generations to come. He and his wife, Susan, have made an indelible impact on our campus: privately funding scholarships and study abroad, helping to steward a $2.1-billion fundraising campaign, driving the creation of public art on Centennial Campus — and so much more.

Chancellor Woodson, his wife Susan and granddaughters, receive NC State jerseys on the field during a football game
Surrounded by his family, Chancellor Woodson and his wife, Susan, receive honorary NC State football jerseys on the field at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Charles Maimone: I’ve seen, first-hand, Chancellor Woodson’s willingness to meet with anyone, anywhere in support of NC State — from joining state leaders working to bring Apple, Google, FUJIFILM Diosynth and other major businesses to North Carolina; to celebrating major accomplishments by our faculty and students — even connecting with NASA astronaut and three-time NC State alumna Christina Koch via a live feed from the International Space Station — to setting aside time to mentor students, including recent alums returning to campus just to connect. Chancellor Woodson’s support of the NC State community never wavers. He believes in the capabilities of our students, faculty and staff and their potential to Think and Do the extraordinary. He lives this mantra and instills it in all of us.

Chase Pfendler ‘15, chemical engineering, polymer and color chemistry: I always thought there were two kinds of people — those who take their grocery shopping carts back to the corral, and those who do not. I found out there are actually three kinds of people: 

Once, while shopping at the Harris Teeter in [the Village District], I  saw Chancellor Randy Woodson bringing two extra shopping carts that others had stranded in the parking lot all the way back inside the store. I smiled and waved, and he returned in kind. It may seem like such a little thing, but it told me all I need to know about Chancellor Woodson’s character. There is always an opportunity to serve and do the right thing; even when you think nobody is watching.

Olivia Simmons, current student: One of my first memories from NC State was during my first week of my freshman year. I was driving two of my friends to an event at the Park Alumni Center, and we got super turned around, and somehow ended up at the Point. I remember being so embarrassed and frazzled, trying my best to quickly turn around the car to try to get to the right place. But when my friends and I looked back at the building, I remember seeing Chancellor Woodson laughing, waving at us! It was such a nice feeling knowing that the chancellor of our school was so kind and welcoming, and it made NC State feel even more like home!

Jackie Gonzalez: I, like many others, am a witness to the steadfast support Chancellor Woodson has for NC State, its students, staff, faculty and community. In an ever-changing environment, both Mrs. and Chancellor Woodson have led with joy and grace. NC State is better because of them.

Sam Gunnells, marketing writer, University Communications and Marketing: The Centennial Campus Public Art Committee, which Susan Woodson helped establish, commissioned acclaimed installation artist Larry Bell to design one of his signature large-scale glass pieces for display at Centennial. The sculpture, called Reds and Whites after the colors of its component parts, was conceived as the centerpiece of a new gathering space to be built outside the Hunt Library.

Reds and Whites was unveiled in spring 2024, and its plaza was dedicated as the Susan Woodson Plaza, in honor of Susan’s vision and hard work. The continuing efforts of the Centennial Campus Public Art Committee are a testament to the enduring and aspirational legacy the Woodsons leave at NC State.

Chancellor Woodson and artist Larry Bell talk inside Hunt Library
Chancellor Woodson chats with artist Larry Bell who created the Reds and Whites sculpture on Centennial Campus.
Chancellor Woodson takes a selfie with a group of students, all wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chancellor poses for a photo with a group of students after our return to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chancellor Woodson reads a script in a binder while wearing his commencement robes.
Chancellor Woodson reviews his planned remarks ahead of commencement.

Patrick Smith, editor of the Bulletin, University Communications and Marketing: I’ve witnessed countless impromptu interactions between Chancellor Woodson and NC State students. I’ve seen him cut up with his Chancellor’s Aides at formal events, show off his guitar skills on stage at Packapalooza, paint the Free Expression Tunnel during the annual Respect the Pack event, and even give a student the NC State lapel pin off his jacket right before going on stage for his big New Student Convocation speech.

On the flip side, I have also seen him tackle very serious issues, like leading the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and a mental health crisis. He’s also helped transform NC State into one of the largest research institutions in the world and a place that students — and faculty and staff — are proud to be a part of.

Even though I have had very few one-on-one conversations with Chancellor Woodson, I have seen enough to know that I greatly admire his leadership style and him as a person. He is truly one of a kind, and he has forever changed NC State for the better.

Chancellor Woodson chats with mascots Ms. and Mr. Wuf.

Chancellor Randy Woodson has announced he will retire on June 30, 2025. This article is part of a yearlong effort to honor the chancellor’s 15 years of service and to recognize the university’s extraordinary achievements under his leadership. Learn more and join the celebration at https://transformation.ncsu.edu/. 

This post was originally published in NC State News.