Skip to main content
CALS Employee Portal

Awards and Recognition

Celebrating Our CALS Community

In CALS, we recognize and appreciate faculty and staff for their commitment to excellence and unique contributions to our community.

Nominate a colleague for an upcoming award!

  • Spirit of the Land-Grant Mission Award

    This award recognizes individuals or teams who exemplify the CALS land-grant mission through impactful projects or programs in discovery, engagement and learning. 

    Nomination Deadline: Feb. 5, 2026 | Learn More and Submit Nomination

  • CALS Values Award

    These awards honor individuals who demonstrate one or more of the core CALS values — excellence, inclusion, integrity, sustainability, community, freedom and collaboration — in their daily work.

    Nomination Deadline: Feb. 5, 2026 | Learn More and Submit Nomination

This university-wide award recognizes outstanding non-faculty employees who have made exceptional contributions beyond their normal job responsibilities in one of the following categories: customer service, efficiency and innovation, human relations, outstanding state and government service, public service, safety and heroism, and spirit of North Carolina. Winners are first selected at the college level and then have the opportunity to be recognized at the university level. CALS is able to recognize seven awardees. 

Nomination Deadline: Jan. 21, 2026 | Learn More and Submit Nomination

More College and University Awards

Previous Award Winners

More resources

recognition toolbox

Best practices, no/low-cost ideas, and university-specific spending guidance for creating a culture of recognition and appreciation. 
paws and say thanks

A quick and easy peer-to-peer program allowing NC State employees to send thank-you cards expressing appreciation to colleagues. 
university awards and recognition webpage

Visit the University HR Awards and Recognition webpage for university faculty and staff award and recognition programs. 

In the News

copper wolf statues in a howling pose outdoors on a brick area and a blue sky in the background

Nominate a CALS Colleague for Recognition on Wellness Day

In honor of Wellness Day, CALS Dean Garey Fox and the Advisory Board for Strategic Excellence & Well-being are asking faculty and staff to take a moment to nominate a CALS colleague for an award and help build a culture of gratitude by honoring those who make a significant impact within the CALS community. 

Shine a Light on CALS’ Everyday Heroes: Award Nominations Open Now!

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is excited to announce the opening of the nomination period for four prestigious awards, including the new Spirit of the Land-Grant Mission Awards and the CALS Values Awards. 
Fireworks explode over the NC State belltower to close down Packapalooza 2022. Photo by Marc Hall

CALS Employees Celebrate Milestone Years of Service

Congratulations to all the CALS employees who recently reached new milestones in 2024 for their dedication and service to NC State University. 

Non-Faculty Awards

Copper wolves on central campus.

Pride of the WolfPack

A quarterly nomination-based program for colleges and divisions to recognize individual SHRA and EHRA non-faculty employees who exceptionally demonstrate NC State’s values.

Learn more 

Awards for Excellence

The highest University recognition given annually for notable contributions above and beyond a full-time SHRA or EHRA non-faculty employee’s normal job responsibilities, with potential for recognition at the State level.

Learn more 

Milestone Awards

Service Awards Program

An annual years-of-service recognition and appreciation of permanent SHRA and EHRA non-faculty employees at .50 FTE and above.

Learn more 

Retirement Recognitions

Commemorative gifts and certificates are available for NC State faculty and staff who meet minimum service year requirements.

Learn more