A message of thanks from your very appreciative Dean Richard Linton.

This week, May 3-7, is NC State Employee Appreciation Week, and I wanted to share a strong word of thanks to all of you for your extraordinary efforts, dedication and commitment to this college and the communities we serve.

Day in and day out, our entire team, our network both on-campus and off-campus, exemplifies NC State’s Think and Do spirit and delivers on our land-grant mission. And despite all of the challenges of the past year, you never missed a beat.

I couldn’t be more proud of this network and team, and I’m very thankful to be your dean.

Because of your tireless efforts, CALS had a record year in research productivity. You not only maintained vital on- and off-campus research during a global pandemic, but you also secured close to $100 million in new grants–this is the future research that will help tackle agriculture’s biggest challenges and drive new life science discoveries.

Thanks also to your adaptation and very skilled instruction, our students continued to receive the world-class education that has always been a part of our promise. And in just a few weeks, roughly 800 students will be graduating or receiving their undergraduate and graduate degrees, leaving CALS well prepared for life, their careers, or the next step in their educational journey.

And across the state, in every county and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, NC State Extension continued to help local communities solve local challenges. You provided PPE to farmworkers, distributed food to families and children and helped local businesses and restaurants safely reopen and operate. And through the use of technology, you stayed connected with our stakeholders. Educating and encouraging our 4-H youth and providing farmers the science-based information they needed to make informed decisions.

This has been a remarkable year, one in which none of us will forget. One that has impacted and perhaps changed us all.

But what has not changed is the commitment of this community to teach, innovate and extend knowledge and resources for the betterment of all. Thank you for your perseverance, your character and your passion.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember a time in my life where I have been more enthusiastic about the arrival of Spring, a season synonymous with renewal and new beginnings. I believe, no, I know, brighter days are ahead and that our growth through this past year will make us stronger and will help us do the necessary work ahead to become a more diverse and inclusive community and reassure us that we are capable to tackle any challenge when we work together as one Pack.

Thank you again for all you Think and Do.

Go CALS, and Go Pack!

Dean Linton

Appreciation Activities

Don’t miss these exciting Appreciation Week events and activities.

Employee Appreciation Day Lunch, May 5th

NC State will celebrate State Employee Appreciation Day on May 5 by inviting employees to drive by Reynolds Coliseum and pick up a boxed lunch and gift. Chancellor Randy Woodson and members of his cabinet plan to help hand out lunches to employees. If you would like to pick up lunch, please register.

PAWS and Say Thanks

Do you have a co-worker who goes above and beyond the call of duty? Take a moment to express your appreciation through the new PAWS and Say Thanks program. Just fill out a quick web form, and the system will automatically send your colleague an e-card.

Acknowledge Career Milestones

Review the 2020 Years of Service Milestones list and recognize your colleagues for the impact they have made throughout their years of service.