April 2012

Apr 20, 2012

Nominate candidates for specialists awards by April 30

Nominations are being accepted for awards given by the North Carolina Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists. Winners will be recognized at the May 15 meeting of NCACES and will receive a cash award. 

Apr 20, 2012

Job growth picks up

All eyes are on the job market for indications the economy is getting better. Here in North Carolina, we’ve been disappointed that our state unemployment rate continues to track higher than the national rate. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there is some good news about the state job picture. 

Apr 19, 2012

Environmentalist Tom Quay, one of the first to receive a Ph.D. from N.C. State, has died

Dr. Thomas L. Quay, professor emeritus of zoology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, died April 16 at the age of 97. 

Apr 19, 2012

Rebuilding our finances

Household finances took a big hit during the recession. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at a new status report from the Federal Reserve on household assets, debt and net worth to determine if we are collectively making progress in getting our financial house back in order. 

Apr 18, 2012

Premium-supported health care

As N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gets older, he and his wife, Mary, are paying more attention to Medicare, which helps pay seniors’ medical costs. The program’s expense is rapidly increasing to the point it’s long-run viability is in question. Walden shares some ideas on how to address the issue. 

Apr 17, 2012

'Almanac Gardener' returns

"Almanac Gardener," a popular UNC-TV show featuring gardening experts from North Caroline Cooperative Extension, has entered its 29th season. Segments will highlight community gardening, rain gardens, water conservation, produce selection and preparation -- and much more. 

Apr 17, 2012

Can the world support U.S. debt?

When it comes to the national debt, we see three facts: First, the debt has increased. Second, foreigners have bought much of the debt. And third, interest rates paid on the debt are very low. Here’s the big question. Can these three facts continue? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Apr 16, 2012

International Programs dean named

Dr. John Sabella, adjunct professor in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, has been named Interim Assistant Dean for International Programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

Apr 16, 2012

CALS’ Fred Gould is 2012 O. Max Gardner Award winner

Gould brings to 27 the number of O. Max Gardner Award winners from N.C. State University since 1949, when the awards program began. It is the most significant honor given to faculty members by the UNC Board of Governors. 

Apr 16, 2012

Regional differences in gas prices

Among different areas of the country, there are big gas price differences. Why are many East Coast gas prices higher than Midwest prices? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains.