Abbrieviated Biography

Dr. Randy Woodson is North Carolina State University's 14th chancellor. In this capacity, he oversees North Carolina's largest university with over 34,000 students and a budget exceeding $1.3 billion. Chancellor Woodson is a nationally recognized leader in bridging the gap between vision and action. He has led the development and implementation of a strategic plan to enhance NC State's position as a preeminent technological research university recognized around the globe for its innovative education and research addressing the grand challenges of society. Since coming to NC State in 2010, Chancellor Woodson also has led NC State through difficult budget challenges, realigning the university for greater efficiency and effectiveness in order to ensure its continued success.

Chancellor Woodson has extensive experience as a member of university faculty and administration with a reputation for consensus building throughout his 30 year career in higher education. He came to NC State from Purdue University where he most recently served as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Woodson is an internationally renowned plant molecular biologist specializing in reproductive processes in agricultural crops. He earned his undergraduate degree in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Physiology from Cornell University.

He and his wife Susan have three adult children.

• Full Biography

May 1, 2013 – Safety Message

To NC State Students, Faculty and Staff,

In light of two recent reported assaults on campus, I want to assure you the university takes these incidents very seriously and has implemented additional steps to increase security and awareness.  We recognize this is a time when pedestrian traffic may be increased on campus due to late-night studying for final exams. Our police department has increased patrols across campus day and night, including in and around our libraries, the Brickyard and the pedestrian tunnels.

University police do not believe these two incidents reported within the last week are related. Police have also determined that a reported robbery in the Coliseum deck did not occur and was a false report.  Be assured university police are working tirelessly to investigate these assaults and find the suspects.  We have also fully engaged our safety and assistance resource network to ensure that the campus community is aware of all services available to help promote a safe environment and aide in times of need.

We encourage you to   take advantage of the university’s overnight safety escort program by calling 919-515-3000. You can also use any of the 550 emergency phones in blue light stations, buildings and elevators across campus.

University police also pass along the following tips:

• Walk in well lighted areas
• Walk in groups whenever possible, especially at night
• Avoid distractions while walking, such as listening to headphones or texting
• Immediately report any suspicious activities or crimes on campus by calling 911 or 919-515-3000

The safety of our students, faculty and staff is a top priority.  The university will continue to do all it can to promote a safe environment. I encourage you to be vigilant as well.  Please visit the university police website at www.ncsu.edu/police for more information on the recent incidents and on all the safety services and resources available to the campus community.

Randy Woodson
Chancellor
NC State University