Media Contact:
Keith Nichols, News Services, 919/515-3470

Jan. 10, 2006

NC State Graduate School Dean to Retire After 36 Years of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dean Robert Sowell

Dr. Robert S. Sowell, dean of North Carolina State University’s Graduate School, has announced his retirement, effective July 2006, after 36 years of service to the university.

As dean of the Graduate School, Sowell has oversight responsibility for NC State’s graduate programs, where more than 7,000 students pursue master’s degrees in 110 fields and doctoral degrees in 61 fields. During his tenure in the Graduate School, Sowell led the
development and implementation of the Graduate Student Support Plan, which provides about $20 million in tuition and health insurance aid for qualified graduate students on teaching and research assistantships and fellowships. During 2002-03, he served as dean in residence for the Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, D.C.

Sowell’s career at NC State began in 1970 when he was appointed assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering. In 1991, he was named senior associate dean of the
Graduate School, supervising admissions, student support and new academic programs. He has
served as dean of the university’s Graduate School since July 2000.

Chancellor James L. Oblinger said Sowell “has led unparalleled growth in graduate student enrollment at NC State.” Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies John Gilligan praised Sowell as a “strong advocate for private and public financial support and improved quality of academic programs for graduate students.”

Sowell earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, his master’s degree from Kansas State University, and, in 1967, a doctorate from NC State. Sowell also served in the U.S. Air Force as a reserve intelligence officer and retired with the rank of colonel. He received
the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal and the U.S. Air Force Meritorious Service Medal.

Sowell is a member of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Alpha Epilson, Gamma Sigma Delta, Sigma Xi and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

The university will conduct a national search for Sowell’s replacement.

-30-