Mission and Vision

NC State University is experiencing unprecedented momentum and success being driven, in part, by the visibility and impact of the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign.  With more than two years remaining before its conclusion, the Wolfpack blew past the Campaign goal of $1.6 billion.  The Campaign’s record-breaking success can be attributed to a number of factors including outstanding leadership across the university, tremendous progress in building a Culture of Philanthropy, and a large, passionate and generous alumni and friends constituent base.

The Campaign’s momentum is also a visible representation of how a strategic and effective Advancement organization (including Development, Communications and Alumni Relations) can elevate NC State to new levels of success and deliver tremendous benefits to colleges, units, students, faculty, staff and citizens across the state. Even with these accomplishments, it is clear we’ve just begun to tap our potential, within University Advancement, and as a university.

Building on the Campaign’s momentum and Advancement’s impact, the timing is perfect to pivot and aggressively pursue a five-year road mapping process that positions University Advancement to leapfrog to its vision of a mature Constituent-centric Culture and Organization. Results from this process will include establishing a culture and organization that puts our constituents’ interests and passions first, regardless of their initial point of entry or affiliation within the university, providing measurable impacts including increased efficiency and effectiveness, a stronger university reputation, and ultimately more financial support for colleges and units across the university.

University Advancement embarked on the road mapping process in August 2018 by asking for input from a variety of internal and external stakeholders including: Advancement staff; Chancellor’s Cabinet; Academic Deans; Chief Development Officers; Board of Trustees Advancement Committee; Alumni Association Board; Representatives of all Foundations and the Wolfpack Club Board. All of this feedback and input was then shared with a cross-campus Steering Committee comprised of Deans, Faculty, Trustee, Administrators, and Advancement staff. The Steering Committee has since provided valuable advice and guidance on the formation of the overarching vision and primary themes for the road map which include:

• Theme I: Achieving our Potential
• Theme II: The Think and Do Advantage
• Theme III: One Pack

Anticipated measurable outcomes from the road mapping process will include, but will not be limited to, significant increases in annual fundraising totals; expansion of Alumni Association membership and the engagement of all alumni and friends; heightened donor counts; a stronger brand and reputation; enhanced third-party endorsements and rankings; stronger Advancement staff retention; and greatly improved return on investment, among many other metrics of success.

The time is now to move forward with the second year of projects that addresses this vision and these key themes.  We are extremely excited about the ultimate impact this can have in helping University Advancement, and ultimately all of NC State, achieve its remarkable potential.