Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jim Pfaendtner has announced several actions that will strengthen academic alignment, expand opportunities for collaboration and ensure future programmatic success. The changes include measures to strengthen academic alignment, and strengthen the university’s applied ecology offerings. All changes will be complete by July 1, 2027.
“As academic programs evolve, we have a responsibility to ensure they are organized in ways that best support their continued success,” said Pfaendtner. “These actions reflect a common goal: ensuring that our academic structures continue to support excellence in teaching, research, extension and service while providing programs with the leadership and support needed to thrive.”
Strengthening Academic Alignment
The Departments of Performing Arts and Technology and Health and Exercise Studies will transition from the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS). These programs are well-positioned within CHASS, where they will benefit from closer connections with related disciplines, expanded opportunities for collaboration and an academic structure designed to support continued growth.
Strengthening Student Support
University College has played an important role in supporting student success and academic exploration. All of the functions supporting student success and academic exploration will continue within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. Given the academic transitions, it also makes sense to retire University College as the administrative name governing these units to ensure clarity. Interim Dean and Vice Chancellor Lisa Zapata will lead the transition planning and implementation process, with a continued focus on supporting students, faculty and staff.
Strengthening Applied Ecology
Following a comprehensive review, the university has approved a transition plan for the Department of Applied Ecology within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Through this transition, faculty, research programs and Extension activities will move into other academic homes within CALS that best align with their disciplines. The department does not have a standalone undergraduate or graduate degree program, but does administer one undergraduate minor.
Sustainability and conservation remain core to the mission of the college and NC State. Research programs, Extension activities, sponsored projects, grants, contracts and stakeholder partnerships will continue without interruption. Existing centers and initiatives will continue operating while long-term reporting structures are finalized. This structural transition is expected to be completed by the end of December.
“These decisions were made thoughtfully and collaboratively,” said Pfaendtner. “I am grateful to Dean Garey Fox, Interim Dean Lisa Zapata, Dean Deanna Dannels and the many faculty and academic leaders who contributed their expertise throughout this process.”
Students will remain the highest priority throughout all transitions. Current students will continue making progress toward their degrees with uninterrupted advising, instruction and academic support. Faculty and staff will receive additional information from their college and unit leaders regarding implementation timelines, reporting relationships and opportunities for engagement.
