University Faculty Scholars

Rewarding Faculty Leaders

The Provost’s Office oversees the University Faculty Scholars Program, which was established by Chancellor Randy Woodson in 2012. The program recognizes and rewards emerging academic leaders who demonstrate significant achievement.

Each year, approximately twenty tenured or tenure-track faculty scholars are identified to receive this honor.  Faculty members selected as University Faculty Scholars carry the title for the duration of their faculty appointment at NC State and receive an increase to their base salary.

NC State Standouts

The Year’s Best

Twenty faculty were named University Faculty Scholars for the 2024-25 academic year.

Learn more

Selected Scholars

Since the University Faculty Scholars program began in 2012, 278 faculty have received this honor. Here’s the most recent class of scholars.

2024-25 University Faculty Scholars

• Justin Baker, associate professor of forestry and environmental resources
• K.C. Busch, associate professor of STEM education
• Wei-chen Chang, LORD Corporation Distinguished Scholar in Chemistry
• Matthew Fisher, associate professor of biomedical engineering
• Christopher Galik, professor of public and international affairs
• Luke Gatiboni, professor of crop and soil sciences
• Khara Grieger, assistant professor of applied ecology
• Lilian Hsiao, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering
• Arun Kota, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering
• Kavita Mathur, associate professor of textile and apparel, technology and management
• Kelly Meiklejohn, associate professor of population health and pathobiology
• Marie Muller, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering
• David Rasmussen, associate professor of entomology and plant pathology
• Jackie Relyea, assistant professor of teacher education and learning sciences
• Yogesh Saini, professor of population health and pathobiology
• Sonja Salmon, associate professor of textile engineering, chemistry and science
• Mirela Tulbure, professor of forestry and environmental resources
• Kelly Umstead, associate professor of graphic design and industrial design
• Cheryl Xu, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering
• Tom Zagenczyk, professor, management, innovation and entrepreneurship