Serving the public good through impactful and reciprocal community engagement is one of NC State’s core values, and recognizing outstanding extension and engagement accomplishments is one of the highlights of our work in the office of Outreach and Engagement.
Nominations are now open for several prestigious awards for the NC State community of engaged scholars and teams:
The Opal Mann Green Engagement and Scholarship Award recognizes teams practicing collaborative, democratic and inclusive engaged scholarship. Winners are eligible for nomination for the W. K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Award.
Nominations due: Friday, January 23, 2026, 5 p.m.
Eligibility: Teams can include community partners, staff, volunteers, extension and faculty
Submitting authority: Self-nomination or those who have observed the program
The Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service award recognizes distinguished, sustained achievement in public service and outreach demonstrating contributions to improving the quality of life of the citizens of North Carolina. NC State’s award finalist is submitted to the UNC System for statewide consideration.
Nominations due: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5 p.m.
Eligibility: Current faculty
Submitting authority: Department head
The Outstanding Extension Award and Outstanding Engagement Award recognize outstanding contributions to extension or engagement. Award recipients become nominees for induction into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement and are additionally considered for Alumni Awards.
Nominations due: Monday, February 6, 2026, 5 p.m.
Submitting authority: Dean or equivalent
Eligibility: Faculty and exempt staff (faculty or non-faculty)
The William L. Turner Award for Outstanding Contributions to Extension and Continuing Education recognizes an individual whose significant contributions and accomplishments have enhanced and reinforced extension and continuing education as an integral component of engagement at NC State.
Nominations due: Friday, January 23, 2026, 5 p.m.
Eligibility: Faculty (active or retired), community leaders, public and private sector professionals
Submitting authority: Current NC State faculty and staff
Award decisions will be communicated in early March 2026. Winners and their department heads will be invited to a ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Want to stay abreast of news and updates about awards in Outreach and Engagement? Join our mailing list! If you have any questions about these awards, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office at outreach_info@ncsu.edu.