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 & Engagement.

Nominations are now open for several prestigious awards for the NC State community of engaged scholars and teams:

Opal Mann Green Engagement and Scholarship Award 

This 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

Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service 

This 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

Outstanding Extension Award and Outstanding Engagement Award 

These awards 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: Friday, February 6, 2026, 5 p.m.
• Submitting authority: Dean or equivalent 
• Eligibility: Faculty and exempt staff (faculty or non-faculty)

William L. Turner Award for Outstanding Contributions to Extension and Continuing Education 

This award 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 outreachandengagement@ncsu.edu.