Purdue Provost Randy Woodson named North Carolina State University chancellor
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has named Purdue University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Randy Woodson chancellor of North Carolina State University. The appointment will take effect no later than May 1.
Woodson will succeed Jim Woodward, who has been serving as interim chancellor for NC State since June 9, 2009. The land-grant university for North Carolina, NC State also is the largest, with 34,000 students.
"The appointment as chancellor of NC State is a great honor for Randy, and recognizes his distinguished academic leadership at Purdue. In his tenure as provost, Randy has effected many significant changes, including increased student retention, new degree programs, and the hiring and retention of outstanding faculty and decanal leadership. In all aspects of running the university, Randy has been a selfless and energetic partner, always working to make Purdue better and raise its impact and visibility," said Purdue President France A. Córdova. "I appreciate so much his steadfast commitment to realizing the goals of our strategic plan, his respect for the values of the academy, and his 24/7 cheerfulness. He will leave the memory of his winning smile behind as he transitions to his new leadership role."
Córdova said Woodson will continue as provost while Purdue conducts a search for his successor.
Vice Provost for Engagement Victor L. Lechtenberg said NC State will do well under Woodson and noted Purdue has been the launching pad for several presidents and provosts at other universities.
"It's apparent Purdue has become a source for top academic leadership at other highly regarded institutions," Lechtenberg said. "I think it says good things about Purdue and the caliber of the people who work here."
Woodson, 52, joined the Purdue faculty in 1985 and became a full professor in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture in 1993. He was head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture from 1996-98 and associate dean of agriculture and director of agricultural research programs until 2004. He served as the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture until his appointment as provost in May 2008.
Media contact: Chris Sigurdson, 765-496-2644, sig@purdue.edu
Related news release:
North Carolina State University announcement