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University Human Resources

Awards and Recognition

At NC State, we recognize and appreciate faculty and staff for their unique contributions to our bold mission.

When each employee feels cherished and acknowledged, the whole Pack benefits from high levels of employee engagement and organizational excellence. Check out our signature recognition programs, and visit our Recognition Toolbox for ideas, best practices and guidance for creating a culture of recognition and appreciation at NC State.

Recognition Programs

Our programs provide multiple opportunities to celebrate employees for their accomplishments, such as thank you cards, formal nomination programs and years of service acknowledgements. Learn more about each of the programs.

Peer to Peer Recognition
Nomination Programs
Milestone Awards
Other Recognition Programs

Calendar of Events and Reminders


April 1		Pride of the Wolfpack quarterly awards nomination period ends
May 2
Last day for colleges and divisions to have their Award for Excellence ceremonies and notify college- and division-level Award for Excellence winners
May 4-10Our Extraordinary Pack Employee Appreciation Week
June 3Awards for Excellence Ceremony
July 1Pride of the Wolfpack quarterly awards nomination period ends
Sept. 242025 HR Professionals Conference
Oct. 1Pride of the Wolfpack quarterly awards nomination period ends
Oct. 3Quarter Century Club Breakfast
Oct. 31Red and White Fest: An Employee Celebration

Peer to Peer Recognition

Paws and Say Thanks

A quick and easy peer-to-peer program allowing any NC State employee to send electronic or physical thank-you cards and express appreciation to their colleagues throughout the university.

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Mr. and Mrs. Wuf show their school spirit on main campus. Photo by Marc Hall

Nomination Programs

Pride of the WolfPack

A quarterly nomination-based program for colleges and divisions to recognize individual SHRA and EPS non-faculty employees who exceptionally demonstrate NC State’s values. Through the generous sponsorship of the NC State Stores, recipients receive a certificate and mug exclusive to Pride of the Wolfpack winners.

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Wolf Plaza in the spring. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Awards for Excellence

The highest University recognition given annually for notable contributions above and beyond a full-time SHRA or EPS non-faculty employee’s normal job responsibilities, with potential for recognition at the State level.

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A view of the brickyard through a window in DH Hill library. Photo by Marc Hall

Milestone Awards

Service Awards Program

An annual years-of-service recognition and appreciation of permanent SHRA and EPS non-faculty employees at .50 FTE and above.

Learn More
Students walk across the Court of North Carolina on main campus. PHOTO BY ROGER WINSTEAD

Retirement Recognitions

Commemorative gifts and certificates are available for NC State faculty and staff who meet minimum service year requirements.

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The statue of Kay Yow reaches a wolf hand into the sky from the side of Reynolds Coliseum in the direction of the Talley student center. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Other Recognition Programs

Faculty Awards and Recognitions

The Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost maintains information on faculty recognitions for excellence in their realms of responsibility.

Read more

College and Division Programs

A set of links for the recognition and appreciation programs of the University colleges and divisions.

Read more

Other State of North Carolina Recognitions

Recognition programs from the state of North Carolina.

Read more

Employee Appreciation

At NC State we love to show appreciation to our extraordinary Pack. Join us for our annual events including Our Extraordinary Pack Appreciation Week held in May and our annual Red and White Fest: An Employee Celebration held during Red and White Week in the fall.

See last year’s celebrations below.

Employee Appreciation Week
Red and White Fest