NC State University reported a record fundraising year for the 2025 fiscal period, which ran from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The university raised $366.8 million in new gifts and commitments, the highest total in its history.
The fiscal year included significant leadership changes, with former chancellor Randy Woodson retiring and Kevin Howell returning as chancellor. The university noted that these transitions took place amid a challenging environment for higher education funding at the federal level.
Chancellor Kevin Howell commented on the milestone: “What a remarkable moment for NC State — and what an incredible vote of confidence in our future. Our work is meaningful: Together, we are elevating our state, strengthening our economy and changing lives. Private support enhances all we do, and I am so grateful to our Wolfpack community for their generosity.”
The university highlighted the impact of philanthropy through its Celebrating Transformation initiative, which recognized both outgoing and incoming chancellors. This initiative included the establishment of the Chancellor’s Transformational Endowment to provide ongoing flexible funds for emerging needs.
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Brian Sischo said, “Our record-breaking year represents something truly special: thousands of people who believe in this university, believe in the value we provide to the state, believe in the impact of our research and believe in the power of NC State education.”
Fundraising efforts during this period included a variety of initiatives such as annual giving campaigns and endowments. Donations under $1,000 collectively contributed over $4.3 million toward student support, research projects, and academic programs.
Projects benefiting from combined public funding and private donations include Woodson Hall—the university’s newest facility for molecular sciences—which received naming gifts from alumni Timothy Humphrey ’96 and Cathy Sigal ’76. State appropriations have also played a role; the North Carolina legislature funded an expansion of NC State’s College of Engineering by 40% through the Engineering NC’s Future Initiative.
As federal funding remains uncertain moving into fiscal year 2026, university leaders emphasized that continued private support will be critical.
Sischo added: “The generosity of the Wolfpack strengthens everything we do. I am so grateful for thousands of people, corporations and organizations who understand that investing in NC State is investing in the future.”
