Randy Woodson Chancellor | North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Randy Woodson Chancellor | North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Krista S. Walton has been appointed as the new vice chancellor for research and innovation at North Carolina State University, effective June 30, 2025. The announcement was made by Chancellor Randy Woodson. Walton is currently serving as the associate vice president for research operations and infrastructure at Georgia Institute of Technology.
Walton will succeed Mladen Vouk, who retired in July 2024. Alyson Wilson is presently the interim vice chancellor.
Chancellor Woodson expressed confidence in Walton's abilities, stating, “Krista Walton has a successful track record as a researcher, innovator and administrator. NC State looks forward to her leadership as we continue to grow the research enterprise and the translation of this work into solutions and economic prosperity for our state and nation.”
In addition to her administrative role at Georgia Tech, Walton is also a professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Her expertise lies in designing porous nanomaterials used for carbon capture, air purification, and atmospheric water harvesting.
Walton remarked on her new role: “I am honored to step into this role at NC State,” she said. “The research enterprise at NC State is among the best in the nation... I am excited to work with our talented faculty, staff and students to cultivate impactful discoveries... Together, I am confident we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge.”
NC State’s research endeavors have been significant; it received $517 million in sponsored research awards during the 2023-24 fiscal year. It ranks sixth among public institutions without a medical school both in industry expenditures and all expenditures.
Over 200 startup companies have emerged from NC State’s research efforts, raising more than $1.7 billion in financing. The university holds over 1,500 patents with more than 600 products launched from its innovations.
As part of her previous responsibilities at Georgia Tech, Walton managed $300 million annually in sponsored research awards while serving as associate dean for research and innovation from 2019 to 2023.
Walton's career began at Kansas State University before moving to Georgia Tech in 2009. She has raised over $36 million as a principal investigator and co-founded three spin-off companies based on her research.
Her achievements include numerous national awards such as the Department of Energy Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award (2020) among others.
Walton earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Alabama-Huntsville and completed her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University.
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