Introduction

The world is changing—slowly in some instances and, in others, far more rapidly.

Population growth and shifting population patterns in rural and urban areas, rising food insecurity and health disparities, the aftereffects of an unprecedented pandemic, new technologies, and climate change are just several factors influencing how communities, institutions and economies throughout the world are planning for today and tomorrow. North Carolina is at the epicenter of these dynamics, both as a state experiencing the impacts of this changing landscape and one poised to thrive in the coming years.

CALS is positioned to be a force for embracing this change. CALS is fundamental to NC State’s land-grant mission— educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders, conducting innovative research on-campus and across the state to boldly solve complex challenges, and leveraging one of the world’s leading Extension programs to connect that research to millions of North Carolinians in 100 counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. And our students are prepared for today’s positions and those of the future. Throughout our college’s history, we have generated remarkable community and economic impact while building capacity and capability among North Carolinians to anticipate change and thrive in response to it, with our students well prepared for today’s challenges and those of the future. We are making these impacts not just in North Carolina, but across the globe.

An uncertain future requires thoughtful, visionary planning within a framework that allows for—and counts

on—changing conditions. In spring 2021, our leadership at CALS began a process to chart our course through 2030 with a clear mandate: to leverage this process toward becoming the best land-grant university in the country and the best place to learn and work for everyone. The results of more than a year of conversations, listening sessions, focus groups, surveys, research and discovery are contained within this plan, with priorities, goals and strategies designed to deliver on these initial charges. This plan is structured to be nimble and responsive to the inevitable change that occurs over nearly a decade—featuring clear definition where appropriate and simply building parameters where necessary, enabling innovation and discovery that can provide additional context and impact years into the future.

A Plan Driven and Defined by

Engagement

The process to guide this plan’s development was intentionally designed with a bottom-up approach, giving all a voice. Our leadership recognized that planning for the future requires the vision and dedication of all parties involved. Over 11,000 people answered that call, providing input and data that have been crucial in helping elevate focus areas, topics and initiatives throughout this plan. From faculty, staff and students to growers, industry partners and Extension program participants, our engagement with CALS’ many internal and external constituencies was broad and deep.

A Plan Focused on People

People are at the heart of everything we do, and we seek to preserve this philosophy in the coming years. We are all part of the Wolfpack—as such, we will build and promote a culture within CALS that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, recognizes and appreciates success, and connects our actions to our core values. These are not simply words on a page; they are actions we will take and expectations we will set for all members of our CALS community. We also aim to make longterm, strategic investments in our people and the systems, processes and infrastructure that enable them to do their best work in learning, conducting research and serving all of our many stakeholders. We will make these same investments in the communities we serve, recognizing that we must focus on equitably supporting, integrating into, and learning and recruiting from the diverse areas of our state. The work that will take place through this plan will be crucial in elevating that impact, conducting research and translating results into real-world solutions that will benefit North Carolinians and the world for years to come.

A Plan For a Sustainable Future

The past several years have only further demonstrated how the world around us is changing and how these changes affect how the world learns, lives, works and grows. Population growth, health disparities, food inequities, evolving farming practices, and climate change are real challenges requiring distinct strategies and solutions. CALS is uniquely positioned to address these challenges by staying at the forefront of science and discovery, aligning research, teaching and Extension to benefit a more sustainable North Carolina, and then sharing lessons learned with billions throughout the world. Sustainability in education is crucial in meeting these needs, and our learners are eager to be a part of a sustainable future. Our research agenda is aggressive and touches all elements of sustainability, including biological systems, the environment, food stability, infrastructure, resilience and more. In implementing this agenda, we will continue collaborating with our many partners while expanding these partnerships to drive even greater interdisciplinary collaboration. In viewing everything we do through the lens of sustainability, we are helping to ensure a more sustainable state, nation and world.

A Plan That Connects CALS

Connectivity is the thread that binds all those in the CALS ecosystem and elevates our work and impact—from Mills River and Plymouth to Goldsboro and Raleigh. With researchers conducting new and novel research throughout the state and Extension agents working with communities in every county and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, there is limitless opportunity to leverage this footprint and propel our college’s work to unprecedented heights. To maximize this impact, our college must genuinely function as one interconnected ecosystem in which we constantly strive for greater integration of all members of our community, recognizing the importance of both on and off-campus work. It also means greater integration of and investment in our physical and digital infrastructure—from labs and greenhouses to research stations throughout the state. Externally, the connections we make and sustain help amplify our work, whether it is through stronger engagement with our alumni, enhancing industry partnerships or maximizing the value and impact of NC State Extension. The more connected we are in all we do at CALS, the more our state, world, and future generations will benefit.