NC State’s Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development helps public and private entities find the right partnership opportunities, whether that’s sponsoring faculty research, hiring student interns and supporting senior design projects, or identifying space on Centennial Campus.

The office also supports economic development efforts of the state of North Carolina and the Triangle region by actively recruiting companies and promoting university-industry partnerships.

Vice Chancellor Julie Smith leads the effort to support NC State’s critical role as an economic driver across the state through the university’s innovative partnerships with industry and government. Prior to being named vice chancellor in February 2024, Smith most recently served as NC State’s associate vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development since 2019. As associate vice chancellor, Smith provided oversight and management for her division’s operational and financial activities, in addition to serving as the university liaison for all state and local relations.