Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Patrick Smith
College GameDay returns to Notre Dame ahead of Miami matchup
South Bend is the center of the college football world this weekend as No. 11 Notre Dame prepares to host top-ranked Miami. ESPN’s College GameDay is back on campus for the first time since Notre Dame hosted Indiana in the opening round of the 2024 College Football Playoff. WSBT 22 Sports spoke with host Rece Davis and analyst Josh Pate. They shared their thoughts on the top-15 matchup and said they enjoy the tradition and atmosphere that come with broadcasting from Notre Dame.
Prompting Action: NC State AI Hub Hosts First Campus Gathering
From self-driving labs to tools that help teach students how to engage in civil discourse, artificial intelligence has already changed the way NC State teaches students, conducts research and serves communities. At the same time, the technology is evolving so rapidly that many are raising questions about how it can and should be used. On Nov. 2, university leaders, faculty, staff and students were invited to discuss those topics and more at the first meeting of the NC State AI Hub.
The Secret Sauce for Student Success
By day, Chris DePerno is a professor in NC State’s College of Natural Resources and a highly respected wildlife conservation expert. By night — and over the weekends — he’s been on a 15-year quest to develop a new barbecue sauce that might bridge the gap between the western and eastern North Carolina styles. The result is Slobberin’ Sauce, a product DePerno is selling in a co-branding partnership with NC State.
Summer 2026, Summarized
It’s been a busy summer at NC State, filled with celebrations, concerts, outreach programs and big sporting events that had us glued to the edge of our seats and chanting “let’s go Canes!” As we prepare to welcome students back and start the fall semester, here’s a quick rundown of some of the important, notable or just plain interesting events that took place on campus this summer. Related NC State invented rock-and-roll’s most important instrument, reduced global flatulence and saved Twinkies.
From Ag Teacher to University President
When Marshall Stewart earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from NC State in 1986, he never imagined he would later work for the university for 20 years. He also never envisioned that he would one day become president of another university over 1,000 miles away. But that’s how Stewart’s life has played out, thanks to a passion for public service and the leadership abilities he gained along the way. He also credits the many teachers and colleagues who believed in him throughout his career.
Behind the Blueprints for Campus Growth
Around 2010, University Architect Lisa Johnson began planning what has become one of the most popular places on NC State’s campus: Talley Student Union. The project was a renovation of the original building, which was constructed in 1972 when the student population was about half its current size. Students lamented in surveys and feedback sessions that Talley had become more of an office building than a hub for campus life. Some even said they felt like there was nothing for them there.
Make Some Noise: How Does Crowd Sound Affect the Stanley Cup Final?
Prior to every Carolina Hurricanes hockey game, a statewide celebrity enthusiastically cranks a warning siren to a high-pitched wail while beams of red light rapidly flicker across every corner of the Lenovo Center arena. A voice then booms over the PA system encouraging fans to get on their feet while the words “MAKE SOME NOISE” pulse emphatically on the big screen hanging in the center of the arena.
Make Some Noise: How Does Crowd Sound Affect the Stanley Cup Finals?
Prior to every Carolina Hurricanes hockey game, a statewide celebrity enthusiastically cranks a warning siren to a high-pitched wail while beams of red light rapidly flicker across every corner of the Lenovo Center arena. A voice then booms over the PA system encouraging fans to get on their feet while the words “MAKE SOME NOISE” pulse emphatically on the big screen hanging in the center of the arena.
A National Award for a Global Investigative Reporter
As a global investigative reporter for the Associated Press (AP), Michael Biesecker ’96 often reflects on a quote by a fictional bartender named Mr. Dooley, who was invented in 1893 by author Finley Peter Dunne as part of a humor column in the Chicago Evening Post.
NC State Alumnus Wins Pulitzer Prize
As a longtime sports reporter and baseball fan, Andrew Carter (Communication ’03) encourages aspiring journalists to take a swing at what he calls “at-bat” opportunities in life. Last fall, he followed his own advice when he stepped up to the plate to work on what would become a Pulitzer Prize-winning series of articles. Less than a year into his position as a senior reporter at the Chicago Tribune, Carter was still adjusting to life in the Windy City and primarily covering sports.
St. Amand Award Winner Carries Family Legacy of Teaching
The award annually recognizes a non-tenure-track Ole Miss faculty member who demonstrates excellence in the classroom. Chancellor Glenn Boyce praised Garrido's dedication and efforts both inside and away from the classroom. Gabriel Alexander Garrido-Franco leads one of his Spanish language classes at Ole Miss. Submitted photo "Gabriel Garrido-Franco brings a unique combination of life experience, passion and genuine connection to his classroom," Boyce said.
Elsie Hood Winner Brings a Passion for Communicating to the Classroom
The Elise Hood award is the highest recognition given to Ole Miss faculty members. It is given annually to an assistant, associate or full professor who exemplifies excellent teaching and commitment to students. Chancellor Glenn Boyce praised Fortenberry's dedication to his students and creative thinking in the classroom. Ryan Fortenberry "Dr. Fortenberry makes one of the most demanding courses on our campus one that students look forward to," said Boyce.
Putting His Knowledge to the Test
Steven Greene is no stranger to answering questions on camera. Throughout his 20-plus year career as a political science professor at NC State, he has commented on state and national politics for TV networks like the BBC, CBS, CNN and many others. This Monday, May 11, he’ll flip the script by providing answers in the form of a question on Jeopardy! You can find out where to watch Greene’s episode on the Jeopardy! website.
Learning on the Job
For many faculty and staff members, NC State is more than the place they work. It’s the place where they continue their education. In celebration of their upcoming graduation, meet five faculty and staff members who will be earning an NC State degree at spring commencement on May 9. Continue reading to learn more about them and what this achievement means to them. What’s your job title, and where do you work at NC State?
A Taste of Life After College
Some days, dicing an onion without nicking your finger can feel like a big win — especially if you’re a college student who has never held a kitchen knife before. That was the case for Elle Thigpen, a graduate student in NC State’s Master of Social Work program, until she participated in a Well With Pride cooking class organized by the LGBTQ Pride Center. “I always saw the teaching kitchen when I was at the gym and had always wanted to try it out,” Thigpen said.
How You Can Help on Day of Giving
Each year on Day of Giving, thousands of passionate NC State alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends log in to social media and post photos of their pets in NC State gear, videos of themselves singing “Red and White Song” around the world and testimonials about how the university transformed their lives. This user-generated content does more than demonstrate school pride — it helps NC State’s colleges, departments, student organizations and more to win extra money.
Clark Inducted Into Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Throughout his life, Jim Clark has frequently been recognized for his passion for community service and his literary accomplishments. Last week, the English professor emeritus from NC State added to his long list of accolades when he received North Carolina’s most prestigious honor. Clark was one of 12 North Carolinians to be inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which recognizes exemplary service to the state. He was recognized by Gov.
Giving Voice to Staff
Are you an NC State employee who has used paid parental leave after the birth of your child? Or, have you or someone you know been able to take home a laptop through the university’s Computer Loan Program? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you can thank the Staff Senate for its work to help bring about both of these programs.
Showing Heart for Wellness
Like many babies, Alexis Steptoe was born with a heart murmur that her doctors believed would resolve itself as she grew older. However, shortly after her first birthday, Steptoe’s parents continued to notice odd symptoms. “My mom said I would go to bend over and I would make a sound. At first she thought I was just imitating something on TV, like ‘Oh, my back!’” Steptoe said.
Gut Check for a Good Cause
On Saturday morning, 5,716 NC State students, employees, running enthusiasts, thrill seekers, doughnut aficionados and others converged at the starting line for the 22nd annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. While participants stretched, adjusted their costumes and put on their race bibs near the Memorial Belltower, organizers announced the charity run’s main feat: $160,000 raised for the UNC Children’s Hospital.
Commentary: Here is the common thread among college athletes accused of fixing games
March Madness logos including the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 are seen on the bench during a practice session ahead of the Sweet 16 in the East Regional of the NCAA men's basketball tournament at Prudential Center on March 26, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images/TNS) The recent federal indictments on Jan. 15 accusing a large number of basketball players of throwing college games have predictably triggered indignation and outrage from fans, sports pundits and national news outlets.
Get to know Ameren Illinois’ new president; reflection on his journey from lineman to leadership
Patrick E. Smith, Sr., newly named president of Ameren Illinois, right, talks with line worker Wyatt Kapper inside the indoor climbing facility at the Metro East Training Center in Belleville. Smith was named company president on Jan. 1. (Ameren Illnois photo) By Patrick E. Smith, Sr. • Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois. But as I prepared to step into this role on Jan.
New Ameren Illinois president introduces himself to readers, customers
Patrick E. Smith, Sr., newly named president of Ameren Illinois, talks with line worker Wyatt Kapper inside the indoor climbing facility at the Metro East Training Center in Belleville. Smith was named president on Jan. 1. (Courtesy Ameren Illinois) By PATRICK E. SMITH, SR. Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois.
Smith, Wagoner Selected for Digital Science Communication Fellowship
The Museum of Science in Boston has announced that two NC State faculty members have been selected to join the inaugural cohort for its Digital Science Communication Fellowship. The fellowship pairs scientific experts with influential digital creators to help scientists better leverage social communications platforms, creating greater visibility and impact for their work.
Commentary: Get to know Patrick Smith Newly Named President of Ameren Illinois - A Reflection On His Journey from Lineman to Leadership
EAST ST. LOUIS - Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois. But as I prepare to step into this role on January 1, 2026, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here — a path paved with hard work, mentorship, and a deep connection to the community that raised me. I still remember the moment that sparked my interest in the utility industry.
Friday Institute Marks 2 Decades of Innovation in Education
By Erin Ferrare and Patrick Smith Ever since its doors opened in 2005, the William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation has worked hard to strengthen education through innovation, just as its namesakes did. William “Bill” Friday, an NC State graduate and former president of the University of North Carolina System, and his wife, Ida, were passionate advocates and leaders in education for over 50 years.
Guest Commentary: Investing in Yakima’s future - why local talent is the key to regional growth
The class of 2026 is just beginning to settle into their senior year, filled with excitement about the life waiting for them outside the walls of their high school. Behind those hopes and dreams lies a grave reality: Fewer than a third of those students will get the education they need to get a job that supports a family in the economy of the future. Our region is young and diverse.
Weaving Art Into NC State’s Identity
Here’s a quick pop quiz for you: Name a piece of public art on NC State’s campus that embodies what the Wolfpack is all about.
Porch, McKenzie To Lead UNC System Staff Assembly
Two employees with extensive service records on NC State’s Staff Senate have been elected to leadership roles for the executive committee of the University of North Carolina System Staff Assembly for the 2025-27 term. The assembly represents staff across all 17 institutions of the UNC System. Alan Porch, a business manager for the College of Sciences, has been installed as chair. Jameco McKenzie, director of Multicultural Student Affairs, has been elected parliamentarian.
Global Courtyard Earns Sir Walter Raleigh Award
For years, NC State alumnus Heath Satow’s large-scale Dream of Flight sculpture was one of the first things travelers saw when they ventured through the general aviation terminal at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Now the work of art is the centerpiece of NC State’s Global Courtyard, serving as a symbol of the university’s international community and partnerships around the world.
Four Faculty Members Named 2025-26 Fulbright Scholars
Four NC State faculty members have been selected as 2025-26 U.S. Fulbright Scholars. During the upcoming academic year, they will travel abroad to research topics like 3D printing, property development, climate resilience and water management. Fulbright Scholar Awards are prestigious, competitive fellowships that provide unique opportunities for recipients to teach and conduct research abroad.
Woodson ‘Graduates’ With the Class of 2025
In his 15 years as NC State’s chancellor, Randy Woodson has signed over 150,000 diplomas. This Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium, he conferred the last 7,000-plus of his tenure to the class of 2025. “For the 31st and final time as your chancellor, I want to tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you and how excited I am for your future,” Woodson said.
Capping Off an Educational Journey
Because her parents both worked the night shift, Carol Davis spent much of her childhood with her grandmother, Patricia Merritt. One of “Granny” Merritt’s greatest passions in life was education, and she always pushed Davis to do her best in school and to take as many honors courses as possible. Another of her granny’s biggest passions was cheering on the sports teams for her hometown university. “My granny was the biggest Wolfpack fan you will ever meet,” Davis said.
From Pixels to Pedagogy: A Design Professor’s Path
When NC State’s College of Design graduates are called to the stage this weekend to receive their diplomas, one recipient might get a bit of extra applause from the students he has taught over the last several years. Justin Johnson, an assistant professor in the Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) department at the College of Design, will receive his doctor of design degree.
We’re the Red Wolves From State
While the NC State Wolfpack regularly makes headlines for athletics, groundbreaking research and community initiatives, it was the university’s much rarer red wolves that made national news this week. For a special Earth Week segment on the Today show, NBC’s Emilie Ikeda interviewed College of Veterinary Medicine faculty and students about their conservation efforts to help the most endangered wolf in the world.
For All the Marbles
This weekend, dozens of NC State students and faculty from six colleges converged in downtown Raleigh to showcase their research and compete for a coveted grand prize. The judges also bestowed certificates to contestants for superlatives like “The Most Happiest Scientist” and “The Most Smartest Scientist.” It was all part of the Marbles Kids Museum’s first-ever Backwards Science Fair on April 12.
Socializing on the Go
Lauren Smith has been a runner since high school, when she joined the track and cross-country teams. However, her decision was more for social reasons than for exercise. “I was the slowest runner on the team, and I was not good at it,” Smith laughed. “I just wanted to hang out with my friends, who were all runners.” Coincidentally, Smith is still using running as a social activity today.
Dubuque Hempstead wins first boys state swimming title
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Dubuque Hempstead's boys swimming team claimed its first-ever state championship at the IHSAA Boys State Swimming Finals, held at the University of Iowa's Aquatic Center. The Mustangs capped off a strong performance with a thrilling victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Iowa City West, Linn-Mar, and Waukee also made their mark in the finals, but it was Hempstead's day.
Chancellor’s Leadership Profile Now Available
Earlier this fall, faculty, staff and students were invited to give feedback about what traits they would like to see in the university’s future leader. After conducting seven community listening sessions and receiving more than 6,000 survey responses, that feedback, as well as other elements of the search process, have been compiled in the Chancellor’s Leadership Profile.
‘We’re Here To Hear You’
On Oct. 10, the American Bar Association and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper recognized the important work of ombuds professionals in government agencies, private enterprises and universities. The theme of Ombuds Day 2024 was “We’re here to hear you.” NC State has two ombuds professionals who can help students, faculty and staff resolve interpersonal conflicts and challenges as well as provide clarity on university policies and procedures.
Grounded in Nature
Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, NC State University is a vibrant hub of academic energy as our students and employees alike learn, teach, work, play and, of course, Think and Do. With over 2,100 acres of commercial, forested, gardened and farmed spaces, the university boasts an abundance of outdoor locations perfect for holding a meeting, studying or working on a project.
Campus Writing and Speaking Program Earns National Award
While NC State is known as a premier research institution, it also prides itself on producing graduates who are skilled writers, orators and digital communicators, regardless of what degree they are pursuing. One of the key drivers in that mission is the Campus Writing and Speaking Program (CWSP), which recently received an Exemplary Writing Across the Curriculum Program Award from the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum (AWAC) and the WAC Clearinghouse.
A Leader From the Pack
As the new chancellor at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Karrie Dixon brings with her a proven track record of success as a leader in higher education. In addition to a remarkable six-year tenure in her previous role as chancellor at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), Dixon spent many of her formative and early professional years as a member of the NC State community.
NC State Leaders Recognized on ‘Power 100’ List
Chancellor Randy Woodson was one of several NC State University leaders named to Business North Carolina’s “Power List 2024.” According to the magazine, the list includes “the state’s most influential leaders who are making a significant impact in their industries and the broader community.” Woodson has been featured among North Carolina’s top leaders annually since the magazine’s inaugural power list recognition.
A Different Kind of Student Loan
Several years ago, one of Jessica Anderson’s colleagues in University Housekeeping suggested that she sign up for the NC State Staff Senate Computer Loan Program to help her earn a bachelor’s degree online. At that time, she didn’t have the desire — or the time — to go back to school. A few years later, Anderson’s circumstances changed when she got a new job as a campus operator.
Learning on the Job
Helping to organize commencement has always been one of Maggie Thompson’s favorite parts of her job. As the chancellor’s communication specialist, she and other members of the Office of the Chancellor staff work with Enrollment Management and Services to coordinate logistics, speakers and more for the event. This weekend, however, she will be among the thousands of graduates to don a cap and gown herself.
Prolific Partners in Research
As home to two major interdisciplinary National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Centers, the NSF Science and Technology Center, the NSF AI Research Institute, the Department of Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute (PowerAmerica) and several other high-profile programs and centers, NC State has established itself as one of the premier research institutions of the world.
Become a Master of the Physical Master Plan
The NC State University Facilities Division is pleased to announce the launch of the Physical Master Plan Orientation: Level 1 course. This self-paced online course is designed to provide campus stakeholders — including faculty, staff and students — an overview of the NC State physical campus, the 2023 Physical Master Plan report, the guiding principles and the campus development process.
The Paradox of the Librarian Poetry Fox
When some people need answers to life’s questions, they turn to a relative, a friend or a therapist. Others might confide in a stranger such as a bartender, an Uber driver — or even a man in a fox suit. That’s where Chris Vitiello, aka the Poetry Fox, comes in. For the last several years, Vitiello has delighted people at weddings, schools and festivals. He’s also grown a following among students at NC State, bringing his costumed act to events like Packapalooza, Shack-A-Thon and more.
The Science House Earns Enduring Achievement Award
From organizing the North Carolina Science Olympiad to hosting programs that engage underserved communities and those with disabilities to introducing students to drone soccer, The Science House at NC State has inspired multiple generations of future scientists and engineers. Because of its broad outreach efforts, the organization has been recognized with the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society’s (ARIS) Enduring Achievement Award.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Patrick
Contact Patrick, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack