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History

NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education is a key strategic leader, catalyst and partner in the development and delivery of cutting-edge, market-driven continuing and lifelong education programs and services that benefit individuals, organizations and communities throughout North Carolina and beyond.

The origins of Continuing and Lifelong Education date back to 1924 with the establishment of the College Extension Division. Instrumental to the division’s flourishing was Jane S. McKimmon (1867-1957), a pioneer in the field of continuing education. McKimmon served for 35 years (1911-1946) as a leader in home demonstration work, and received many honors for her outstanding direction of youth and adult extension education in North Carolina.

In July 2022, in order to more closely align with the university’s strategic plan as well as its own guiding mission, the division was renamed NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education. Committed to honoring McKimmon’s ideals and legacy, the name of the building remained the Jane S. McKimmon Conference and Training Center.

The McKimmon Conference and Training Center is a hub of activity encompassing a wide array of learning opportunities, professional meeting facilities, and university services. It served 132,180 participants in 1,080 education programs, courses and events during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Furthermore, the division as a whole, when including both McKimmon Center programs as well as programs and initiatives held elsewhere, served 176,824 participants through 2,098 programs and events in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Our staff remain dedicated to sharing the university’s knowledge, resources and providing excellent customer service. Through partnerships, creative programming, dynamic member opportunities, and a comprehensive range of applied research and technical assistance, you will find the solutions to your continuing education, professional development, meeting facility, and public policy needs.

A History of Lifelong Learning at NC State

Timeline

A visual chronology of key events in the history of NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education

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Sketch of the McKimmon Center
Sketch of the proposed McKimmon Center
Chancellor John W. Harrelson presents certificates to ESMWT graduates

1924 – 1948: The First 25 Years of NC State’s College Extension Division

What is now called NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education was founded in April 1924 as the College Extension Division.

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Edward Ruggles and James Mason seated at a desk

1949 – 1974: The Second Quarter of NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education

The division saw many changes from 1949 through 1974 but its ability to respond remains constant.

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An overhead photo of the McKimmon Center shortly after construction

1975 – 1999: The Third Quarter of the Division of Continuing Education

One of the most significant achievements of this era was the opening of the Jane S. McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education.

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Founders' Day Dinner attendees enjoying images highlighting the theme of Tradition + Transformation

2000 – 2019

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” –  Epictetus

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Group photo at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

2020 – 2024

As NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education marks a century of service, it continues to innovate and respond to the needs of the community.

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Aerial photo of the McKimmon Conference and Training Center around 1976.

History of the McKimmon Conference and Training Center

We’re taking a look back at the history of the McKimmon Conference and Training Center and the great efforts that led to its creation and continued success.

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Central figures in the development of lifelong learning at nc state

Jane McKimmon stands at the lectern during a conference presentation

Jane S. McKimmon Pioneered Think and Do

Jane McKimmon embodied the spirit of Think and Do long before NC State University adopted it as its brand theme.

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Photos of Sondra Kirsh and Alice Warren

Sondra Kirsch and Alice Warren

As part of Women’s History Month and our 100-year anniversary, we’re highlighting Sondra Kirsch and Alice Warren who both made lasting impacts on the division.

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programs that helped define continuing education at nc state and beyond

Meter school attendees sit in rows of chairs while a presenter speaks next to a screen

The History of the North Carolina Electric Meter School and Grid Technology Conference

This 100+ year program demonstrates how professions change over time, and the important role continuing education plays in keeping workers successfully trained and current with the latest trends

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A photo of the Truck Driving School from the 1960s, showing attendees gathered around the chassis of a truck

Truck Driving School

NC State organized the first truck driver training program in 1949

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A photo from the 1950s showing sport fishing students standing in several boats, which sit in the harbor

The History of the Sport Fishing School

Consistent with the division’s mission to serve the needs of North Carolinians, the Sport Fishing School not only helps participants have greater fishing success, but it also has economic benefits for local businesses

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Reflections from our 100-year Anniversary

Michelle Weise on stage speaking.

Celebrating 100 Years of Continuing and Lifelong Education at NC State

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Group photo at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education Gives Back to the Community

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