Celebrating a Century of Lifelong Learning

NC State’s continuing education and lifelong learning services began one hundred years ago. Join us as we celebrate a century of lifelong learning and look forward to the next one hundred years.

100-Year Celebration

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2024, NC State University’s Continuing and Lifelong Education division proudly commemorated its 100th anniversary with a vibrant and inspiring full-day celebration at the Jane S. McKimmon Conference and Training Center.

Read about the event

Michelle Weise speaking in front of a large projector screen that mentions the future of education

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

NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education Gives Back

This May, our staff engaged in a day of service with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to celebrate the division’s 100-year anniversary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A 2004 photo commemorating the William L Turner lobby renovation

2000 – 2019

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

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.

Timeline

View a timeline of NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education’s history.

Meter School

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

Truck Driving School

NC State organized the first truck driver training program in 1949

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

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