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100-Year Anniversary & History

Photos of Sondra Kirsh and Alice Warren

Jan 17, 2025

Sondra Kirsch and Alice Warren

Sondra Kirsch was known for being an energetic, tenacious, and creative leader. When she first joined NC State in 1977, she did so as a faculty member in what is now known as the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRT). She believed in NC State’s extension mission and recognized the importance of providing…
Jane McKimmon stands at the lectern during a conference presentation

Jan 17, 2025

Jane S. McKimmon Pioneered Think and Do

Jane Simpson McKimmon embodied the spirit of Think and Do long before NC State University adopted it as its brand theme. The McKimmon Conference and Training Center was built in 1976 and named in her honor. NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education’s main office is housed here, and staff continue to respond to the needs…
Group photo at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

Jan 17, 2025

2020 – 2024

The division was founded 100 years ago because of a need to provide continuing education and public service to citizens of North Carolina. That mission remains strong today, as the division expands to meet the existing and new needs of individuals, organizations and communities.  Although strategic priorities, world events, changing technologies, and organizational and budgetary…
Founders' Day Dinner attendees enjoying images highlighting the theme of Tradition + Transformation

Jan 17, 2025

2000 – 2019

The new century brought many challenges for the division. Reorganizations meant the loss of units and personnel, but there were also gains. Similar to the division’s first 25 years, world events demanded nimble responses. This 20-year period included 9/11 and the economic recession of 2008-2010. Resulting budget strains and reversions trickled down to the division’s…
An overhead photo of the McKimmon Center shortly after construction

Jan 17, 2025

1975 – 1999

One of the most significant achievements of this era was the opening of the Jane S. McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education. The decision to name the education facility in honor of McKimmon came as the building was nearing completion. University leaders and division leader William L. Turner wished to name the center after…
Edward Ruggles and James Mason seated at a desk

Jan 17, 2025

1949 – 1974

The division saw many changes from 1949 through 1974 but its ability to respond remains constant. The College Extension Division (now Continuing and Lifelong Education) benefitted from two strong and influential leaders between 1949 and 1974. Edward W. Ruggles, who assumed leadership of the College Extension Division in 1934, launched and shepherded programs that have…
Chancellor John W. Harrelson presents certificates to ESMWT graduates

Jan 17, 2025

1924 – 1948

What is now called NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education was founded in April 1924 as the College Extension Division. Since its founding, the division has had different names and reporting lines, and programs and units have come and gone. But what has never changed in 100 years is its mission to form extension and…
Aerial photo of the McKimmon Conference and Training Center around 1976.

Jan 17, 2025

History of the McKimmon Conference and Training Center

Founded in 1924, the division that is now called NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education had no permanent home for its first 50 years. In 1976, the McKimmon Conference and Training Center (MCTC) was built and named in honor of Jane S. McKimmon — an early division partner and strong advocate for extension and continuing education courses.…
Sketch of the McKimmon Center

Jan 15, 2025

Timeline
Michelle Weise on stage speaking.

Sep 5, 2024

Celebrating 100 Years of Continuing and Lifelong Education at NC State

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. The event brought together faculty, staff, and community members for a series of enriching activities designed to highlight the transformative impact…