Former CALS dean is N.C. State's Chancellor
In October, the Wolfpack mascot welcomed newly named N.C. State University Chancellor James L. Oblinger and his wife, Diana.
(Photo by Roger Winstead)
(Photo by Roger Winstead)
Dr. James L. Oblinger, former dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is the new chancellor of N.C. State University.
Oblinger's appointment as the university's 13th chancellor was announced on Oct. 8 by UNC system President Molly C. Broad, following approval by the UNC Board of Governors. Oblinger succeeds Dr. Robert A. Barnhardt, who served as interim chancellor following the July resignation of Dr. Marye Anne Fox. Oblinger, who has been an N.C. State faculty member and administrator for 18 years, has served the university as provost since May 2003.
Oblinger was dean of the College from 1997 till 2003, having served as associate dean and director of Academic Programs from 1986 to 1997. A native of Ashland, Ohio, he holds a 1967 bachelor's degree in bacteriology from Depauw University, a 1970 master's in food technology from Iowa state University and a 1972 doctorate in food technology from Iowa State University.
Oblinger is known as a strong advocate for academic issues and consensus building.
During his tenure as dean, he sought to solidify traditional constituencies while reaching out to new ones for the College. He encouraged partnerships to integrate the College's academic, research and extension programs and to reach beyond the lines that traditionally separate disciplines and organizations.
Under his guidance as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the university, graduate student enrollment and distance education enrollment have increased to record highs.
"During nearly two decades of service to N.C. State, Jim Oblinger has developed a deep understanding of the institution, its special relationship with the citizens of this state, and its vast potential for even greater service to the state and nation," said Broad in her recommendation of Oblinger.
Speaking in October before a standing-room-only audience at the College of Textiles Atrium, Oblinger punctuated his remarks with a recurring refrain - "This is not about me, but about us. We are N.C. State."
He outlined four themes that will guide his tenure as chancellor: scholarship to meet the needs of the 21st century; a culture of innovation that permeates the university's portfolio of activities; a campus exemplified by inclusiveness and diversity; and organizational capability and effectiveness.
"These four themes are not just elements of a vision; they are commitments," Oblinger said. "But I also believe that vision without execution is an illusion. I will give everything I have to be sure that this vision is a reality."
The Raleigh News & Observer called Oblinger "well-prepared to be chancellor" and deemed his selection "a good move for the university in a number of ways. There is much that is hopeful in Oblinger's selection, and that hope seems to be stirring on campus."
Bob Jordan, a university trusteeand chairman of the search committee for the chancellor, said, "It's the best I've felt about a search committee decision in 43 years of being around education."
Oblinger officially began his duties as chancellor on Jan. 1. Dr. Larry A. Nielsen, dean of the College of Natural Resources at N.C. State, was named interim provost.
-Terri Leith
Oblinger's appointment as the university's 13th chancellor was announced on Oct. 8 by UNC system President Molly C. Broad, following approval by the UNC Board of Governors. Oblinger succeeds Dr. Robert A. Barnhardt, who served as interim chancellor following the July resignation of Dr. Marye Anne Fox. Oblinger, who has been an N.C. State faculty member and administrator for 18 years, has served the university as provost since May 2003.
Oblinger was dean of the College from 1997 till 2003, having served as associate dean and director of Academic Programs from 1986 to 1997. A native of Ashland, Ohio, he holds a 1967 bachelor's degree in bacteriology from Depauw University, a 1970 master's in food technology from Iowa state University and a 1972 doctorate in food technology from Iowa State University.
Oblinger is known as a strong advocate for academic issues and consensus building.
During his tenure as dean, he sought to solidify traditional constituencies while reaching out to new ones for the College. He encouraged partnerships to integrate the College's academic, research and extension programs and to reach beyond the lines that traditionally separate disciplines and organizations.
Under his guidance as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the university, graduate student enrollment and distance education enrollment have increased to record highs.
"During nearly two decades of service to N.C. State, Jim Oblinger has developed a deep understanding of the institution, its special relationship with the citizens of this state, and its vast potential for even greater service to the state and nation," said Broad in her recommendation of Oblinger.
Speaking in October before a standing-room-only audience at the College of Textiles Atrium, Oblinger punctuated his remarks with a recurring refrain - "This is not about me, but about us. We are N.C. State."
He outlined four themes that will guide his tenure as chancellor: scholarship to meet the needs of the 21st century; a culture of innovation that permeates the university's portfolio of activities; a campus exemplified by inclusiveness and diversity; and organizational capability and effectiveness.
"These four themes are not just elements of a vision; they are commitments," Oblinger said. "But I also believe that vision without execution is an illusion. I will give everything I have to be sure that this vision is a reality."
The Raleigh News & Observer called Oblinger "well-prepared to be chancellor" and deemed his selection "a good move for the university in a number of ways. There is much that is hopeful in Oblinger's selection, and that hope seems to be stirring on campus."
Bob Jordan, a university trusteeand chairman of the search committee for the chancellor, said, "It's the best I've felt about a search committee decision in 43 years of being around education."
Oblinger officially began his duties as chancellor on Jan. 1. Dr. Larry A. Nielsen, dean of the College of Natural Resources at N.C. State, was named interim provost.
-Terri Leith