Triangle Business Journal | 2025 Women in Business Award
Join the Park Scholarships staff and community in celebrating the recent accomplishment of Julie Smith ’06. She was recently honored with a 2025 Women in Business Award in the Behind the Scenes category by the Triangle Business Journal! Smith is NC State’s vice chancellor for External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development.
In her role, Vice Chancellor Julie Smith ‘06 leverages her platform to stimulate relationship-building, economic development, business growth and research collaboration between the university and local and state-wide partners.
Smith has served our university since 2019, when she became associate vice chancellor for External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development. Her identity as a member of the Wolfpack, however, took root during her time as an undergraduate student and Park Scholar.
Julie Smith ‘06, NC State Vice Chancellor, Receives Women in Business Award from the Triangle Business Journal
Smith earned a B.S. in Political Science with the distinction of valedictorian from NC State in 2006, then received her J.D. from UVA Law in 2009. We are grateful that Julie made her way back to NC State in 2019. Her hard work directly impacts the opportunities available for NC State students, including Park Scholars.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Park Scholarships, it fills me with pride to witness more than a dozen Park alumni actively shaping the future of NC State as faculty and staff,” said Eva Feucht ‘02, director of the Park Scholarships and a fellow graduate. “Julie’s work has significant impact, and it’s a meaningful milestone to have one of our own among NC State’s executive leadership team. We’re grateful for Julie’s continued support of the Park Scholars and so proud of her many achievements.”
True to the Park Scholarships tradition of cultivating leaders who serve, Julie is making a tangible impact across the region. Her dedication to advancing prosperity is evident in her active roles with key local and statewide organizations, where she lends her expertise and passion.
Here’s a glimpse into Julie’s involvement:
State Relations Officer | UNC System State Relations Council
In this role, Smith works alongside representatives from each university in the UNC system to develop a state legislative agenda for the year. The Board of Governors approves the state legislative agenda for each year’s legislative session.
“State Government Relations strives to improve the relationship between government officials and the University, so that representatives and leaders have a greater understanding of the University’s value and the many ways its activities benefit the state” (UNC System State Relations).
Board of Directors | Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
As a member of chamber leadership, Julie supports the Greater Raleigh Chamber in achieving its mission to “build a thriving regional economy, enhance the community’s quality of life, and strengthen member businesses” (Raleigh Chamber of Commerce).
Board of Directors | Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation
Julie’s involvement in this organization gives the university a voice in local economic development priorities. She is able to identify opportunities for university partnership with surrounding organizations and initiatives.
“HSCSC annually provides a range of services and programs that help to make the Hillsborough Street community a better place to live, work, play, shop, dine, learn and visit, including: cleaning, security, beautification, marketing and communications, economic development, special events and tourism, planning and advocacy, parking and transportation, research, arts and community” (HSCSC).
Board of Directors | Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
As a board member of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Julie collaborates with community leaders to shape a compelling and welcoming experience for visitors to our region.
“The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) joins the interests of city and county government, trade and civic associations and travel suppliers to build visitor traffic to the area. The Bureau also acts as a liaison between potential visitors and the businesses that host them” (CVB).
Board of Directors | Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance
Julie’s involvement with the Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance demonstrates a commitment to strategic regional development. The Alliance’s mission to “coordinate public and private investment connecting the major institutional assets of the Blue Ridge Corridor with complete streets infrastructure and mixed-use developments, focused on creating jobs, a pedestrian-friendly environment, increased property value, and a vibrant destination” highlights the interconnectedness of our community’s growth (BRCA).
Graduate, Inaugural Cohort | UNC System Executive Leadership Institute
“The program is designed to develop the next generation of top leadership from within the UNC System by deepening expertise essential for success at the executive level as well as building collaboration and partnerships among participants and their institutions…”
Continue reading in this 2020 Park Scholarships article →
Julie stays engaged in the Park Scholarships community as well
In February, she addressed finalists at Park Finalist Weekend on behalf of Chancellor Randy Woodson.
Kudos
Julie Smith ‘06 receives this award alongside a friend of Park Scholars, Dr. Debbie Acker, Director of the General H. Hugh Shelton Leadership Center at NC State. Dr. Acker was recognized in the Nonprofit Leadership category.
Learn more about Dr. Acker’s leadership at the Shelton Leadership CenterMaking Headlines
NC State covered Julie’s recognition in a recent news article. The following excerpt was originally published by Morgan High, NC State Director of Marketing and Communications.
Julie Smith Receives Triangle Business Journal Women in Business Award
The award recognizes women who have demonstrated dynamic leadership and outstanding achievements. Smith serves as NC State’s vice chancellor for External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development.
Julie Smith, NC State’s vice chancellor for External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development (EAPED), recently received the 2025 Women in Business Award from the Triangle Business Journal. The award recognizes women who have demonstrated dynamic leadership and outstanding achievements in both business and community service. Smith was honored at a ceremony on March 12, joining other top leaders from a variety of industries.
“NC State is proud that Julie’s impactful leadership is further recognized with this award,” said Chancellor Randy Woodson. “We applaud her dedication to advancing the university’s mission and her continued contributions to the Triangle and communities throughout North Carolina.”
Julie Smith
Smith leads the division responsible for coordinating the university’s relations with local, state and federal government partners; supporting the creation of industry collaborations; and helping to spur economic development investments with significant impacts for the Triangle and beyond. Under her leadership, NC State has grown its contributions supporting the university’s core mission. In addition to successful advocacy efforts to secure state-appropriated funding – a vital resource that will have lasting impacts on NC State’s academic and research portfolio, along with the physical campus — examples of EAPED’s accomplishments include:
- $135 million in new research funding was secured from industry partners.
- More than 3,000 students were hired by companies located on Centennial Campus.
- Nearly 30,000 jobs were created statewide through NC State’s economic development partnerships.
- The Small Business Development and Technology Center’s (SBTDC) counseling services resulted in 1,585 small- and mid-sized businesses launched, 23,224 jobs created and $1.2 billion in new capital formation across North Carolina.
When asked what drives her commitment to public service, Smith said: “I believe in higher education’s ability to change lives. My grandparents were among the first four-year graduates of UNC Pembroke. As Native Americans at a time when there were fewer opportunities available to them, having a university embedded within their community gave them, and so many others, a platform from which to launch successful careers and businesses. Because of their legacy, I’m a third-generation college graduate passionate about doing all I can to help others have the same opportunities to achieve their dreams.”
Before being named vice chancellor in February 2024, Smith served as NC State’s associate vice chancellor of EAPED, where she oversaw and managed the division’s operational and financial activities, in addition to serving as the university’s liaison to state and local government agencies and elected officials.
Prior to working at NC State, Smith led and managed external affairs at UNC Pembroke, serving as the liaison for state and federal relations while working to strengthen external partnerships for the university and southeastern North Carolina. For example, she helped secure funding for UNC Pembroke to establish a College of Health Sciences to improve the health outcomes of citizens in surrounding communities and to address health profession shortages in the region. Earlier in her career, she served as associate general counsel with the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.
Smith serves on several boards throughout the Triangle region, including the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Blue Ridge Corridor Alliance, and the Hillsborough Street Community Service Corp. A Park Scholar, she graduated summa cum laude from NC State with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in environmental science with the designation of valedictorian. She earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia. Smith is also a graduate of the UNC System’s Executive Leadership Institute, as well as Leadership Raleigh and Leadership North Carolina.
In addition to Smith, who received the award in the Behind the Scenes category, Shelton Leadership Center Director Deborah Acker was honored in the Nonprofit Leadership category.
Congratulations, Julie!
Julie Smith’s recognition as a 2025 Women in Business honoree is a reflection of her unwavering commitment to public service, collaborative leadership, and the transformative power of higher education.
We’re proud to celebrate this achievement alongside the broader Wolfpack and Park Scholarships communities — and look forward to the many ways Julie will continue to shape opportunities for students, strengthen partnerships across the state, and champion progress behind the scenes.
Congratulations, Julie — and thank you for your role in growing NC State!