Dr. Ken Esbenshade
Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs

Greetings from the Academic Programs Office in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers a variety of high quality academic programs that lead to challenging and rewarding careers, including graduate school or professional school. Our programs of study include disciplines in the life sciences and the agricultural sciences. Academic Programs in the life sciences include biological sciences, biochemistry, botany, environmental sciences, microbiology, and zoology, and programs in the agricultural sciences include agricultural business management, agricultural education, agronomy, animal science, agricultural engineering, food science, horticulture and poultry science. Students interested in medical, dental, optometry, and veterinary schools can take the courses necessary to apply to these professional schools by majoring in a number of programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Information regarding these options can be found at the various departmental websites.

The quality of any academic program is only as good as the faculty that comprise it. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their teaching, research and extension activities. Of particular interest to you might be that our faculty also serve as academic advisers to our students. You will, therefore, receive the benefit of their firsthand knowledge of the opportunities that lie ahead of you.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences also has several enrichment programs available to our students. Honors programs are available during the undergraduate years and many students participate in summer internships which enable them to receive academic credit for career-related experiences. We also believe it is important for students to become involved in co-curricular activities as a means of developing communication and leadership skills. You will find numerous student clubs and organizations that will strengthen your abilities in these essential areas.

Graduate education is also an important part of the academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Programs of study leading to the masters and doctoral degree are offered in many of the departments in the College.

The Career Services office assists students in making career choices and finding opportunities. Graduates of our academic programs find meaningful employment in their chosen area and many graduates at the baccalaureate level are accepted to graduate, veterinary, medical, dental and optometry schools.

I am pleased that you are interested in a program of study in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and I invite you to investigate further the educational opportunities we have available. I am equally pleased if you have already selected a program of study or are a student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. It is my hope that we meet your educational expectations, and I wish you success in your academic endeavors.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ken Esbenshade
Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs
115 Patterson, Box 7642
E-Mail: ken_esbenshade@ncsu.edu
Phone: 515-2614
Fax: 515-5266

Associate Director, Academic Programs: Barbara M. Kirby

Dr. Barbara M. Kirby
Director of the Agricultural Institute
115 Patterson, Box 7642
E-Mail: barbara_kirby@ncsu.edu
Phone: 515-3248
Fax: 513-5266

Welcome to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. As the Director of the Agricultural Institute, a two-year Associate Degree Program with eight academic tracks, my responsibilities include budget development and allocatio n, student recruitment and retention, as well as curriculum development and oversight.

As Associate Director of Academic Programs, I interpret academic policies and serve as a liaison with the community college system and traditional agriculture clientele. My responsibilities include monitoring institutional effectiveness, updating str ategic planning efforts, developing outside funding proposals, assisting in activities surrounding new student orientation and classes in freshman orientation. I also work closely with the College's student ambassadors and the Spend-A-Day-at-State Program .

Courses Taught

• AGI 010, Introduction to Agricultural Institute
• ALS 103, Introductory Topics in Agriculture and Life Sciences

Advising Responsibilities

• Pre-professional Advising (pre-vet, pre-med)
• General Academic Advising

Assistant Director, Academic Programs: Geraldine Luginbuhl

Dr. Geraldine Luginbuhl
Assistant Director, Academic Programs

115 Patterson Hall, Box 7642
E-Mail: gerry_luginbuhl@ncsu.edu
Phone: 515-7484
Fax: 515-5266

Welcome to Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. As Assistant Director of Academic Programs, I direct the college Honors Program, provide leadership in the area of the life sciences. My responsibilities include monitoring institutional effectiveness, updating strategic planning efforts, promoting teaching and advising effectiveness, assisting in activities surrounding new student orientation and classes in freshman orientation. I also work closely with the College's Alumni Society and the Spend-A-Day-at-State Program.

Courses Taught and Advising

• ALS 103, Introductory Topics in Agriculture and Life Sciences
• General Academic Advising