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Student Leadership and Engagement

Leader of the Pack

The Leader of the Pack program honors and recognizes students for outstanding contributions in leadership, scholarship, and service.

This program has long been a tradition on campus, dating back to the 1990s. This campus tradition recognizes students for contributions through scholarship, leadership, community building and service to the campus and broader community. 

Eight students will be recognized as finalists, and the Leader of the Pack will be named at halftime of the Red and White Week game in Fall 2026.

Information and Application Details

Eligibility

The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the Leader of the Pack scholarship:

  • Completed two semesters at NC State at the time of application
  • Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at NC State
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Free from academic integrity probation and any previous or current disciplinary probation

Award Information

  • Eight finalists will receive a ticket to the NC State vs. Cal Golden Bears University football game on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Finalists will be recognized at halftime.
  • The student finalist with the highest GPA will receive a $250 gift certificate from the NC State Bookstores.
  • The student designated as ‘The Leader of the Pack’ will also receive a scholarship (to be applied during the Fall 2026 semester).

Timeline for Selection Process and Program

September 22, 2026Application is Open!
September 29, 2026Application closes at 11:59 p.m.
October 8,
2026		Semi-finalists notified
October 12, 2026Deadline for semi-finalist video submissions 11:59 p.m.
October 16, 2026Eight finalists notified
October 17, 2026Finalist Meeting (5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.)
October 22 and 23, 2026Student body voting (getinvolved.ncsu.edu)
October 31, 2026Leader of the Pack award recipient announced at Red & White Week Football Game

Selection

The process is cumulative and consists of multiple parts. Each qualified applicant will be evaluated on the following: 

  • Cumulative Grade point average 
  • Demonstrated leadership in co-curricular and community engagement 
  • Demonstrated commitment to creating an strong campus community
  • Academic and conduct record check
  • 10-minute video submission response to provided questions. (Only finalists will submit.)

Questions and Concerns

Please use the contact below or our office at [email protected] with the subject line “Leader of the Pack.”

2025 Recipient of Leader of the Pack

Sophia Scherer, Leader of the Pack recipient in 2025, celebrates with her parents on the football field at Carter-Finley Stadium at halftime to receive the award and be recognized. (Photo: Kyle Lewis)
CA
Christina Allen
Christina Allen

Assistant Director for Student Leadership Development

919-515-3323