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Leader of the Pack

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

2023 Recipient of Leader of the Pack

Emma Budden, Leader of the Pack recipient in 2023, celebrates with her parents on the football field at Carter-Finley Stadium at halftime to receive the award and be recognized. (Photo: Shaun Deardorff)

Information and Application Details

What is Leader of the Pack?

This program has long been a tradition on campus, dating back to the 1990s. While initially known as the Homecoming King and Queen Competition, the award transitioned to a more inclusive and equitable process—removing the gendered structure and focusing on scholarship, leadership, a commitment to creating an inclusive campus community, and service to the campus and broader community.

Six 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 2024..

September 18, 2024Application is Open!
October 7, 2024Application closes at 11:59 PM
October 11, 2024Semi-finalists selected
October 16, 2024Deadline for semi-finalist video submissions 11:59 PM
October 18, 2024Six finalists selected
October 21 & 22, 2024Finalist headshots
October 23 & 24, 2024Student body voting (getinvolved.ncsu.edu)
Week of October 21, 2024Finalist meeting (TBD) based on finalist schedules
November 1, 2024Finalists honored at Friday Night Floats (Location TBA)
November 2, 2024Leader of the Pack award recipient announced at Red & White Week Football Game
  • Six finalists will receive a ticket to the NC State vs. Stanford University football game on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Finalists will be recognized at halftime and attend the Chancellor’s pre-game reception.
  • 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 $3,000 scholarship (to be applied during the Fall 2024 semester) and a class ring.

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

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 inclusive campus community
  • Academic and conduct record check
  • 10-minute video submission response to provided questions. (Only finalists will submit.)

Meet your 2023 Leader of the Pack Finalists

Questions and Concerns

Please use the contact below or our office at leaderofthepack@ncsu.edu with the subject line “Leader of the Pack.”