Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Wood and Paper Science (WPS) is to:

• Provide education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in paper science, paper engineering, wood products and forest biomaterials and bioenergy.
• Generate fundamental knowledge and develop new applied technologies through research into these topical areas.
• Offer extension and continuing education services that improve the efficient utilization of wood as an environmentally sustainable material. Our goal is to spread the word on how to enhance the productivity and efficiency of our industries and the economies of our communities  while promoting environmentally responsible practices and protecting our quality of life.

Our mission is based upon NC State’s beginnings as a land grant institution founded in 1887 to benefit the people and communities of North Carolina. WPS has played an important part in fulfilling that mission ever since it was established in 1949, especially when it comes to promoting the state’s economic health. Forest products comprise the largest manufacturing industry in North Carolina. Every single one of North Carolina’s counties includes one or more companies devoted to manufacturing products or providing services involving furniture, paper and packaging, building and construction supplies, wood fibers, bioenergy alternatives and other industries that rely on forest products. WPS supports these companies and the communities who host them by creating a skilled work force, uncovering new products and business methods for maximizing sustainable value from wood based materials while protecting our natural resources.

About Us

• Mission Statement
• What We Do
  • Paper Science & Engineering
  • Wood Products
  • Forest Biomaterials & Bioenergy
• Kelley Message
• History
• By The Numbers
• Contact Us
• Virtual Tour

Key Contacts