The NC State College of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Hal Lawton has been named its 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his esteemed career and contributions to the university.
Lawton, who graduated with dual degrees in pulp and paper science technology and chemical engineering in 1996, has served as president and chief executive officer of Tractor Supply Company since January 2020 and is a member of the company’s board of directors.
Tractor Supply Company operates over 2,200 stores and is considered the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, ranking 291 on the Fortune 500. Under Lawton’s leadership, the company’s net sales have increased 70%.
Prior to joining Tractor Supply Company, Lawton worked as an associate principal at McKinsey & Company and then served in various executive positions at Macy’s, eBay and The Home Depot. He earned an MBA from the University of Virginia in 2000.
Since graduation, Lawton has remained connected to NC State through service and philanthropy. In 2023, Lawton joined the university’s Board of Visitors, helping to promote NC State’s reputation as a leader in higher education globally.
As part of the 2024 Day of Giving, Lawton and his wife, Joanne, established the Dr. Hasan Jameel Distinguished Professorship to support a professor in the Paper Science and Engineering program with a demonstrated interest in the leadership, professional development and personal growth of undergraduate students.
“We are proud to honor the tremendous accomplishments of Hal Lawton,” said Jennifer Piercy, assistant dean of philanthropy at the College of Natural Resources. “He has excelled at the highest levels of leadership while continuing to give back to his alma mater. He has been generous and thoughtful in his support for the college for more than 25 years.”
Lawton was recently honored as the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at the Wolfpack Boards Luncheon, a university-sponsored event that brings together all foundation boards to celebrate NC State.
In addition to his role at Tractor Supply Company, Lawton serves on the board of Sealed Air and the National Retail Federation. He is also a member of the Business Roundtable. Lawton and his wife have three children and live in Nashville, Tennessee.
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