Natural Resources Alumni, Supporters Honored for Impact and Service

Several distinguished alumni and supporters of the College of Natural Resources were recognized for their exceptional service and generosity during the first annual NC State Honors ceremony on September 11, 2025.

Among the honorees were Genie Jordan Ussery (Recreation and Park Administration ’75); Kent Hudson (Pulp and Paper Science Technology and Chemical Engineering ’75); and Louis J. Boos.

These individuals were celebrated for their professional achievements, community leadership and lasting contributions to both the College of Natural Resources and North Carolina State University.

“Tonight, we recognize members of our Wolfpack who have led the way in their communities, excelled in their careers and given back to this institution,” said Chancellor Kevin Howell during the ceremony. “We honor your wisdom, your courage and your accomplishments.

Check out the following spotlights to learn more about each honoree’s journey, impact and connection to NC State. Their stories reflect a shared commitment to leadership, service and giving back — values that define the Wolfpack spirit.

Genie Jordan Ussery

Genie Jordan Ussery graduated from the College of Natural Resources in 1975 with a degree in recreation and park administration. She was named one of this year’s Watauga Medalists at the NC State Honors ceremony.

The Watauga Medal is NC State’s highest external honor, given by the Board of Trustees each year to Pack members who have made significant contributions to the university’s advancement through their leadership, service and advocacy.

During her time at NC State, Ussery was the captain of the first varsity women’s basketball team and was the first woman to score a basket in competition in Reynolds Coliseum.

Ussery went on to become a very engaged alumna, serving as secretary and then as the first female president of the Alumni Association’s board of directors. She has volunteered with many other university boards as well, along with creating and supporting numerous scholarship funds as part of the Jordan family.

Kent Hudson

Kent Hudson graduated from the College of Natural Resources in 1975 with dual degrees in pulp and paper science technology and chemical engineering. He was named the college’s 2025 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award from the College of Natural Resources is typically awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding career achievement, significant professional or public service contributions, and a strong, ongoing commitment to the university and the college.

Hudson built a successful career across the pulp and paper and software industries, leading innovations in operational efficiency and enterprise asset management. His work has had lasting impact in both the manufacturing and education sectors.

Outside of his career, Hudson has supported the College of Natural Resources through the establishment of a scholarship for rural North Carolina students in the paper science and engineering program and by contributing to youth development initiatives like 4‑H.

Louis J. Boos.

Louis J. Boos is a respected leader in the pulp and paper industry, a committed advocate for research and education and a strong supporter of the College of Natural Resources. He received the Award of Merit from the NC State Alumni Association.

The Award of Merit is given to a non-alumni friend of NC State who has made outstanding contributions in their profession, community and to the university. 

A 1962 graduate of Brown University, Boos began his career as a sales trainee but quickly rose to key management positions at various companies before co-founding Nordic Engineering, Inc., an equipment and technology supplier for the pulp, paper and forest products industry.    

Boos’s contributions have benefitted both the pulp and paper industry and higher education. He served as president of the college’s Pulp and Paper Advisory Board and two terms as a member of the Natural Resources Foundation Board. 

This article contains excerpts from articles published by NC State Giving News and NC State Alumni Association.