{"id":16257,"date":"2021-05-05T11:04:11","date_gmt":"2021-05-05T15:04:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=16257"},"modified":"2025-12-02T15:02:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T20:02:23","slug":"endowment-honors-adrianna-kirkman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2021\/05\/endowment-honors-adrianna-kirkman\/","title":{"rendered":"Endowment Honors Legacy of Professor Adrianna Kirkman"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-lead\">Though she was humble about her professional life and the magnitude of her academic accomplishments, Adrianna Kirkman created a legacy at NC State\u2019s College of Natural Resources that will continue to inspire students for years to come, thanks to a new endowment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Adrianna Grant Kirkman Scholarship Endowment will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in paper science and engineering who have demonstrated interest in equality, diversity or social justice for women by participating in community activities, social groups, student clubs or organizations. The endowment was established by Kirkman\u2019s siblings \u2014 Betty Grant, Ann Winstead and James Grant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAdrianna made a way for herself in an environment that wasn\u2019t always opening the door for her, and she fought to level the playing field for herself and others throughout her career,\u201d Betty Grant said. \u201cIn establishing this scholarship, we not only want to honor Adrianna\u2019s ability to overcome assumptions about who she was and what she was capable of, but we also want to provide assistance to students who face similar challenges.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\">\n    \n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2.png\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2.png 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photos provided<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3.png\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3.png 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Kirkman, a professor emeritus who retired in 2018, began her career at NC State as a research technician in the Department of Wood and Paper Science (now Forest Biomaterials) after graduating with a bachelor&#8217;s degree in applied mathematics in 1970. While working there, Kirkman earned her master\u2019s degree and Ph.D. in wood and paper science. She was later appointed associate professor and then professor while teaching in the Pulp and Paper Technology program. In 2002, Kirkman became the associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Natural Resources.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A trailblazer, Kirkman was a leader in the field of computer simulation and process modeling and one of the first women in the field, becoming a strong advocate for equality and the promotion of women in STEM and the paper industry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"left-aside wp-block-ncst-aside-widget\">\n    \n<blockquote class=\"has-blue-400-text-color wp-block-ncst-pullquote\">\n  <div class=\"pullquote-container\">\n    <p class=\"pullquote-content\"><strong>&#8220;She fought to level the playing field for herself and others throughout her career.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n  <\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>For Jennifer Piercy, a 1994 alum and the current director of student recruiting for the Paper Science and Engineering program, the impact that Kirkman had on her college experience was profound.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDr. Kirkman was one of the few females we saw in academia and industry, particularly in the 80s and 90s. So, not only did she serve as an example by being there, she was also honest about the barriers women might face in a male dominated, manufacturing environment,\u201d said Piercy, who was a student in Kirkman\u2019s \u201cModeling and Simulation of Pulp and Paper Processes\u201d course during her senior year. \u201cShe coached us on how to deal with barriers in practical manners and was available as a sounding board.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Piercy added that Kirkman not only supported and encouraged female students but also charged male students to create an environment of equality and to stand up when they saw something inequitable while not \u201ccoddling\u201d female engineers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1500x844\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As a professor and the associate dean of academic affairs, Adrianna Kirkman (left) had a profound impact on faculty, staff and students during her time at the NC State College of Natural Resources. Photo provided.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to her research and teaching duties, Kirkman served as the undergraduate coordinator for the Paper Science and Engineering program during her tenure in the Department of Forest Biomaterials. She always kept an open-door policy and made time to help, whether it was a student needing to talk through academic challenges or a peer seeking guidance on navigating a difficult situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kirkman was known by students as firm but fair and helpful while challenging them to stretch their minds. As a colleague, co-worker and supervisor, she was known for her knowledge, wisdom, determination, sharp wit and her support of faculty, staff and students alike.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cShe was tough and she challenged us every day, and sometimes we did not like that. But she always made herself available to us, to help us learn and grow,\u201d Piercy said. \u201cI can look back now and say it was the perfect combination of &#8216;push\u2019 and support.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Piercy added, \u201cWe are so grateful for the endowment that Betty, Ann and James have established in Dr. Kirkman\u2019s honor. It is a fitting tribute to her legacy and will help advance women in our program and the industry for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To make a contribution to the Adrianna Grant Kirkman Scholarship Endowment, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givecampus.com\/campaigns\/47387\/donations\/new?designation=189377\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.givecampus.com\/campaigns\/47387\/donations\/new?designation=189377\">click here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false,"raw":"<!-- wp:ncst\/dynamic-header {\"block\":\"ncst\/default-immersive-post-header\"} -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/default-immersive-post-header {\"backgroundColor\":\"blue_400\",\"caption\":\"Photo provided\",\"displayCategoryID\":173,\"subtitle\":\"A trailblazer, Kirkman was one of the first women in the field of computer simulation and process modeling for pulp and paper and a strong advocate for equality and the promotion of women in STEM.\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-lead\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-lead\">Though she was humble about her professional life and the magnitude of her academic accomplishments, Adrianna Kirkman created a legacy at NC State\u2019s College of Natural Resources that will continue to inspire students for years to come, thanks to a new endowment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Adrianna Grant Kirkman Scholarship Endowment will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in paper science and engineering who have demonstrated interest in equality, diversity or social justice for women by participating in community activities, social groups, student clubs or organizations. The endowment was established by Kirkman\u2019s siblings \u2014 Betty Grant, Ann Winstead and James Grant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cAdrianna made a way for herself in an environment that wasn\u2019t always opening the door for her, and she fought to level the playing field for herself and others throughout her career,\u201d Betty Grant said. \u201cIn establishing this scholarship, we not only want to honor Adrianna\u2019s ability to overcome assumptions about who she was and what she was capable of, but we also want to provide assistance to students who face similar challenges.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":16299,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16299\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photos provided<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":16300,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/kirkmanp3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16300\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kirkman, a professor emeritus who retired in 2018, began her career at NC State as a research technician in the Department of Wood and Paper Science (now Forest Biomaterials) after graduating with a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics in 1970. While working there, Kirkman earned her master\u2019s degree and Ph.D. in wood and paper science. She was later appointed associate professor and then professor while teaching in the Pulp and Paper Technology program. In 2002, Kirkman became the associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Natural Resources.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A trailblazer, Kirkman was a leader in the field of computer simulation and process modeling and one of the first women in the field, becoming a strong advocate for equality and the promotion of women in STEM and the paper industry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget {\"alignment\":\"left\"} -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"\\u003cstrong\\u003e\\u0022She fought to level the playing field for herself and others throughout her career.\\u0022\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\",\"textColor\":\"blue_400\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For Jennifer Piercy, a 1994 alum and the current director of student recruiting for the Paper Science and Engineering program, the impact that Kirkman had on her college experience was profound.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cDr. Kirkman was one of the few females we saw in academia and industry, particularly in the 80s and 90s. So, not only did she serve as an example by being there, she was also honest about the barriers women might face in a male dominated, manufacturing environment,\u201d said Piercy, who was a student in Kirkman\u2019s \u201cModeling and Simulation of Pulp and Paper Processes\u201d course during her senior year. \u201cShe coached us on how to deal with barriers in practical manners and was available as a sounding board.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Piercy added that Kirkman not only supported and encouraged female students but also charged male students to create an environment of equality and to stand up when they saw something inequitable while not \u201ccoddling\u201d female engineers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":16260,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/05\/Winter_Graduation-2219-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16260\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">As a professor and the associate dean of academic affairs, Adrianna Kirkman (left) had a profound impact on faculty, staff and students during her time at the NC State College of Natural Resources. Photo provided.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In addition to her research and teaching duties, Kirkman served as the undergraduate coordinator for the Paper Science and Engineering program during her tenure in the Department of Forest Biomaterials. She always kept an open-door policy and made time to help, whether it was a student needing to talk through academic challenges or a peer seeking guidance on navigating a difficult situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Kirkman was known by students as firm but fair and helpful while challenging them to stretch their minds. As a colleague, co-worker and supervisor, she was known for her knowledge, wisdom, determination, sharp wit and her support of faculty, staff and students alike.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cShe was tough and she challenged us every day, and sometimes we did not like that. But she always made herself available to us, to help us learn and grow,\u201d Piercy said. \u201cI can look back now and say it was the perfect combination of 'push\u2019 and support.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Piercy added, \u201cWe are so grateful for the endowment that Betty, Ann and James have established in Dr. Kirkman\u2019s honor. It is a fitting tribute to her legacy and will help advance women in our program and the industry for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>To make a contribution to the Adrianna Grant Kirkman Scholarship Endowment, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givecampus.com\/campaigns\/47387\/donations\/new?designation=189377\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.givecampus.com\/campaigns\/47387\/donations\/new?designation=189377\">click here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/magazine-preview {\"backgroundColor\":\"reynolds_400\",\"issueID\":363} \/-->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The endowment will provide merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in paper science and engineering who have demonstrated interest in equality, diversity or social justice for women.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":136,"featured_media":16096,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"views\/single-immersive.blade.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-immersive-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"blue_400\",\"caption\":\"Photo provided\",\"displayCategoryID\":173,\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"subtitle\":\"A trailblazer, Kirkman was one of the first women in the field of computer simulation and process modeling for pulp and paper and a strong advocate for equality and the promotion of women in STEM.\",\"titleColor\":\"red_400\",\"image\":\"{\\\"alt\\\":\\\"Endowment Honors Legacy of Professor Adrianna Kirkman\\\",\\\"id\\\":16096,\\\"caption\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"url\\\":\\\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/04\/kirkman.featured.p1-1024x576.jpg\\\"}\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[173,1,102],"tags":[39,254,22,100],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[],"class_list":["post-16257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni-and-friends","category-hidden-news","category-hidden-newswire","tag-forest-biomaterials","tag-paper-packaging-and-tissue","tag-paper-science-and-engineering","tag-philanthropy"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":173,"name":"Alumni and Friends","slug":"alumni-and-friends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":173,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Learn about the career paths our alumni set out on to make the world a better place. Discover their dedication to protect the environment, enhance parks and recreation and develop sustainable materials and technologies.","parent":0,"count":158,"filter":"raw"},"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":null},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16257","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/136"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16257"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16257\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40775,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16257\/revisions\/40775"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16257"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16257"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=16257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}