NC State Brand Refresh Updates
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Collapse ▲NC State has rolled out a strategic refresh of the university’s brand guidelines. Built on extensive research and stakeholder collaboration, the updated brand platform serves as a blueprint for all NC State communications, outlining a shared messaging framework that helps shape and unite our stories statewide.
The brand platform updates apply to all NC State units, including Extension. Keep reading for a summary of the changes and what to expect — you can also review brand.ncsu.edu or the NC State Brand Refresh 2025 presentation for more details.
What’s New
Refreshed Brand Platform
NC State’s core messaging has been updated to better reflect how we work and serve our stakeholders:
- Brand Promise: NC State tackles the world’s challenges as a Wolfpack: a responsive network of thinkers and doers united in the pursuit of a better future. Together, we empower people in North Carolina and beyond to learn, take action and thrive.
- Brand Mantra: Think and Do
- Four Pillars:
- We Dream Big
- We Connect People
- We Get Results
- We Reach Out
NC State Extension’s brand platform builds upon the university brand platform, defining Extension’s role within the institution while providing a common core for all of Extension’s messaging.
Adhering to the brand platform helps create a clear, consistent identity that both aligns with the university and unites our many efforts under one strong, shared brand.
Simpler Brand Structure
The university has streamlined its brand categories to provide more clarity and flexibility. Extension fits within the “Extended Brand” category, reinforcing that we are a core part of NC State while also relying on significant external support and partnerships.
This classification does not change anything on our end — it simply provides clarity for how the university organizes and manages its brands.
Updated Visual Identity
As a result of updated design guidelines, you’ll start to notice subtle changes in university and Extension materials:
- Modern, bold design: Inspired by a mid-century modern style
- New official fonts: Roboto, Roboto Condensed and Roboto Slab
- Arial remains fine for internal or fallback use — find more guidance
- Expanded color palette: Wolfpack Red is still central, with added colors to improve accessibility and flexibility
What’s Expected of Extension Experts
These updates aren’t wholesale changes or an organizational rebrand — they’re refinements to NC State’s internal brand platform, which is the foundation for how we talk about our mission and impact. Incorporating them will be an ongoing process, not something that requires starting over or revamping all materials at once.
Here’s how you can begin making the transition:
- Familiarize yourselves with the updates outlined in this post — visit brand.ncsu.edu for more details.
- Start incorporating the design updates in new, high-visibility projects.
- Look out for updates to Extension templates and tools this fall — we’ll help you make the transition.
- Connect with our Extension Marketing and Communications team for questions, feedback or help applying the new guidelines.
- Use our messaging, storytelling and other resources to share how your work impacts North Carolinians.
Why It Matters
By aligning with the refreshed brand platform — e.g., using consistent language, visuals and messages — we not only meet NC State standards; we strengthen Extension’s connection with the university, growing awareness, trust and value in communities across North Carolina.
Training Opportunities
University Communications is offering updated NC State brand training sessions this fall. These sessions are strongly encouraged for anyone involved in communications, marketing or public-facing work.
- Wednesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
You can also review the NC State Brand Refresh 2025 presentation or find more information about the brand at brand.ncsu.edu.
Extension Branding and Marketing Training
Explore Extension branding and marketing training resources for guidance that will help you more effectively tell your stories, promote your programs and amplify your impacts among stakeholders.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Contact our NC State Extension Marketing and Communications team to discuss your local training needs.