As the academic journey of our Spring 2026 graduates comes to a close, we celebrate the determination and discovery that brought them to this milestone. Across NC State’s colleges and programs, graduate students are turning knowledge into action and advancing research that strengthens communities in North Carolina and around the world. In the stories that follow, we highlight a few exceptional members of our graduate community, knowing that many more journeys just like theirs are woven throughout every college, department, and program.

NC State will celebrate the class of 2026 during its spring commencement ceremony at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m.

“Congratulations to all of our graduate students who have reached this incredible culmination of their academic journey. While we are proud to highlight the accomplishments of five outstanding students in this story, their success is only a small representation of the countless inspiring journeys and incredible achievements found throughout our Spring 2026 graduating class. Each graduate exemplifies the Think and Do culture that defines the Wolfpack. We look forward to seeing the impact that their training will have on their chosen careers.” Peter Harries, Dean of the Graduate School  

By The Numbers
7,808 total degrees will be conferred, including 5,600 bachelor’s, 1,773 master’s, 338 doctoral, and 97 associate degrees. Some of our graduates will receive multiple degrees.

Leah Harrell

• M.A. in Anthropology
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences

What has being an NC State graduate student meant to you?
The Anthropology Department at NC State is full of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Being a graduate student here has meant being a part of this welcoming community of scholars where everyone wants to help you succeed. Drs. Julie Wesp, John Millhauser, Katie Kinkopf, and Tara Clarke, in addition to Gabrielle Lopez and my entire cohort, have made my time here nothing but amazing. I am very grateful for this department, as I know I will have these connections and support system even after graduating.

William Kirschenman

• Ph.D. in Operations Research
• College of Engineering

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be joining the faculty in the Operations Research Department at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. In that role, I will be teaching, continuing to engage in research, and supporting the department’s broader mission, including helping develop many of the military students who come through the program. Long term, I hope to use this next chapter to contribute both technically and personally by helping shape the next generation of operations research analysts. I have benefited from mentors and leaders who had a major impact on my career, and I would like to have that same kind of positive influence on others.

Paul Agada

• M.S. in Communication
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Tell us about your graduate school experience.
I love the quality of work that is being done here at NC State, and I’m happy to be a part of it. I’ve had a fantastic relationship with the Communication department as a student and as a public speaking instructor. As a student, I’ve taken courses that have expanded my horizon, and as a public speaking instructor, I feel the best way to improve your craft is to teach it, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities NC State has given me.

Mariana Prieto Torres

• Ph.D. Plant Pathology
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Tell us about your journey to graduate school and what led you to NC State.
In 2019, I was accepted into the Kelman Scholars Program, a REU program in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology here at NC State. During that undergraduate internship, I learned about extension and how it’s a bridge between the university and the people in the state. I started to understand the impact extension has on agriculture and communities. It was then that I decided to pursue graduate school in a land grant university, because I wanted to be part of the extension mission. In 2021 I was accepted into the Plant Pathology Ph.D. program here at NC State to continue my studies.

We proudly congratulate all of our graduate students on earning their degrees this spring. Your dedication, innovation, and impact inspire the entire Grad Pack community.