Skip to main content

Howl About You

Employee Spotlight Series

NC State employs more than 8,000 employees who work across a multitude of colleges, divisions, departments, offices and units that spread across the state. Even though some of us have developed close professional relationships and friendships with colleagues, for many of us getting to know anyone other than our daily co-workers is difficult. That’s why we’ve created Howl About You, a page where we shine a spotlight on our employees by letting them share five facts about themselves. As you read the entries on Howl About You, we hope you discover someone who shares the same professional or personal interests as you and make a connection with them. 

Learn how to participate in Howl About You!


Melissa Edwards Smith

Director, Education and Campus Engagement
Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity

Melissa Smith headshot

I started my NC State career at the Global Training Initiative in 2014 and have now worked in the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity since 2020. It’s been rewarding to work with so many diverse populations over the years.

I have a growing vinyl record collection with many albums by The Beatles, which my kids also really enjoy. It’s been a fun family pastime since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, my grandparents instilled a love for the outdoors, especially hiking. I also enjoy running, swimming, gardening and other outdoor activities but not as much in the summer. Raleigh gets too humid for this mountain girl.


While doing research for my graduate thesis, I enjoyed living with Mayan and Creole families in Belize and Guatemala, often in homes without electricity or running water. It was a life-changing experience to be welcomed into their communities with such generous hospitality.

Even though I’m not really a cat person, my family and I rehomed a neighborhood kitty named Luna. She is truly adorable, and it’s been surprisingly rewarding to give an older pet a second chance at a loving home.

How To Participate

We’d love for you to submit five facts about yourself so we can share them on our website and/or in Howl You Know, the HR newsletter. Just fill out this form, and our communications team will review your submission for publication. If you have questions or know of an employee who would be great for us to spotlight, send an email to hrcommunications@ncsu.edu and write Howl About You in the subject line.