NC State College of Natural Resources

Outdoor adventure is part of the job for many of our faculty, especially those in the NC State Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management department. 🥾🌳

Our own Dr. Micah Dobson, department lecturer, recently had the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, to speak and present at the World Association for Sport Management Conference. During this trip, he visited the Black Rhino Game Reserve in Pilanesberg National Park.

This malaria-free park, located in the North West Province, is set within a 1.2-billion-year-old volcanic crater and is just two and a half hours from Johannesburg. It has more than 7,000 animals, 360 bird species and a variety of ecosystems perfect for self-driving tours. While there, Dr. Dobson and his wife were able to encounter rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes and impalas.

📸: Check out some of the highlights of his outdoor adventures.

Every summer, one of North America’s most colorful birds makes a seasonal appearance at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh — the painted bunting. 🎨 Our own Dr. Christopher Moorman has the scoop on this beautiful songbird and tips for how to best spot it.

⏰ Get outdoors during the first few hours after sunrise.

💻 Check out the eBird website or app for recent sightings.

🐦 Use 8×42 binoculars to observe these smaller birds.

📸 Use a telephoto camera to document sightings and assist with species identification.

🎶 Use a mobile app like the Merlin Bird ID app to identify the birds by sound.

Learn more: http://ncst.at/YBep50ZeIXV

Congratulations to Lia Novak ‘28 on being this year's recipient of the Peter W. Hart Graduate Student Award! 👏

Lia is currently doing her graduate studies in the Department of Forest Biomaterials and expects to graduate in May 2028.

During her time in the college, she has received the Goodnight Doctoral Fellowship. Lia also received the second-place poster award at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Bioproducts & Bioenergy Consortium conference.

“This award grants me the opportunity to travel and present my work to other like-minded people. Presenting and learning from others will not only help me academically, but also professionally. This recognition shows me that the work I’ve been doing for the past two years is important and also serves as motivation to keep going, growing and learning.”

After graduation, Lia plans to go back into the industry. After her undergraduate education, she worked for two years as a research associate.

“My supervisor and other co-workers who held doctorate degrees were so gracious and willing to teach me. In a kind of “pass it on” mentality, I’d love to manage a lab and hopefully help, teach, and inspire others.”

Meet Paige Neiman ‘24, youth community outreach specialist for the Carolina Hurricanes. 🏒

In the spring of 2024, Paige graduated from the College of Natural Resources with a bachelor’s in sport management. During her sophomore year, she got her first view into the world of college sports as a football recruiting intern for NC State Football.

Later, Paige became involved with the college’s Women in Sports Leadership Summit. "This conference, started by me and a group of women in the sport management program, is for both faculty and students, and works to facilitate the sharing of connections and information between women in the sport industry,” she said. “It has since expanded to include mentorship programs with local high school students.”

In her spare time, Paige has volunteered and worked with the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department. In the spring of 2024, she secured an internship with the Pittsburgh Pirates, working in their community department. It was there that she solidified her passion for working in professional sports, particularly in community relations.

Since February 2025, Paige has worked for the Carolina Hurricanes as their youth community outreach specialist. This January, she also took over the team’s girls and women’s outreach efforts. For Paige, a typical week during the season includes youth game day activations, creating and planning events, supporting youth hockey efforts through coaching or running clinics, and many other tasks.

“My time with the Canes has connected me with a lot of great people within the triangle area. Whether it's students or professionals, I have been able to expand my network and find new opportunities in the community.

I have learned so much about the world of hockey and the way this team operates. Being able to plan and activate playoff community/marketing events has been such a valuable experience.”

Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes on winning the Stanley Cup! 🏒 🎉

One of our own alumni, Peyton Odum ‘24, has had the wonderful opportunity to work on the Canes Crew. Peyton, who graduated with his bachelor’s in sport management, spent most of his college journey working with the Canes.

While at NC State University, Peyton also interned as a player personnel and scouting assistant with NC State Football, where he was named “Scouting Assistant of the Month.” He interned as a sports reporter with CBS 17 News as well.

Outside of his internships, one of the most impactful parts of Peyton’s time at NC State was being a member of the James Buzzard Leadership Program. In the program, he had a plethora of career development opportunities, from connecting with some of the most respected leaders across a wide range of industries to being paired with a mentor. He is also a recipient of the Chick-Fil-A Remarkable Future Scholarship.

Since August 2023, Peyton has worked for the Carolina Hurricanes as a member of the Canes Crew. He has served in a brand ambassador-type role that requires an in-depth understanding of the organization. “From being on the ice for an intermission game, to tossing T-shirts around the arena, to representing the team at community events, our job is ultimately quite simple: make the fan experience unforgettable,” he said.

Halfway through this year, Peyton was fortunate enough to be asked to step into a new role as the Carolina Hurricanes’ entertainment assistant and stage manager. Most nights, he can be found in Section 229 wearing a headset and helping bring the producer's vision to life.

Whether it's coordinating a siren sounder, executing an in-game presentation, or working with the team’s anthem singers and honor guards before the puck drop, Peyton's role is all about making sure everyone knows exactly where they need to be and what to expect. He ensures the show unfolds smoothly from start to finish.

“There aren't enough words to describe how much this journey with the Canes has impacted my professional development. The relationships I've built with people inside the organization have taught me what it means to consistently perform at a high level while also having fun along the way.

Beyond that, there's a certain weight that comes with saying you work for the Carolina Hurricanes. People understand the standard that this organization represents. It has already opened doors, sparked conversations and created opportunities that I'm incredibly grateful for.”

With the FIFA World Cup underway, major sporting events can leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the competition itself.

Research from NC State examines how FIFA and host countries can work together to create positive legacies tied to future World Cups.

Despite its popularity, the FIFA World Cup faces significant challenges that hinder it from generating positive social and economic impacts. Of particular concern are human rights issues.

“With increased competition between countries willing to host the World Cup, FIFA has a unique opportunity to hold countries accountable, potentially threatening to terminate any agreement to host the tournament if human rights are violated,” said Jason Bocarro, Owens-Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership with a Global Perspective.

Read more: http://ncst.at/7SEg50ZblSx

The Carolina Hurricanes aren't just competing for a championship—they're bringing the Triangle together. 🏒

The Hurricanes’ recent success, including their 2026 Stanley Cup Final appearance, demonstrates how professional sports franchises can unite communities.

“A successful team does not simply represent a city or region; over time, it can help shape the way that place understands and presents itself,” says Dr. Michael Edwards, professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at NC State University.

📰 Read the full story: http://ncst.at/7BVh50Z9rV6

This summer, our own Carter Holewinski ‘26 has the privilege of interning for the Carolina Hurricanes as they take the ice in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. 🏒

Carter, a sport management major in NC State Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, is a member of a few clubs at NC State, including the Sports Analytics Club and the Sport Management Club. He has also made the Dean’s List every semester since he enrolled in the fall of 2023. Prior to coming to NC State, he was a member of the Notre Dame Academy’s hockey team that won the WIAA Boys State Hockey Championship in 2023.

Since October 2023, Carter has worked for the Carolina Hurricanes as a hockey operations intern, a role created specifically for him, and became the youngest person ever hired in a National Hockey League (NHL) front office at age 19.

In this position, he supports management across all areas of hockey operations, contributing to operational and administrative projects, scouting efforts, player development analysis, and other organizational initiatives. His responsibilities include analyzing game film, evaluating players and assisting with team-building decisions.

“The Carolina Hurricanes have played a critical part in my overall development. We have one of the smallest front offices in the NHL, which is incredible for learning because I am asked to do things and attend meetings that no one in any other NHL front office at my level or in my position would be given the opportunity to do.

I absolutely could not say enough good things about the entire Carolina Hurricanes organization. Every day, I get to learn from the smartest people the NHL has to offer, and I am beyond honored to be a part of the smartest, most progressive NHL front office. As a result, the Carolina Hurricanes have developed me into a one-of-a-kind advanced young upcoming NHL front office executive.”

After graduation, Carter aspires to become an NHL general manager and win multiple Stanley Cups. He says it would be a dream come true to accomplish all of these goals with the Carolina Hurricanes. He also aspires to serve as the general manager of the U.S. men’s Olympic ice hockey team at the Winter Olympic Games, leading the U.S. to multiple gold medals.

Happy World Environment Day from your College of Natural Resources family. 🌎 🌿

From mountain trails to lakeside sunsets, every outdoor adventure reminds us why protecting our planet matters.

📸: Ann Savage, tourism extension associate at NC State

With the Carolina Hurricanes soon to skate onto the ice during the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, we are spotlighting some of our College of Natural Resources family who help support the team. 🏒

When he started at NC State in 1996, Dr. Robb Wade worked with NC State Athletics. Starting in 2002, he began teaching students in NC State Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management.

When not in the classroom, he can be found working as a member of the Hurricanes’ ice crew. Other College of Natural Resources professors who work with the team in various ways include Drs. Kyle Bunds and Kim Bush.

“I think that this is the best team the Hurricanes have had since they won the Stanley Cup in 2006. We have numerous graduates working in various capacities with the organization.

The sports landscape is changing rapidly and there will undoubtedly be lots of new opportunities with the organization in the coming years. A major championship in Raleigh would be a tremendous way to shine a spotlight on the city, on NC State and on the department.”

With the Canes, Wade assists with visiting team locker room operations, helping maintain the ice, support game-day logistics and ensuring players and staff have what they need throughout the season. His behind-the-scenes experience at marquee events, including the NHL outdoor game at Carter-Finley Stadium and the Stanley Cup Finals, has provided valuable real-world insights that enrich his teaching in his “Event Planning” and “Sport Administration” courses.

Beyond the excitement of game day, his passion is helping students discover their own paths in the sport and event industries. Through industry connections, firsthand stories and practical experience, he works to prepare future professionals for internships, careers and leadership opportunities across the rapidly evolving sports landscape.

Wade is also currently involved in research examining golf expectations and satisfaction, as well as how former student-athletes apply life lessons learned through athletics after graduation.