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Director’s Message | October 2025

Director’s Message

Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, July 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Jul 31, 2026

Director’s Message | July 2026

While summer is traditionally a time for rest, rising costs are forcing many North Carolinians to rethink their plans and stay closer to home. IEI Director Sarah Hall explores this economic strain and its connection to the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum on housing.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, June 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Jun 30, 2026

Director’s Message | June 2026

Kicking off summer 2026, IEI Director Sarah Hall highlights the enduring impact of the annual Emerging Issues Forum, showcasing how initiatives like the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative and the Financial Resilience Community Cohort continue to drive progress across the state. Looking ahead, she shares excitement for the upcoming community focus groups that will help lay the groundwork for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, May 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

May 29, 2026

Director’s Message | May 2026

IEI Director Sarah Hall explores the undeniable return on investment driving North Carolina forward, from the soaring career earnings of NC State graduates to IEI's statewide community investments. Looking ahead, she also expresses her excitement around the institute's next strategic plan.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, April 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Apr 30, 2026

Director’s Message | April 2026

In honor of Earth Day, IEI Director Sarah Hall reflects on the vital role of nature-based solutions in addressing North Carolina's critical infrastructure challenges. She also highlights the forward-thinking work of NC State faculty and students who are already leading the way by implementing these sustainable strategies across the state.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, March 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Mar 30, 2026

Director’s Message | March 2026

With spring in full swing, IEI Director Sarah Hall gives an update on the recommendations from the 2026 forum on water and reflects on the leadership breakfast that officially launched planning for the 2027 forum on housing. She also celebrates the team’s participation at the 2026 Rural Summit and previews a robust lineup of community initiative events in the coming months.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, February 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Feb 27, 2026

Director’s Message | February 2026

IEI Director Sarah Hall celebrates the historic success of hosting the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum in three cities simultaneously, thanking all who made the achievement possible. She also highlights the regional collaboration and water infrastructure solutions that were discussed at the forum.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, January 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Jan 30, 2026

Director’s Message | January 2026

IEI Director Sarah Hall kicks off the 40th year of the Emerging Issues Forum in this special Director's Message. She shares how you can share your memories throughout the year, and thanks everyone who has been involved in the planning of the upcoming 2026 Emerging Issues Forum, Future Forward Water.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, December 2025, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Dec 19, 2025

Director’s Message | December 2025

In this special director’s message, IEI Director Sarah Hall honors the life and legacy of former Governor James B. Hunt Jr., the visionary founder of the Emerging Issues Forum, later becoming the Institute for Emerging Issues. She reflects on his charge to bring people together and make North Carolina the best it can be, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to carry this mission forward.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, November 2025, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Nov 24, 2025

Director’s Message | November 2025

IEI Director Sarah Hall shares updates on recent IEI events, celebrating the success of the Fall 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative and the 2025 Faith & Community Initiative Conference. She also highlights the upcoming December 2025 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering and registration opening for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum. As the holiday season approaches, Hall also expresses her deep gratitude for everyone who has made the work at IEI possible and for their unwavering support over the years.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, October 2025, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Oct 28, 2025

Director’s Message | October 2025

It's officially forum season at IEI! Director Sarah Hall announces that tickets for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum will go on sale in early November. This landmark forum, which kicks off a year-long celebration of the event’s 40th anniversary, will be held simultaneously on Feb. 25 in Asheville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City. Additionally, registration is now open for both the 2025 Faith & Community Initiative Conference and the December 2025 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering.