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Wrapping Up 2025 with Digital Champions

Institute for Emerging Issues

Spring 2025 cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative listening to a speaker in a group session.

Apr 7, 2026

Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative Accepting Applications

Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative cohort, taking place June 15-18. Only 25 spots are available. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until May 8, or until all spots are filled.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, March 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues.”

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.
Headshot of EDPNC CEO Christopher Chung next to text that reads: "Welcome, New National Advisory Board Member."

Mar 11, 2026

Christopher Chung Joins IEI National Advisory Board

IEI is pleased to announce the appointment of Economic Development Partnership of NC CEO Christopher Chung as a new member of IEI's National Advisory Board.
A group of panelists on stage speaking at the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum in Winston-Salem.

Mar 11, 2026

A Statewide Deep Dive: Highlights from the 2026 Water Forum

Nearly 500 leaders from across North Carolina gathered on Feb. 25 for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water in Asheville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City to discuss the state's water infrastructure challenges and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the forum.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, February 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues.”

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.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, January 2026, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”

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.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, December 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

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.
Headshot of IEI Director of Community Impact Coretta Walker.

Dec 19, 2025

Coretta Walker Joins IEI as Director of Community Impact

IEI is excited to welcome Coretta Walker as its new Director of Community Impact! Coretta will be leading IEI's community engagement efforts and supporting program development. Get to know Coretta!
Close up photo of attendees sitting at a table and listening to a conference speaker at the 2025 Faith & Community Conference, who is not shown in the photo.

Dec 19, 2025

Rooted and Rising at the 2025 Faith & Community Conference

On Nov. 18, faith and community leaders from across North Carolina gathered at Guilford Tech Community College in Colfax for the 2025 Faith & Community Initiative Conference, Rooted and Rising: Faith and Community in a Changing World.
Five adults wearing professional clothing posing for a photo in front of a screen in a conference room.

Dec 18, 2025

Wrapping Up 2025 with Digital Champions

More than 160 digital opportunity champions from 40 counties gathered in Tarboro on Dec. 4 for the December 2025 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering.