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Witherspoon Student Center

Honoring Legacy, Inspiring the Pack

Witherspoon Student Center honors Augustus M. Witherspoon’s legacy as a dedicated mentor, outstanding researcher, professor and community leader. He was the first African American professor at NC State and only the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from the university.

Today, Witherspoon Student Center is a vibrant hub for student life, hosting a variety of organizations including the African American Cultural Center, WKNC radio station and the Technician, NC State’s student newspaper. It’s a place where students connect, collaborate and celebrate campus culture.

Honoring a Legacy

Named for Augustus M. Witherspoon, the center celebrates his lasting impact as one of NC State’s first African American graduates and faculty members.

Home to Student Voices

Witherspoon houses the African American Cultural Center, WKNC radio, The Nubian Message and the Technician newspapers.

A Campus Gathering Place

Lively and welcoming, the center brings students together to connect, collaborate and celebrate NC State’s campus culture.

NC State's inaugural Juneteenth celebration focused on community, rest and celebration.
NC State’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration focused on community, rest and celebration.
Students talk in front of Witherspoon Student Center.
Students talk in front of Witherspoon Student Center.
Faculty, staff and students gathered at Harris Field at the Witherspoon Student Center.
Faculty, staff and students gathered at Harris Field at the Witherspoon Student Center.

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Take a 3D Tour

3D Tour Description

Witherspoon Student Center is a multi-use campus facility at NC State that brings together student services, cultural centers, media organizations and event spaces within a functional, accessible environment. The building supports a range of student experiences, from community engagement and cultural programming to media production and large-scale events.

The interior is organized around a series of connected hallways and entry points, with a mix of tile and carpeted flooring, overhead lighting and clearly marked offices and program spaces. Glass entryways and interior windows provide visibility into adjacent rooms, while seating areas with chairs and tables are placed throughout to support informal gathering and waiting.

The building houses several key student-focused offices and organizations. The African American Cultural Center provides space for programming, community and engagement, while the Military and Veterans Affairs office includes meeting areas and displays that highlight military service and student support resources. The Technician, NC State’s student-run newspaper, operates within the building, with office and production spaces connected to the main corridors.

A prominent feature of Witherspoon Student Center is its large theater space, designed for performances, lectures and campus events. The theater includes rows of fixed seating arranged in a forward-facing layout, a central aisle and a stage area with a large projection screen and presentation capabilities. Adjacent lobby and waiting areas provide circulation space before entering the theater.

Areas of Study Spotlight

Dive deeper into some of the innovative academic programs and departments that define NC State’s excellence, many of which have a strong presence on Main Campus.