Two dedicated volunteers for NC State’s Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), Patrick Murray and Tracy Doaks, recently received prestigious awards. Their service and leadership show how alumni can make a difference in the lives of students and the university.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
During Red and White Week, Tracy Doaks received the Distinguished Engineering Alumni (DEA) Award. This honor, created in 1966, celebrates graduates who excel in engineering and bring distinction to NC State.
Doaks, a 1995 graduate, is the president and CEO of MCNC, a nonprofit focused on advanced technology for North Carolina communities. Her career includes leadership roles in government, healthcare and nonprofits. As state chief information officer, she advanced digital infrastructure, expanded broadband access and strengthened cybersecurity across North Carolina.
In addition to her professional achievements, Doaks has earned several accolades, including the Triangle Business Journal’s Women in Business Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Her ongoing commitment to NC State includes serving on the ISE Advisory Board and mentoring students.
Julie Swann, the ISE Department Head, praised Doaks’ achievements. “Tracy’s work shows the incredible impact of industrial and systems engineering in many fields. She continues to inspire us all.”
A Lifetime of Volunteerism
A retired Intel executive, Patrick Murray earned the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteering over 4,000 hours at NC State. His work includes mentoring students, supporting faculty and recruiting senior design sponsors.
Murray’s contributions span over six years, during which he co-taught classes, prepared students for career fairs and recruited judges and sponsors for design projects. Beyond the ISE Department, he serves on the Board of Directors for the NC State Alumni Association and mentors special needs children as a Miracle League coach.
“The best part of this award,” Murray shared, “is hearing from students who say my efforts helped them. That means everything to me.” He also values learning from professors and students, keeping him engaged and motivated.
Swann praised Murray’s dedication: “Patrick has given so much to the department. His mentoring and support have truly made a difference.”
Inspiring Alumni to Create Change
Both Doaks and Murray demonstrate how NC State graduates continue to shape the world through leadership and innovation. Doaks applies her expertise in technology to bridge gaps in digital access, cybersecurity, and education, impacting countless communities across North Carolina. Murray leverages decades of industry experience to mentor the next generation of engineers, fostering academic and professional excellence.
“Tracy and Patrick represent the best of what our alumni can achieve,” said Swann. “Their dedication to advancing the field of engineering and improving lives showcases the enduring value of an NC State education.”
Through their accomplishments, Doaks and Murray highlight the diverse paths NC State graduates can take to drive progress and uplift others. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of engineering and the limitless potential of the Wolfpack community.