The College of Engineering celebrated its faculty and staff during the 2025 Awards for Excellence ceremony at the Duke Energy Center in the James B. Hunt Jr. Library. Among the nominees was Rob Lasson, ISE’s Director of Creative Services. Lasson’s work in marketing and communications has made a lasting impact on the department, but his most powerful legacy may be the students he mentors.
Building Through Mentorship
For over 13 years, Lasson has led a creative services team responsible for marketing five programs, including the rapidly growing Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program. During this time, he has mentored over a dozen student workers, equipping them with real-world skills in digital design, content strategy and multimedia production.
“First of all, I would like to recognize the many student workers who have been an integral part of the success of the creative services team over the last 13 years,” Lasson said. “The constant generation of news articles, videos, social media, graphic design work and many other types of PR and marketing materials would not be possible without their hard work and commitment.”
He doesn’t just assign tasks—he creates opportunities for students to gain meaningful experience, even involving them in presentations to the ISE Advisory Board.
Jeff Johnson, an ISE advisory board member, shared that Lasson “has actively involved his student assistants to give them exposure to the challenges of marketing an industrial engineering program and preparing/presenting to the advisory board.”
Patrick Murray, ISE adjunct professor and alumni-student mentor, highlighted the larger impact of Lasson’s alumni engagement strategies, specifically noting, “It changed the dynamic from asking alumni for money to offering ways the department can help them in their careers and lives.”
He also emphasized Lasson’s inclusive leadership style and strategic approach: “He values the input and work of others as he develops his plans and then executes his work. Classic ‘Think and Do.’”
Creative Leadership
Lasson’s creativity and collaboration have fueled innovative marketing campaigns across the College of Engineering. His “What the ISE Department Can Do for You” initiative and the development of the alumni volunteer website are just two examples of how he reimagines outreach and builds lasting relationships.
Earlier this semester, Lasson was honored with the Pride of the Wolfpack Award, recognizing his outstanding service and commitment to excellence at NC State. This additional accolade highlights the breadth of his impact and the high regard in which he is held by students and colleagues alike.
While Lasson stays focused on strategy, he remains grounded in appreciation for those around him. “As for me, it is a great honor and incredibly satisfying to be recognized for my efforts,” he said. “But I really want to highlight the students who work so hard and bring so much energy to our team.”
He also praised the ISE faculty and staff for their ongoing support and willingness to collaborate on storytelling and media. “I would also like to thank the faculty and fellow staff members of the ISE Department for being so willing to work with me to tell their stories,” he said. “They always make time for my silly interview questions and video shoots. This is not always the case among other departments on campus.”
A Lasting Legacy
Although Lasson was not selected as a final recipient this year, his nomination speaks volumes about his reputation, character and impact within the NC State community.
Lisa Cook, ISE advisory board member, said, “Rob’s long-standing influence, impact and dedication to the department have a lasting impact on the students and alumni of the ISE Department at NC State. His reputation is of the highest upstanding and caliber.”
As she added, “His timeless work has impacted the lives of so many, promoted so many, and lifted up many students and alumni. His service to the department and the University will impact the lives of many for decades to come.”
Rob Lasson’s work will be remembered not just through award nominations or digital campaigns, but through the students and colleagues he has empowered to think, do and lead.