Shelton also announced earlier this week that he has decided to return to his alma mater as an executive of his own leadership program there.
Shelton served 38 years in the Army and four years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before retiring Oct 1.
Stephen Jones, N.C. State vice chancellor for extension and engagement, said he is elated by Shelton's decision. "We are very grateful for his interest in returning to his alma mater," Jones said. "He is without question the most distinguished of our alumni."
Jones said Shelton will work as the executive director of the H. Hugh Shelton Initiative for Leadership Development. The program will bring government and business leaders to N.C. State twice a year for seminars.
Jones said it was Shelton who first expressed interest in the idea of returning to N.C. State. "He loves his alma mater and has a desire to give something back in terms of service to the university."
Jones said Shelton will bring distinction to N.C. State. "Any time we can attach to the university someone who is an international, well-respected and honored (person), we add to what is already a well-positioned university," he said.
Some N.C. State students also said they look forward to seeing Shelton.
Brad Dixon, N.C. State Student Senate president pro tem, said he is excited about the new program. "It is nascent right now, but as it grows, it is going to be a really good thing," he said. "It will bring leadership to private and public sectors to develop the state."
Capt. Craig Marks, an military science professor with UNC-Chapel Hill's Army ROTC, said it is not likely that UNC-CH will be able to have a similar presence because UNC-CH's ROTC program only was restarted in 1995 after being discontinued in 1921.
