James Buzzard

The James Buzzard Scholarship Endowment was established in 2003 by Jim Buzzard.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in pulp and paper technology from NC State in 1976 and an MBA in finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He has been president of MeadWestvaco having had responsibility for the company’s operations, including packaging, coated and specialty papers, consumer and office products, specialty chemicals, along with forestry, technology, and supply chain.

“Jim Buzzard is a great example of the leaders and professionals we count among our alumni,” said Dr. Larry Nielsen, former dean of the College of Natural Resources. “He has risen steadily in his company, adding managerial expertise to the strong technical base provided at NC State. …Recognition of that depth and breadth propelled him to the presidency of MeadWestvaco, one of the premier forest products companies in the world. He is the kind of man whom all of our students can look up to, both as a professional and as a person.” He has committed himself to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Through his various positions on the executive team at MeadWestvaco, Buzzard has been a major supporter of the paper science and forestry programs in the College of Natural Resources. He has served on the Pulp and Paper Foundation Board and is a current member of the Natural Resources Foundation Board.