On February 25, 2006, the NCAPA formally opened the Stead Center, the Academy’s headquarters in Durham, NC. NCAPA is the first state PA association to own and operate its own headquarters.

The building is named in honor of the father of the PA profession, Eugene Stead, MD, and features installations from the PA History Society including a replica of Dr. Stead’s home office, and a formal garden behind the building honoring veterans and decorated with statuary donated from Dr. Stead’s estate.

The Stead Center also houses the NCAPA central office and hosts CME workshops, Board of Directors meetings, PA student events, and various other functions relevant to the PA profession.

Visits to the Stead Center

The Stead Center and Memorial Garden are open Monday – Thursday, from 9am – 5pm. Visits are by appointment only. Please contact the NCAPA office at 919-479-1995 to schedule a visit, or visit virtually with this guide to the Stead Center Collection or The Eugene Stead Jr. Center Virtual Tour from PA History Society.

The Veteran’s Memorial Garden

Located behind the Stead Center building, in the enclosed courtyard, is the John McElligott Veterans Memorial Garden. The garden honors the contributions made by former and current uniformed service PAs to the PA profession and is a reflective, inspiring and peaceful place of remembrance. If you are interested in finding out more about the Veteran’s Memorial Garden, please visit the PA History Society.

The E. Harvey Estes Conference Center at The Stead Center

The meeting wing of the Stead Center is named the E. Harvey Estes Conference Center, in honor of E. Harvey Estes, M.D., who oversaw the Duke University PA Program in 1969 and is credited with spreading the PA concept across the nation. Dr. Estes submitted a letter to be read at the dedication of the building. He wrote, “I am honored and proud to be identified as a strong proponent of PAs. It has been a concept whose time was right, and it has blossomed beyond anyone’s expectations.” Reginald Carter PhD, PA, Executive Director of the PA History Society, said “This building represents the vision and passion of the founding physicians, legislators, and community members who saw health care as a right, not a privilege.”

Commemorative Bricks to Honor PAs

Purchase an engraved brick or plaque in memory or in honor of a loved one or an individual dedicated to the PA profession. The engraved bricks are displayed at the front entrance of the Stead Center. If you would like to order a brick or would like more information, please call 919-479-1995.