The Office of Public Affairs has been known previously as the Office of Foundations and Development, the Office of University Relations, and the Office of Development. Immediately prior to its reorganization and renaming in 1994, it operated as the Office of University Relations and consisted of four main areas: the Office of Information Services, which worked with the news media and provided information in response to requests from the public; the Office of Broadcast Services, which provided video and audio productions to on-campus units and off-campus organizations; University Events, which supported and supervised various aspects of on-campus events, including catering, reservations, and protocol; and the Publications Office, which designed, wrote, and supervised the printing of a number of publications and periodicals.

In 2007, the Office of Public Affairs consisted of two main components: Marketing and Creative Services and News Services. The primary responsibility of Creative Services is "to support University Advancement by producing print, electronic and broadcast materials for public distribution, providing campus footage for stations and networks and assisting with any assigned projects that enhance the image of North Carolina State University." (quote taken from the Creative Services website) As part of these pursuits, it oversees Photographic Services, Production Services, Video Presentation and Support Services, and administers the Cooperating Raleigh Colleges' Education Channel, a cable channel serving the Raleigh area. Special Events, formerly a separate component within Public Affairs, is also now a part of Creative Services. The News Services component of the Office of Public Affairs works to gain media coverage for the university and distributes news releases to the media.

As a part of the larger division of University Advancement, the Office of Public Affairs "helps NC State accomplish its mission by building sound relationships with the university’s constituencies and public groups." (quote taken from the website) According to their informational website, Public Affairs focuses on four main goals: projecting the distinctive benefits and accomplishments of NC State, monitoring and responding to public issues and perceptions, involving alumni, faculty, staff, students and constituents in reaching the university's goals, and helping the university recruit and retain students, secure public and private resources and garner support. As part of their ongoing endeavors in support of these goals, the member groups and programs of the Office of Public Affairs have produced a number of internal and external publications.