first name vs. last name

When referring to a person in a news or feature story, use both the first name and last name on first reference. On second and subsequent references, we generally use the last name only:

• The new vice chancellor, Jane Smith, came to NC State from the University of Florida. “I’m so excited to be part of the Wolfpack,” Smith says.

Exceptions to this rule:

• When referring to children — i.e., from birth through high school graduation or age 17, whichever is later — use the first name on second and subsequent references.
• When referring to multiple people with the same last name, use both first and last name on second and subsequent references for all such people in the story.