New Chancellor Tapped to Lead Durham's NCCU

From a UNC System news release:

Dr. Karrie Dixon, a transformative leader who steered Elizabeth City State University to remarkable growth, was elected chancellor of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) today by the UNC Board of Governors.

Dixon, recommended by UNC System President Peter Hans, emerged from a national search that attracted more than 50 candidates, narrowing down to three finalists endorsed by the NCCU Board of Trustees. She will succeed Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye, who is retiring on June 30 after eight years of service.

Since becoming chancellor of Elizabeth City State in 2018, Dixon has overseen a resurgence at the institution, significantly increasing enrollment by nearly 70%, securing $24 million in private donations, and establishing partnerships yielding almost $300 million in state and federal funding for infrastructure and academic programs. Under her leadership, employee morale improved from the lowest to the highest in the UNC System.

“Karrie Dixon has been a widely admired leader in our university system for more than two decades,” Hans said. “She’s known for building great teams and tackling big challenges with honesty and optimism. I’m excited for NC Central and grateful to Chancellor Dixon for her commitment to this state.”

“NCCU embodies grit, innovation, leadership, purpose, and legacy,” said Dixon. “I am committed to building on our rich traditions and ensuring our students, faculty, staff, and alumni have the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed. I can’t wait to engage with all the possibilities that Durham has to offer.”

“We are thrilled to have a dynamic new chancellor in Dr. Karrie Dixon,” said NCCU Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Holloway. “This is about providing the best education we can for our students to achieve their purpose and take flight.”

Dr. James H. Johnson Jr., chair of the NCCU chancellor search advisory committee, expressed his confidence in Dixon’s leadership. “She is a seasoned higher education administrator with a track record of student-centered success in the UNC System, and I am confident in President Hans’ decision and in the future of my alma mater.”

Dixon has spent 23 years within the UNC System, holding several academic positions, including vice president for academic and student affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from NC State University, a master’s in speech communication from UNC Greensboro, and a Doctor of Education in higher education administration from NC State University.

“This is a great day for North Carolina Central University,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Randy Ramsey. “Karrie Dixon has made enormous contributions to eastern North Carolina and will now be a tremendous leader for another of our state’s important public HBCUs. I congratulate her and look forward to seeing what this new chapter holds.”

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