Dr. Karrie Dixon will become the 13th chancellor of NC Central University. (Photo courtesy of NCCU)
Dr. Karrie Dixon has been selected by the UNC Board of Governors as the next chancellor of North Carolina Central University. A first-generation college student, Dixon has served as chancellor of Elizabeth City State University since 2018.
During her tenure at ECSU, Dixon is credited with growing enrollment by nearly 70%, raising $24 million in private donations and building partnerships that have led to nearly $300 million in state and federal funding for facilities, infrastructure and academic programs.
At Thursday’s meeting of the UNC Board of Governors, system President Peter Hans said Dixon rose to the top of a list of more than 50 candidates in a national search because of her reputation as a widely admired leader with deep roots in higher education in North Carolina.
“Dr. Dixon is the person you call when there is a complex student success challenge. She brings to that work not only a deep understanding of public policy and academic culture, but also a profound empathy for students of all backgrounds and a deep belief in the ability of every student to thrive when given the right resources and high expectations are offered,” says Hans. .
Hans credited Dixon with rekindling long-dormant partnerships and rebuilding a sense of pride in Elizabeth City University.
“At a time of increasing skepticism about higher education, Chancellor Dixon has won partisan trust and admiration as she remained focused on the core mission of our public universities and held herself and her team accountable for delivering results,” Hans added.
At her first public event in Durham as chancellor-elect, Dixon told attendees the appointment was a dream come true.
“To our students, you are the reason we are here. Student success is my priority and everything we do will be judged on how well we help you find your purpose and defend your future,” Dixon promised.
Thursday’s orientation on the central campus was widely attended by Durham dignitaries, including Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, and former senator and civil rights activist “Mickey” Michaux, an alumnus of the school.
And for those alumni, Dixon said their success would be the school’s best advertisement.
“I look forward to working with you to tell your stories to future students, employers, partners and donors,” said Dixon. “We must keep the doors of opportunity open at our beloved university.”
Dixon earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a doctorate from North Carolina State University. She has worked in the UNC system for 23 years.
She will succeed Chancellor Johnson Akinleye, who will retire at the end of this month after eight years leading the university.
The appointment by the UNC System Board of Governors comes just one week after the appointment of veteran higher education administrator Bonita Brown to serve as the next chancellor at Winston-Salem State University.
NCCU has nearly 8,000 students (5,973 undergraduates/1,992 graduate students) and 1,479 employees.
“The work we do is so important,” Dixon told the central community. “Eagle pride is strengthened.”
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