NCCU elects Dr. Karrie Dixon as 13th chancellor

Dr. Karrie Dixon on Thursday was elected the 13th chancellor of North Carolina Central University, one of the country's top-ranked HBCUs.

After the 10 a.m., announcement, Dixon addressed the NCCU and larger Durham communities on the university campus in the NCCU Student Center Event Hall.

“Being a part of this incredible community of scholars, innovators and leaders on the sloping hills and verdant green is a dream come true,” said Dixon. “NCCU embodies grit, innovation, leadership, purpose and legacy, and I am committed to building on our rich traditions and ensuring that 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.”

She was recommended by UNC System President Peter Hans following a national search that drew more than 50 candidates. She succeeds Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye, who is retiring after eight years leading the university.

“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 taking on big challenges with honesty and optimism. I’m excited for NC Central and grateful to Chancellor Dixon for her commitment to this state.”

A first-generation college graduate, Dixon holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from NC State University, a master’s degree in speech communication from UNC Greensboro, and a Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration from NC State University. While attending NC State, she interned at WRAL News with 5 On Your Side.

Dixon had previously served as chancellor of Elizabeth City State since 2018, during which time she is described as "bringing forth a renaissance to a campus that previously experienced enrollment declines and financial pressures." During her tenure as chancellor, Dixon grew enrollment by nearly 70%, raised $24 million in private gifts and built partnerships that led to nearly $300 million in state and federal funding for facilities, infrastructure and academic programs.

She has worked within the UNC System for 23 years, holding various positions, including vice president for academic and student affairs, senior associate vice president for academic and student affairs and assistant vice president for academic and student affairs.

“I am very excited because I firmly believe that Chancellor-elect Karrie Dixon possesses all the desired characteristics and traits that NCCU constituents who participated in our rigorous search process said they hoped for in the next chancellor," said Dr. James H. Johnson Jr., faculty member at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

As Dixon has departed ECSU to become chancellor for NCCU, there are now four UNC system schools with chancellor vacancies, including two HBCUs -- UNC Chapel Hill, NC A&T in Greensboro, App State in Boone, and Elizabeth City State University.