North Carolina Central University officially has a new chancellor.
Dr. Karrie Dixon was sworn in Friday as 13th chancellor at a ceremony at the Durham-based university.
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“Taking NCCU to the next level means expanding the possibilities for every student who walks through these doors,” Dixon said. “It means investing in research and innovation.”
Dixon began her role in July 2024 at NCCU.
Since Dixon started in the role, the university has seen record-breaking growth in enrollment. In August 2024, the university announced it would have 1,918 first-year students, 296 transfer students and 18 second-degree students. The class is expected to be the largest the university has seen in 15 years.
“For nearly 115 years, NCCU has been a sanctuary for learning,” Dixon said.
Dixon has also spearheaded the creation of an AI Research Institute in partnership with Google, the first of its kind at a historically Black college or university.
“I can tell you from a personal perspective that Dr. Dixon is going get up every day focused on supporting these students attending this institution,” said Dr. Harry Williams, the president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
NCCU said Dixon is the first woman to serve as a permanent chancellor for two UNC System schools. In December 2018, she began work at Elizabeth City State.
“Your presence was impactful from day one,” said Durham Mayor Leo Williams. “I know based on what you've already done, that we are only going to grow better together.”
Dixon also has challenges ahead.
A state audit found incorrect information in the university's financials totaling $45 million.
State Auditor David Boliek said his team is confident about Dixon's new leadership at the university.
"The good news," Boliek wrote, "is that since these shortcomings, new leadership has taken the helm at the University."
Dixon has a long history at UNC System schools, earning her bachelor's degree at North Carolina State University, her master’s degree at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and her doctorate at NC State.