By: Jordan Meadows, Staff Writer
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has appointed Dr. Karrie G. Dixon as its new Chancellor, succeeding Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye. Dixon’s selection follows a comprehensive national search led by UNC System President Peter Hans, which attracted over 50 candidates.
Dixon, a first-generation college graduate, 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. During her undergraduate years at NC State, she gained early experience as an intern at WRAL News.
Before joining NCCU, Dixon served as Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) since 2018. Her tenure at ECSU was marked by significant achievements, including a nearly 70% increase in enrollment, raising $24 million in private donations, and securing almost $300 million in state and federal funding for facilities, infrastructure, and academic programs. Her leadership revitalized a campus previously facing enrollment declines and financial challenges.
During her time at ECSU, she said she “learned a lot about the needs of HBCUs, especially from the standpoint of being historically underfunded, and the importance of infrastructure investment – a capital investment in our student experience, and faculty and staff experience.”
Dixon’s 23-year career within the UNC System includes roles such as vice president for academic and student affairs, senior associate vice president, and assistant vice president for academic and student affairs.
Notably, she played a key role in establishing the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), which assists students and parents with college planning and financing. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors of Project Kitty Hawk, an organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities across the state.
On June 6, the university officially introduced Dixon to campus. Later, on July 1, they held a welcome ceremony at Brant Street and James E. Shepard Administration Circle on the NCCU campus in Durham.
Chancellor Dixon was warmly welcomed by the community, including a performance by the Sound Machine Drumline, cheerleaders, and others, alongside approximately 200 supporters including administrators, students, alumni, and community leaders.
“What I’ve been focusing on is building relationships. The community is important; getting out there and meeting people,” Dixon said. “I’ve had several conversations with people in the community, alumni, current students, faculty, and staff — understanding what the Bull City wants and needs from NCCU. I know the best way to do that is to hear from the people and so that has been a priority.”
“I want NC Central to be the best it can be,” Dixon continued. “I want our student experience to be at a level in which our alumni experienced the great opportunities that NC Central afforded them as they left and went on to have great careers.”
At NCCU, Dixon plans to evaluate the campus master plan to accommodate the influx of new students while ensuring support for current students.
“I want to show that NC Central provides a quality education for our students and that investment is there…our students deserve the same amenities, resources, programming, and experiences that other high education institutions can offer them.”
Dixon prioritizes enhancing technological exposure and forging enduring partnerships with emerging businesses and industries in the Triangle.
“We are located in the Bull City and the Triangle area, where there are ample opportunities for partnership and working with tech and RTP companies. I want to build those relationships. I want to be present and have a seat at the table with some of the boards that are driving those partnerships to make sure NC Central is a part of the conversation as a major player and economic driver in this area.”
She highlighted a recent partnership meeting where local youth, from 2nd to 6th grade, were invited to the NCCU campus. During their visit, they explored the labs and discussed STEM topics, gaining insight into the opportunities available in these fields. She emphasized that this is just one example of how collaboration between businesses, industries, and education can create opportunities for everyone in the NCCU community and beyond.
Dixon is the second permanent woman Chancellor of NCCU, following Debra Saunders-White. “I stand on the shoulders of many great giants who came before me. I want to build upon that foundation and really take NCCU to the next level,” Dixon said.
“I am just honored to be the second permanent woman to lead NCCU and I feel even more honored because I had a relationship with the first, and I feel her presence even now on this campus as I lead. To me, it really provides energy and strength around what I know she stood for when it comes to student success and how passionate I am about student success as well,” Dixon said.
Four senior leaders, most of which are alumni of NCCU, will be supporting Chancellor Dixon in her role at NCCU. Ontario Wooden has been appointed as the interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. He will also be a member of the Chancellor’s cabinet. Alyn Goodson will serve as Dixon’s executive vice chancellor, focusing on securing funding for capital projects, academic programs, and campus operations.
Avery Staley has been named Dixon’s chief of staff. Staley will manage change initiatives, oversee project management, and drive program development. Stanley currently serves as the inaugural vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Sandra Powers joins as Dixon’s executive assistant, bringing experience from ECSU, where she has worked with Dixon since 2020.
As Dixon begins her tenure, she is closely evaluating NCCU’s housing situation, which has been a concern due to increased enrollment and a shortage of on-campus housing that affected many students last year.
“NC Central is an absolutely beautiful campus, but, like all HBCUs, there are some areas where we’re going to need some attention in regards to infrastructure, continuing to look into ways we can provide a very strong student experience on the academic side, but also as students integrate into campus socially.”
Chancellor Dixon is committed to advancing excellence at NCCU. She aims to build on the university’s distinguished legacy, driving it forward through a focus on community empowerment, student well-being, industry opportunities, and a strong commitment to success.
“I am humble to the fact that they built the foundation and I’m in place to help take it forward and really take it to the next level,” Dixon said. “It’s just a great time for NC Central and I want to do all I can to make sure we continue to excel in all areas of the university and we continue to have that support in those partnerships that are necessary for us to be successful.”
