By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Raleigh, NC – A new chapter officially began for North Carolina State University today as Kevin Howell was formally installed as the 15th Chancellor in a ceremony brimming with pride, tradition, and a forward-looking vision. The atmosphere was electric, a true homecoming for a leader deeply rooted in the Wolfpack spirit.
“Boundless optimism” was the theme of the ceremony, and the enthusiasm and energy brought forth by the new chancellor were undeniable. North Carolina State University is in excellent hands! The morning commenced with an invocation that resonated with the university's "Think and Do" mantra, highlighting NC State's bedrock role in innovation and its commitment to shaping future leaders.
Ed Stack, Chair of the NC State Board of Trustees, formally opened the ceremony, acknowledging the significance of the day not just for the installation of Chancellor Howell, but for stepping into the next chapter of this great institution together. He offered gratitude to distinguished guests, including N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, NC State Student Body President Isaac Carreno, UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy, and many others. A special thanks was extended to the NC State Chorale and the Power Sound of the South band for their uplifting performances, reminding all that a celebration of NC State wouldn't be complete without their spirit.
An interesting moment during the ceremony was when North Carolina State Senator Phil Berger began his remarks to an empty good morning from the crowd. It truly reflected the political awareness of the NC State community when he prompted a second good morning in hopes of a positive welcome. This did not dim the light of the day, but made the purpose and the need for an innovative and forward-thinking leadership that much more important. Senator Berger lauded NC State's role as a world-leading public research university and a North Carolina flagship, instrumental in the state's economic success. He praised Chancellor Howell, an alumnus and "native son," as a visionary leader with an "unquestioning integrity" and a heart for the people of North Carolina.
N.C. House Representative Dean Arp echoed these sentiments, emphasizing NC State's leadership in diverse fields and its profound impact on job creation and improving lives. He spoke of Howell as a man "sustained and created for this very moment," a relentless advocate for the university's faculty, facilities, and future.
Wendy Murphy, Chair of the UNC Board of Governors, highlighted NC State's enduring mission since its founding in 1887 as a land-grant university, growing from 72 students to the largest university in the Carolinas. She affirmed Howell's deep understanding of the university's legacy and his commitment to strengthening partnerships between campus, industry, and the state.
Student Body President Isaac Carreno spoke movingly of Chancellor Howell's journey from a student leader from Shelby to Vice Chancellor and now Chancellor, embodying the saying, "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." Carreno shared a personal anecdote of Howell's genuine connection with students, affirming his belief that "anything is possible" at NC State.
UNC System President Peter Hans celebrated the installation as a "homecoming" for Kevin Howell, acknowledging his four decades of dedicated service to the state and his gift for building relationships. Hans emphasized NC State's role as a land-grant tradition, bringing "an academic tower down to earth, where it might do some immediate good," and praised Howell as the "personification of the NC State story."
The solemn moment of the oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Paul Newby, with Chancellor Howell placing his hand on his personal Bible, held by his wife, Aleta. He was then presented with the traditional medallion, symbolizing the authority and responsibility entrusted to him as the chief steward of this great institution. Chancellor Howell's inaugural address demonstrated his profound connection to NC State. He shared that his deep love for the university began the moment he enrolled as an undergraduate student from Shelby, a decision that "changed my life forever." He expressed immense gratitude to his predecessors, his family, and his "Wolfpack family," including those who supported him through a kidney transplant 10 years ago. And in true form of a leader, taking the reins of an enduring institution, he began the process of rallying support through funding. In doing so, he laid out his vision for the future. Chancellor Howell articulated an ambitious yet achievable vision for NC State, centered around three key pillars:
1. Unapologetic Pursuit of Groundbreaking Research: He reaffirmed NC State's role as a leader in discovery, emphasizing the expansion of applied research and creative funding sources.
2. Exceptional Partnerships: Howell pledged to deepen collaborations with the business community and government to align NC State's programs with industry needs, fostering a career-ready workforce. He noted NC State's recognition as a top 10 best-value public university via the Princeton Review.
3. Continued Resource Growth: Emphasizing that "students are our highest priority," he committed to securing financial strength to ensure affordability and opportunity for future generations.
Chancellor Howell highlighted existing initiatives like the "Pack Promise" program, offering guaranteed pathways to an NC State degree for community college students, and the "Engineered in North Carolina" initiative, attracting top-tier faculty and educating the engineers critical to the state's economy. Howell stressed the importance of NC State's Centennial Campus as a model for experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in fields like biotechnology, precision agriculture, AI, and quantum computing. "Our ambition is centered around seeing further, building deeper, and believing more purposefully than others think possible," Howell declared. He passionately asserted that NC State's work "matters," educating the engineers, farmers, architects, veterinarians, poets, artists, and public servants the world needs.
He concluded with a powerful call to action, reminding everyone that while challenges exist, NC State is "better and bolder than ever." Howell expressed his confidence that in 100 years, the university will be a place "you and I would have never thought possible. He continued, "NC State is destined to be the best, most impactful land-grant university in the country," he proclaimed.
Chancellor Howell's installation marks not just a change in leadership, but a renewed commitment to NC State's foundational mission. With his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, the Wolfpack is poised to continue its legacy of innovation, education, and service, profoundly impacting North Carolina and beyond. Go Pack!
