Alum Kevin Howell pledges to be 'right person at right time' as chancellor at North Carolina State

North Carolina State University graduate and former student body president Kevin Howell is returning to his alma mater as the university's first Black chancellor.

Howell, a longtime executive at the university, is currently the chief external affairs officer for UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health. He begins at the university on May 5. He is the first former student body president to be chancellor.

"Students, you’re the real reason we’re here today. Whether you’re a first-generation college student, military-affiliated student, a transfer student, or just simply born into a Wolfpack family like the rest of us, in you … we see hope, in you we see prosperity, it’s your ability to inspire innovative thinking and solve complex challenges. Never forget, that is your super power. I cannot wait to be your chancellor," Howell said during a university celebration in his honor Tuesday afternoon at the Talley Student Center.

In his speech, Howell remembered his parents bringing him to campus, reflecting on the profound effect the university has had on his life.

"I pledge to be the right person at the right time for this university for many years to come," Howell said.

He will replace Chancellor Randy Woodson, who is retiring in June after 15 years at the helm of the state's largest university. Woodson announced his retirement last July, giving the university time to pick its new leader.

Howell acknowledged Woodson for leading with his heart.

"Your presence will always be felt in every corner of this campus and with every verse of the fight song," Howell said.

UNC System President Peter Hans selected Howell, and the UNC Board of Governors voted to approve his selection Tuesday morning.

"Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and NC State University," Hans said in a statement. "His deep relationships across the state have helped drive investment and growth."

Howell has extensive experience in higher education. He previously worked at NC State, holding a number of prominent roles including vice chancellor for external affairs (2018-2023) and assistant to the chancellor for external affairs (2006-16). He was senior vice president for external affairs at the UNC System from 2016 to 2018.

Howell previously was director of governmental affairs at the North Carolina Bar Association. He also served as a legislative liaison for two former governors. He started his career as a legal clerk at the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

In 2016, Howell received a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with kidney disease.

He is a native of Shelby, and earned a degree in political science and attended law school at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Higher education and NC State face big challenges, including proposed cuts to federal funding and elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The university implemented a hiring freeze across some departments in February.

NC State is dealing with the fallout from the discovery of PCBs at Poe Hall, where many former students, workers and faculty have reported having cancer. And the university's athletic department is searching for a new men's basketball coach at a time of dramatic change across college athletics.

"Kevin is profoundly well suited to the greatest challenge that higher education faces in our fraught moment, and that is maintaining broad bipartisan support for our public mission," Hans told the Board of Governors.

Howell was among four finalists endorsed by the NC State Board of Trustees.

"Among an impressive group of candidates, he stood out as the strongest choice," said Ed Stack, chair of the search advisory committee and a member of the board.

Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said last week, before the appointment was official: "I think Kevin Howell would make a phenomenal chancellor at NC State."

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell said last week that she has known Howell for two decades and is thrilled to work with him.

"He is passionate and knowledgeable about education," she said. "He is a well-liked, pragmatic leader who knows how to get things done."

Howell joins a new group of leaders at UNC System schools. He is at least the sixth new chancellor since the start of 2024, including Appalachian State University which elected Heather Hulbert Norris as permanent chancellor in late February. UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts took over in August, though he was named interim chancellor earlier in 2024.