NC State celebrates Chancellor-Elect Kevin Howell

Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered in Talley Student Union Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the announcement of Chancellor-Elect Kevin Howell, NC State’s 15th chancellor. 

Chancellor Randy Woodson provided opening remarks, where he championed Howell’s long-time ties to North Carolina and the University.

“He knows our history,” Woodson said. “He knows our founding. He understands what a land grant institution is. He understands our commitment to be in every county, plus the Cherokee Nation, in this great state. He understands the commitment we have to the people of North Carolina, and he understands the passion that those clientele that we serve have for this great University.” 

Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Ed Stack echoed the sentiments of Howell’s qualifications and connections to NC State, invoking Howell’s history serving as student body president in the 1987-1988 academic year and his time as a student athlete on the wrestling team.

“This candidate embodies the very spirit of NC State,” Stack said. “He has spent his career building relationships through honest, effective communication, earning the respect and friendship of all who know him, from his small-town North Carolina roots to his ability to navigate both the legislative offices on Jones Street and the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies. He knows how to connect with people. Our chancellor-elect’s ties to NC State run deep.”

As Howell entered the stage, he received a standing ovation and a lengthy round of applause. He thanked those who supported him during the search process and affirmed his enthusiasm for the role.

“I’m humbled, I’m excited and I’m ready,” Howell said.

Howell spoke directly to students and commended their impact on the University.

“Students, you’re the real reason we’re here today,” Howell said. “Whether you’re a first-generation college student, whether you’re a military-affiliated student, a transfer student or you were 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 it’s your superpower, and I cannot wait to be your chancellor.”

As for NC State staff and faculty, Howell said he looks forward to continuing to build upon the foundation they have laid.

“NC State is a community of hard-working, talented professionals,” Howell said. “It’s no wonder we are ranked fourth amongst the best employers in North Carolina. So to our nearly 7,500 staff members, thank you for your commitment to collaboration, creativity and teamwork. What you do here makes a difference, and you have my full commitment to continue to make NC State a place where we all can be proud to work. We’ve heard it said time after time that a rising tide lifts all boats. Nowhere is that more true than at NC State University.”

As he drove to campus for the celebration at Talley Student Union, Howell said he recalled the day he arrived at NC State as a student and compared it to where he stands today. Coming to school in Raleigh from his hometown of Shelby, North Carolina was a big deal when he was a student, he said.

“I often think about my mother and father and perhaps what they would say at this moment, but neither one of us could have imagined the doors that would be opened for me because of an NC State degree,” Howell said. “If you want to do one thing today to celebrate this day, think about the people in your own lives that brought you to NC State, that told you about what a wonderful University this truly is.”

The event concluded with a performance of the Red and White Song by the NC State marching band and a celebratory balloon release.

Howell is an NC State alum, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1988. Howell will be the first Black chancellor and the third NC State graduate to lead the University. 

He currently serves as the chief external affairs officer at UNC Health and an advisory board member for NC State’s Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. NC State announced Howell’s first day on the job will be May 5, 2025.

“I stand before you today on the shoulders of giants,” Howell said. “So this University, together, we will be bold. We will break barriers. We will continue to think and do outside of the box in ways that drive us to solve the grand challenges of the world, but while keeping our hearts and our minds rooted in our mission and dedicated to one another.”