RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Chancellor Kevin Howell was installed as the 15th leader of N.C. State University. It was a historic moment because the alumnus is the first African American and former student body president to become chancellor.
“We’re here to welcome Kevin Howell back where he belongs. Back to N. C. State University. Back to the Pack,” exclaimed UNC System President Peter Hans.
The installation ceremony was a homecoming celebration for Chancellor Kevin Howell, who is a Shelby, North Carolina native who graduated from N.C. State with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1988.
The day was significant to him because ten years ago, exactly on October 30, 2015, his kidneys failed. The 15th chancellor shares his vision for North Carolina’s flagship university.
“The next generation of leaders can go wherever they want to go and do whatever they want to do,” said Chancellor Howell. “Our vision for the future requires us to unapologetically pursue groundbreaking research. That’s who we are.”
Chancellor Howell sat proudly on stage next to his wife, Aleta. Hundreds were in the crowd, including his two daughters and friends from college.
“We pledged into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated together in the spring of 1985,” said Howell’s line brother Kevin Calhoun. “There were times we were struggling as students, either financially to find money or struggling in coursework. Kevin was always that one that said we can do it. He’s always very hopeful. He’s a visionary and he really does care about people.”
Jesse Lee Brown doesn’t know Howell personally, but they were students on campus together.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be coming back to see him being installed as chancellor,” said Brown.
Chancellor Howell’s installation ceremony brought out many notable N.C. State University alumni, including North Carolina Central University Chancellor Karrie Dixon.
“I’ve known Howell for many years. He has the greatest level of respect across North Carolina and across higher education,” she said.
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