North Wake News

Kevin Howell has been elected as the 15th chancellor of NC State University by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. Howell, an alumnus of NC State, is set to assume his new role on May 5. He will be the first chancellor who previously served as student body president at the university.

The decision follows a national search led by University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans, which drew over 75 candidates and culminated in four finalists endorsed by the NC State Board of Trustees. Howell succeeds Randy Woodson, who will retire in June after serving as chancellor for 15 years.

“Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and NC State University,” said Hans. “His deep relationships across the state have helped drive investment and growth. I am confident that he will strengthen NC State’s role as a frontier research university, keeping North Carolina competitive in the most important fields of our future.”

Howell expressed his gratitude for this opportunity: “This university shaped my life in profound and generous ways, and I am honored for the chance to lead my alma mater.” He described NC State as “a brilliant and inspiring place” with promising days ahead.

Howell's career spans several leadership roles within higher education in North Carolina. Currently, he serves as chief external affairs officer at UNC Health. His previous positions include vice chancellor for external affairs at NC State from 2018 to 2023 and senior vice president for external affairs at the UNC System Office from 2016 to 2018.

Ed Stack, chair of the chancellor search advisory committee and vice chair of the NC State Board of Trustees, praised Howell's selection: “Among an impressive group of candidates, he stood out as the strongest choice.” Ed Weisiger, another member of the advisory committee and chair of the board, commended Howell's relationship-building skills and his ability to enhance organizations.

UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy highlighted Howell’s understanding of NC State's mission: “We are confident that he will steward university resources, build industry relationships and lead the institution to even greater success.”

Howell earned his bachelor's degree in political science from NC State and holds a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He was born and raised in Cleveland County.