North Carolina State University officially marked a new era of leadership on Thursday with the formal installation of Kevin Howell as its 15th chancellor. The ceremony, held at Reynolds Coliseum, celebrated Howell's deep roots in the university community and outlined his vision for its future.
An alumnus of NC State, Howell returns to lead the institution after a distinguished career in public affairs and health administration. He succeeds Randy Woodson, who served as chancellor for 15 years.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Howell was officially installed as the 15th chancellor of NC State University in a ceremony at Reynolds Coliseum.
- Howell, an NC State graduate, emphasized his deep connection to the university and its community.
- His vision is to position NC State as the nation's leading innovative land-grant university.
- The installation comes as the university navigates challenges, including an investigation into contaminants at Poe Hall.
A Ceremony of Tradition and Transition
The installation event was filled with academic tradition and Wolfpack spirit. The NC State marching band and the NC State Chorale performed, setting a celebratory tone for the proceedings. Dignitaries including N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy were among the speakers who offered their support.
During the ceremony, Howell was presented with the traditional emblems of the chancellorship and took an oath of office with one hand on a bible. He was joined by his wife, Aleta Howell, as he formally accepted the leadership role.
Ed Stack, Chair of the NC State Board of Trustees, highlighted the qualities that led to Howell's selection. "Kevin Howell quite literally embodies the spirit of NC State," Stack stated. "His reputation is a person of great integrity, unwavering dedication and solid leadership is what led him to this day."
Path to the Chancellorship
Kevin Howell was officially named chancellor on March 19 and assumed his duties on May 5. He is a native of Shelby, North Carolina, and earned his undergraduate degree in political science from NC State. He later received a law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. Before his appointment, Howell served as chief of external affairs for UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine.
An Alumnus's Vision for the Future
In his installation address, Howell spoke of his personal journey, which began as an undergraduate student on the same campus he now leads. He used a powerful and familiar campus image to connect with the community.
"The path that led me here to this moment is most certainly paved in brick. We all walked on them. We celebrated on them. We've lived and learned in places built with them. They're everywhere. Bricks connect this campus in such a special way. But what it really does, it reminds us that we're all part of something bigger."
Howell's remarks focused on ambition and innovation. He articulated a clear objective for his tenure: to elevate the university's national standing. "My goal as your chancellor is for the world to see what I already do," he announced, "that NC State is poised to be the best, most innovative land grant university in the country."
He emphasized the critical role of higher education in driving progress, highlighting the importance of research and the university's responsibility to supply the workforce with ambitious and creative thinkers.
NC State by the Numbers
- Student Body: Approximately 39,000 students, making it the largest university in North Carolina.
- Campuses: Comprises the main campus and the research-focused Centennial Campus.
- Recent Rankings: In July, the Princeton Review ranked NC State in the top 10 nationally for best value among public schools.
Leading Through Opportunity and Challenge
Howell takes the helm at a time of significant momentum for the university. Its large student body and strong rankings in value and innovation provide a solid foundation for growth. The university continues to be a major engine for the state's economy and a leader in fields like engineering, agriculture, and technology.
However, the new administration also faces immediate challenges. Howell's leadership will be tested as the university manages the ongoing situation at Poe Hall, where the discovery of PCBs has led to health concerns among former students and employees. Addressing this issue with transparency and care will be a critical task in the early days of his chancellorship.
Student Body President Isaac Carreno, who also spoke at the ceremony, represents the nearly 39,000 students who will look to Howell for guidance. The new chancellor's ability to connect with students, faculty, and staff will be essential as he navigates the complexities of leading a major public research university.
A Return Home
For Howell, the appointment is more than a professional milestone; it is a return to the place that shaped his future. He spoke fondly of his time as a student from Shelby, a decision that he said changed his life.
"The deep love that I hold for this place and its people began the moment that I decided as an undergraduate student from Shelby," Howell shared. "I'm grateful to God for that one decision that changed my life forever."
This personal connection to the university's mission and its people was a recurring theme throughout the day. As the 15th chancellor, Kevin Howell now steps onto the brick pathways of his alma mater, this time to lead it into the future.