Kevin Howell, currently serving as the chief external affairs officer at UNC Health and the UNC School of Medicine, has been appointed as the 15th chancellor of North Carolina State University (NC State). The announcement was made by University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans and approved by the UNC Board of Governors. Howell will assume his new role on May 5, succeeding Randy Woodson, who is retiring after 15 years of service.
An NC State alumnus, Howell earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1988 and made history as the university’s first Black student body president during his senior year. He later obtained a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Howell’s professional journey includes significant roles within NC State. From 2006 to 2016, he served as assistant to the chancellor for external affairs, directing legislative strategies and liaising with state and local government agencies. Between 2018 and 2023, he held the position of vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships, and economic development, focusing on building relationships and economic partnerships to foster job creation and investment in North Carolina.
In the interim, Howell was the senior vice president for external affairs at the UNC System Office from 2016 to 2018. Before his tenure at NC State, he served as a legislative liaison for two North Carolina governors and directed governmental affairs at the North Carolina Bar Association.
UNC System President Peter Hans praised Howell’s appointment, stating, “Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and NC State University. 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 enthusiasm, saying, “This university shaped my life in profound and generous ways, and I am honored for the chance to lead my alma mater. NC State is a brilliant and inspiring place, just like the state we serve. There are exciting days ahead for the Pack, and I’m ready to make a difference.”
As he prepares to lead North Carolina’s largest public university, with an enrollment of approximately 39,000 students, Howell’s extensive experience in higher education and government positions him to guide NC State toward continued growth and innovation.
