Dr. Karrie Dixon officially installed as 13th chancellor of NC Central University

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Central University (NCCU) installed its' 13th chancellor Friday morning.

Dr. Karrie G. Dixon was welcomed with a round of applause with leaders from the city of Durham and leaders with the UNC System.

Several people Friday highlighted Dixon's leadership and compassion, saying they look forward to having her lead the HBCU.

Afterwards, Dixon took the stage and thanked those who guided her on her journey. She promised the Eagle community she will uplift them in recruitment, graduation rates, community engagement and corporate alliances.

"Taking NCCU to the next level means expanding the possibilities for every student who walks through these doors. It means investing in research and innovate innovation, ensuring that our faculty and students have the resources to make discoveries that change lives," she said. "I am committed to fostering an environment where every voice is valued and every student feels empowered to pursue their passion. Together, we will strive to ensure that all and NCCU students have the resources and support they need to thrive."

Dixon previously served as the chancellor of Elizabeth City State University since 2018. This makes her the first woman to serve as a permanent chancellor for two UNC System institutions.

'Excited about the energy'

ABC11 sat down with Dixon last June, who said she's always had her eyes on NCCU and it's a dream come true.

"The history of the institution, the success of the alumni, and I'm just ready to take that to the next level. And I'm excited about the energy I feel here at NCCU," said Dixon.

The national search was launched in January after Johnson Akinleye announced his retirement at the end of the 2023-24 school year after eight years as NCCU's 12th Chancellor.

Dixon said her priorities at Central are the students and their success

"I am a chancellor who makes student success a priority. I am an approachable chancellor. And they're going to see a lot of me on campus and supporting their efforts because what I want them to do is build on their experiences and prepare themselves for great careers upon graduation," Dixon said.