NC Central University holds ceremony for new chancellor Dr. Karrie Dixon

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- NC Central University formally introduced its new chancellor Dr. Karrie Dixon during a ceremony on Monday.

The community welcomed the newest eagle to campus with a performance by the Sound Machine Drumline, cheerleaders and much more. The goal is to make Dr. Dixon's first day a memorable one.

She spoke with ABC11 before she started her full first day, sharing she is 'a chancellor of the students'.

"We want to make sure we are doing our part, our responsibility to make sure those experiences happen along (the students') journey," Dixon said. "Student success is really important for us, and also enrollment -- we want students to come to NCCU, where they can get a great education, and go off and do great things. Just like many of our alumni have... It's an exciting time for us."

It's a similar message to the one Dr. Dixon shared in June when she was first announced as NCCU's 13th chancellor. Students' success is her priority, she said, and she is ready to work with the community and alum.

WATCH | Dr. Karrie Dixon named new chancellor of NCCU

The University of North Carolina System Board of Governors has elected the new chancellor.

"This university is a jewel in the UNC system," Dixon said. "NCCU may not be the largest HBCU in North Carolina, but it will certainly be the best HBCU."

She's excited about the energy she feels at NCCU.

Former Chancellor Johnson Akinleye announced in January that he would retire in June at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year. He was NCCU's 12th chancellor for eight years.

Dixon was selected from the four finalists of a national search. She previously served as chancellor of Elizabeth City State University for the last six years.

The alumni base is putting their support behind her.

"We have a rich culture here in North Carolina Central University," Larontee Bryant, an NCCU alum, said, "so we are again excited about the direction we are going. "

However, students are cautiously optimistic about their future.

"I mean usually when new leadership comes, change is always bound to happen, but it could be change for the good," senior Journee Montgomery said.

WATCH | North Carolina Central University Chancellor Akinleye announces retirement at end of academic year

"I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this esteemed university."