Experienced higher education leader and NC State alumnus
RALEIGH, N.C. – Kevin Howell, a longtime higher education leader at NC State University, was elected its 15th chancellor today by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.
Howell, an NC State alumnus, will become the first chancellor to have also served as student body president at the university. He’ll begin the role on May 5.
He was recommended by University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans following a national search that attracted more than 75 candidates, resulting in four finalists endorsed by the NC State Board of Trustees. Howell succeeds Chancellor Randy Woodson, who will retire in June after 15 years leading the university.
“Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and NC State University,” Hans said. “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.”
“This university shaped my life in profound and generous ways, and I am honored for the chance to lead my alma mater,” Howell said. “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.”
Howell has had an extensive career in higher education in North Carolina. He is currently the chief external affairs officer at UNC Health. Previously he served as vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development at NC State from 2018 to 2023, among the many leadership positions he has held there, including: assistant to the chancellor for external affairs (2006-2016); interim vice chancellor for university advancement (2013-14); and interim executive director of the alumni association and associate vice chancellor for alumni affairs (2009-10).
He served as senior vice president for external affairs at the UNC System Office from 2016 to 2018. He held roles in state government as legislative liaison to two former governors. He was director of governmental affairs at the NC Bar Association and previously was a management associate in corporate affairs for Jefferson-Pilot Financial Insurance Company. He began his career as a legal clerk at the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at NC State, where as student body president he represented students on the university’s Board of Trustees. He earned his law degree at the University of North Carolina School of Law. He was born and raised in Cleveland County.
“We’re excited to welcome Kevin Howell back home to NC State,” said Ed Stack, chair of the chancellor search advisory committee and vice chair of the NC State Board of Trustees. “Among an impressive group of candidates, he stood out as the strongest choice. Kevin truly exemplifies the university’s ‘think and do’ spirit – especially in driving economic development and improving the lives of North Carolinians.”
“Kevin Howell is a leader with incredible connection and relationship-building skills,” said Ed Weisiger, a member of the chancellor search advisory committee and chair of the NC State Board of Trustees. “He is a trusted partner to those he leads and those with whom he interacts and works. In short, Kevin simply makes organizations better and healthier by working in them. He is a great product from NC State who has shown his worth across time and in roles of ever-increasing responsibility. We are so pleased to have him return to NC State.”
“Kevin Howell is a longtime public servant and a strategic leader who deeply understands NC State University and its core mission,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy. “We are confident that he will steward university resources, build industry relationships and lead the institution to even greater success, and we look forward to working with him in this new role. Go Pack!”