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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2018
CHAPEL HILL – The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System today announces that Dr. Karrie Gibson Dixon has been selected as chancellor of Elizabeth City State University. The decision was made following a vote held by the Board during its regular meeting. Dr. Dixon, who has held the title of interim chancellor since April 8, 2018, will assume her new role effective immediately.
“Dr. Karrie Dixon’s experience, passion, and proven track record of success is exactly what ECSU needs, and I’m thrilled that she will be the next chancellor,” said UNC System President Margaret Spellings. “As interim, she has led an institution on the rebound, and I have the highest confidence that she and her team will continue to build a bright future for a proud pillar of northeastern North Carolina.”
Dixon was selected by Spellings from among three final candidates for the position chosen by an 18-person search committee of the ECSU Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students, community members, and a representative of the UNC Board of Governors.
“I have said it many times before, but Dr. Karrie Dixon is a true ‘rock star’ in higher education, and there’s no one better to lead Elizabeth City State University going forward,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Harry Smith. “The Board and I are excited about the future of ECSU under her leadership.”
Dr. Dixon becomes Elizabeth City State University’s twelfth chief executive officer, succeeding previous chancellor Dr. Thomas Conway, Jr., who served from 2016-2018. She is the second female to serve in this capacity, following in the footsteps of Dr. Stacey Franklin Jones.
“We are excited to name Dr. Dixon as the seventh chancellor of Elizabeth City State University,” said ECSU Board of Trustees Chair Harold Barnes, who served as chair of the ECSU Chancellor Search Committee. “Dr. Dixon brings a deep commitment toward building an outstanding experience for students, as well as an uncompromising dedication to create an environment of accountability and shared governance that will serve ECSU and the community well. The Board is eager to work with Chancellor Dixon to advance ECSU.”
Prior to her appointment as interim chancellor, Dr. Dixon served as co-lead on the ECSU New Directions Phase 2 Operational Team since early 2017.
“I am deeply honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the next chancellor of Elizabeth City State University,” said Dr. Dixon. “I’d like to thank the UNC Board of Governors and President Margaret Spellings for entrusting in me the opportunity to lead this great university. I look forward to working with the ECSU Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and the community as we continue to move ECSU in the right direction.”