NC State chancellor Kevin Howell’s installment a historic homecoming: ‘He’s a visionary’
Chancellor Kevin Howell He was appointed as the 15th leader of NC State University. This was a historic moment because the alumnus is the first African American and former student body president to become chancellor.
“We are here to put Kevin Howell back where he belongs. Return to NC State University. “Return to the Flock,” shouted UNC System President Peter Hans.
The installation ceremony was a homecoming celebration for Chancellor Kevin Howell, a Shelby, North Carolina native who graduated from NC State in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
This day was very important for him because ten years ago, exactly on October 30, 2015, his kidneys failed. The 15th chancellor shares his vision for North Carolina’s flagship university.
“The next generation of leaders can go wherever they want and do anything they want to do,” said Chancellor Howell. “Our vision for the future requires us to pursue groundbreaking research without regret. That’s who we are.”
Chancellor Howell sat proudly on stage next to his wife, Aleta. There were hundreds of people in the crowd, including his two daughters and friends from university.
“We pledged to join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity together in the spring of 1985,” said Howell’s fraternity brother Kevin Calhoun. “There were times as students when we had a hard time finding money or taking classes. Kevin was always the guy who said we could do it. He was always very hopeful. He’s a visionary and he really cares about people.”
Jesse Lee Brown does not know Howell personally, but they were students together on campus.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would come back and see him appointed chancellor,” Brown said.
Chancellor Howell’s installation ceremony brought out many notable NC State University alumni, including North Carolina Central University Chancellor Karrie Dixon.
“I have known Howell for many years. He is the most respected person in North Carolina and in higher education,” he said.
