Kevin Howell has been elected as the next chancellor of North Carolina State University, the UNC Board of Governors announced Tuesday morning.

The board voted to approve Howell’s appointment following a nomination from UNC System President Peter Hans, who praised Howell’s deep connection to NC State and his record of public service.

“Kevin Howell is the personification of what makes NC State extraordinary,” Hans said. “The kind of place where a talented young man from Cleveland County can find a home break ground as the first-ever black student body president, and then choose to devote his life to the upkeep and uplift of public education,” he continued.

Howell, a longtime university and state government leader, has served in various roles across the UNC System, the governor’s office, and UNC Health. Hans praised Howell’s ability to build coalitions and drive progress, saying, “He’s got a great mind, a generous heart, and a profound love of this university.”

Addressing the current political climate in higher education, Hans stated, “Kevin is profoundly well suited to the greatest challenge that higher education faces in our fraught moment, and that is maintaining broad bipartisan support for our public mission.”

Hans described Howell as a leader who will propel the university forward. “Kevin comes into this job with the wind at his back, and I’m excited for him. I’m excited for NC State.”

Kevin Howell will be NC State’s first Black chancellor, carrying on his legacy as NC State’s first Black student body president. This concludes a months-long search for NC State’s new leader, with Howell set to take the helm at a pivotal time for the university.