Alum Kevin Howell chosen as next chancellor at North Carolina State


He begins at the university on May 5

Howell has extensive experience in higher education. He previously worked at NC State, holding a number of prominent roles including vice chancellor for external affairs (2018-2023) and assistant to the chancellor for external affairs (2006-16). He was senior vice president for external affairs at the UNC System from 2016 to 2018.

Howell previously was director of governmental affairs at the North Carolina Bar Association. He also served as a legislative liaison for two former governors. He started his career as a legal clerk at the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Howell joins a new group of leaders at UNC System schools. He is at least the sixth new chancellor since the start of 2024, including Appalachian State University which elected Heather Hulbert Norris as permanent chancellor in late February. UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts took over in August, though he was named interim chancellor earlier in 2024.

https://www.wral.com/story/alum-kevin-howell-chosen-as-next-chancellor-at-north-carolina-state/21916388/

https://www.wral.com/story/lindsay-s-gift-saving-a-life-is-what-you-re-supposed-to-do/16061095/

"He said, 'Kevin, your kidneys have failed both of them,'" Howell said. "From that moment, October 30th, my life changed."

Falk advised him to start looking for a kidney donor. He immediately began having four-hour dialysis sessions and wondering whether he would see his teen-aged daughters become young women

At a staff meeting the following Monday at Holladay Hall N.C. State's main administrative building the staff was told Kevin Howell was in the hospital, he needed a kidney, and the donor needed to have O-positive blood

At 11:30 the next morning, the transplant coordinator called: She was a perfect match.

When he heard, Kevin texted her back: "Lindsay, thank you for saving my life. What you are doing for me brings tears to my eyes. Know that I am forever grateful."

Lindsay and Kevin ask others to consider donating organs to people in desperate circumstances.

"We want them to think about it the next time they hear someone needs help," she said. Physically, she said, "I feel no different."

Dr. Falk agrees.

"There are just not enough kidneys," he said. "It's the best gift you can give, by far and away."

NC State will host a special event celebrating the announcement of Chancellor-Elect Kevin Howell today at 3 p.m. in Talley Student Union.

🎥 Watch live: https://t.co/jFWqZvH34I pic.twitter.com/i8cHciPRQY

— NC State University (@NCState) March 18, 2025

“Students, you are the reason we are here today. Whether you are a first-generation college student, a military-affiliated student, a transfer student, or were born into a Wolfpack family, in you we see hope … I cannot wait to be your chancellor.” —Chancellor-Elect Kevin Howell

— NC State University (@NCState) March 18, 2025

The hire of Kevin and the speech that Chancellor-Elect Howell gave were both homeruns.

Congrats! Wish him the best.

You know I had to be there to welcome our new Chancellor and his wife. Great day and Go Pack ❤️ pic.twitter.com/k3cmoSGvKg

— Ernie Myers (@PackErnieMyers) March 18, 2025

"Like you, my love for NC State runs deep. This place and its people hold a special place in my heart."

📽️ Watch a special message from Chancellor-Elect Kevin Howell, a 1988 NC State graduate and former student body president. Howell will assume his duties on May 5, 2025. pic.twitter.com/kpUjaWaLdk

— NC State University (@NCState) March 21, 2025

🎥 A Q&A with Chancellor-Elect Kevin Howell

“When I look back over my life and all the great things that have happened to me and so many other people, it’s because of this university.”

🔗 Learn more about Chancellor-Elect Kevin Howell: https://t.co/M7YymZG5cH pic.twitter.com/Vl0SEowJo3

— NC State University (@NCState) April 4, 2025

Congratulations!

Today is Chancellor Kevin Howell’s first day. 👏🐺 He is NC State’s 15th chancellor and the third NC State alumnus to serve in the role. Welcome home, Chancellor Howell! pic.twitter.com/JT5CDMtRjR

— NC State University (@NCState) May 5, 2025

"I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead one of the best universities in the country."

Read Chancellor Kevin Howell's first message to the NC State community

https://chancellor.ncsu.edu/2025/05/05/its-good-to-be-home-nc-state/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ncstate&utm_campaign=socialhub&utm_term=c309715a-ff5b-491e-935d-2eb0f79f6471

It's good to be home, NC State