Karrie Dixon

Dr. Karrie G. Dixon is a higher education leader whose career spans more than two decades, marked by institutional leadership and a commitment to student success. Dixon was named the 13th chancellor of North Carolina Central University following a national search. She is the first woman to serve as permanent chancellor at two University of North Carolina System campuses. A first-generation college graduate, Dixon holds a bachelor's degree in communication from NC State University, a master's degree in speech communication from UNC Greensboro, and a Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration from NC State University.

Prior to her role at North Carolina Central University, Dixon served as chancellor of Elizabeth City State University, where she led efforts to increase enrollment, secure private gifts, and build partnerships resulting in significant state and federal funding for facilities, infrastructure, and academic programs. Before her chancellorship at Elizabeth City State University, Dixon was vice president for academic and student affairs, overseeing the Division of Academic and Student Affairs across the UNC System's 17 institutions. In this capacity, she played a key role in shaping policy and guiding best practices within academic and student affairs divisions. Dixon's collaborative work fostered partnerships among the UNC System, the NC Community College System, independent colleges and universities, and the NC Department of Public Instruction, contributing to policy changes that impacted students statewide.

At North Carolina Central University, Dixon has led the institution to notable achievements, including the highest percentage increase in enrollment in the UNC System, growth in online learning through Project Kitty Hawk, and an increase in veteran student enrollment. Under her leadership, North Carolina Central University became the first historically Black university in the nation to establish an AI institute, funded by Google.org. Dixon was appointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary to the national Women in Aviation Advisory Board, reflecting her influence in higher education and beyond.

Dixon's leadership has been recognized with honors such as the Old North State Award from the State of North Carolina, inclusion in the Triangle Business Journal's "40 Under Forty" leaders, the Alumni Distinguished Service Award from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and recognition as one of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders by the HBCU Campaign Fund. She has also received the William C. Friday Lifetime Achievement Award from the UNC Association of Student Governments, the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in higher education, and the North Carolina State University Black Alumni Society Legacy Award. Dixon has been named among the 10 Most Dominant HBCU Leaders and honored as a US Black Chambers, Inc. Power 50 Women of Influence Awardee.

In addition to her administrative roles, Dixon is active in the higher education community. She serves on the Board of Directors for Project Kitty Hawk and is a charter member of the Black Women Collegiate Presidents and Chancellors. Dixon was elected to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Board of Trustees and appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, as well as to the Association of Governing Boards Council of Presidents. With a career rooted in communication, policy, and leadership, Dixon is recognized for her work in advancing equity, access, and excellence in higher education.