The Wolfpack has a new leader. Kevin Howell will lead North Carolina State University as its 15th chancellor, University of North Carolina Systems President Peter Hans announced Tuesday morning. 

Howell, a N.C. State alumnus from Cleveland County, North Carolina, will begin his new role on May 5. He will also be the first chancellor to have served as student body president at N.C. State. 

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors met virtually Tuesday to discuss and elect Howell. 

"To me he represents a blend of continuity and change," Hans said of Howell.

Hans recommended Howell for the position following a national search that attracted more than 75 candidates. N.C. State, located in Raleigh, is the largest university in North Carolina with almost 38,000 students.

“Kevin Howell is a born leader with a long record of service to North Carolina, the UNC System and NC State University,” Hans said. “His deep relationships across the state have helped drive investment and growth. I am confident that he will strengthen NC State’s role as a frontier research university, keeping North Carolina competitive in the most important fields of our future.”

Howell is currently the chief external affairs officer at UNC Health. From 2018 to 2023, he served as vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development at N.C. State.

Howell served as assistant to the chancellor for external affairs from 2006 to 2016, interim vice chancellor for university advancement from 2013 to 2014 and interim executive director of the alumni association and associate vice chancellor for alumni affairs from 2009 to 2010.

“This university shaped my life in profound and generous ways, and I am honored for the chance to lead my alma mater,” Howell said. “N.C. State is a brilliant and inspiring place, just like the state we serve. There are exciting days ahead for the Pack, and I’m ready to make a difference.”

Howell earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at N.C. State, and earned his law degree at the University of North Carolina School of Law. 

“Kevin Howell is a longtime public servant and a strategic leader who deeply understands N.C. State University and its core mission,” UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy said. 

Fourteen chancellors have led the university since it was founded in 1887. Howell will be the 15th. 

"Kevin comes into this job with wind at his back. I'm excited for N.C. State," Hans said.

Dr. Randy Woodson, the university's 14th chancellor, will retire in June after serving in the position for 15 years. 

"Under Woodson’s leadership, N.C. State has become a preeminent research enterprise known for solving real-world challenges — a true Think and Do university. His strategic vision has enabled the university to advance in areas of student success, innovative research and collaborative partnerships," the university noted under Woodson's achievements. 

Hans described Howell as someone who the university looks to in this "next era" who has lived in the service of public good. 

"Kevin is the personification of what makes N.C. State an extraordinary institution," Hans said Tuesday, adding that Howell's competitive drive is what the university and state need. "The Wolfpack is ready to run and I believe Kevin Howell is ready to lead them."

The university is hosting a special event to celebrate Howell at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Talley Student Union.