HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) Founder, President, and CEO Demetrius Johnson, Jr., has announced the next selection of the honorees of the ninth class of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026. Joining retiring American Baptist College President Dr. Forest E. Harris, Sr., and Southern University System President Dennis J. Shields is North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Chancellor Dr. Karrie G. Dixon. Dr. Dixon, whose leadership has been recognized as one of the most dominant in HBCUs, was previously named to The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2020. Her selection embodies her admired leadership, which she has demonstrated for over two decades. HCF celebrate her unwavering dedication to the field of higher education.

“Dr. Dixon’s remarkable leadership is truly unparalleled, and there are no words to adequately describe it. As a respected leader in the higher education community, she embodies passion, commitment, innovation, transformation, and leadership. We are incredibly proud to celebrate her as a two-time honoree of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders and ninth class. Dr. Dixon’s unwavering dedication to the students, faculty, and staff of the campuses she has served within the University of North Carolina System is truly commendable. I have witnessed the transformative work that happens under her leadership, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for continued success. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Dixon on this esteemed honor.”

– Demetrius Johnson, Jr., founder, President & CEO, HCF

The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders Award & Class is a national recognition created by the HBCU Campaign Fund that identifies ten chancellors and presidents, and as of 2024, sports-affiliated individuals serving in the role at an HBCU, MSI, or affiliated with who exemplify a prominent and influential role in leadership and model the characteristics of following responsibilities in the progression of an institution or entity forward.

Previously served as the 12th chief executive officer and 7th chancellor of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), Dr. Dixon was named the 13th chancellor of North Carolina Central University on June 6, 2024. She was elected by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors following her nomination by the University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans.

Dr. Dixon, a seasoned senior administrator in the University of North Carolina System, has made history as the first individual to serve in the chancellor or president role and be named twice to the prestigious “The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders” Award and Class. Since 2008, she has held a higher education leadership position. In 2014, she was promoted to vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, overseeing the Division of Academic and Student Affairs across the System’s 17 institutions.

Before joining the UNC system, Dr. Dixon spent a decade at two other UNC campuses. Most recently, she held the position of assistant vice provost at North Carolina State University, where she continues to serve as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Leadership, Policy, Adult and Higher Education at the College of Education.

As a highly engaged and respected leader in the higher education community, Dr. Dixon is the first woman to lead two University of North Carolina System campuses as permanent chancellor.

Dr. Dixon earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a doctorate from North Carolina State University.

The honorees of The Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2026 and Ninth Class will be fully announced in early 2026. To learn more about Dr. Dixon, click here.

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About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is one of the nation’s minority educational organizations. HCF remains a strong advocate for students and higher education. The mission of HCF is to support the significance and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and for private and public HBCUs and MSIs. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.