ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Elizabeth City State University Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon has become the latest recipient of the William C. Friday Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments (UNC ASG).
In a luncheon during UNC ASG’s meeting, the body presented Dixon with the Friday award for her “lifetime of exemplary service to the students of the University of North Carolina.”
“It is a great honor to receive this award that has been named for one of my higher educational heroes, Mr. William C. Friday,” Dixon said. “The work I have done and continue to do is because I believe in the future of each and every student, here at ECSU and every institution in the UNC System.”
Dixon is ECSU’s 12th chief executive officer and the university’s seventh chancellor. In 2017, she served as the co-lead on the ECSU New Directions Phase 2 Operational team and was appointed as interim chancellor on April 9, 2018. She was officially installed as chancellor on December 14, 2018, and has remained a champion for faculty, staff, and students, alike.
“Chancellor Dixon led ECSU back from the brink, making a significant impact on the student body by creating a student experience worth investing in and equipping the campus with the necessary resources to enhance the professional experience of past, present, and future Vikings,” said Dayana Garza, ECSU student leader, UNC ASG member, and nominator for the award.
Prior to ECSU, Dixon served for nearly a decade in the UNC System in various capacities, including Vice president for academic and student affairs where she was responsible for providing guidance and oversight to the Division of Academic and Student Affairs for the systems 17 institutions.
Garza said Dixon has an “unwavering commitment to her students” and it is demonstrated through her “consistent efforts to address issues and provide solutions.”
“She actively engages with students by attending events of all sizes, hosting luncheons with various student organizations representing diverse student populations to better understand their needs and collaborating closely with student leaders to develop solutions from a student-centric perspective,” Garza said.
“Her efforts have left a lasting impact on students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Elizabeth City State University.”
The Friday award is typically given to an administrator or faculty member who has been an advocate for students throughout their career. The students nominate and the ASG General Body votes on the recipient.
Friday’s entire career was spent in higher education and ultimately served for 30 years as the president of the UNC System. During his tenure, Friday pushed for greater access to higher education for North Carolinians. In his administration, the system incorporated 13 new campuses, bringing the total number to 16.