Elizabeth City, N.C.— A new name added to the administration list, a new face on the website's main page, and a new voice will now echo the halls of Vikingland. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) announced a new era of leadership Thursday as Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Sr. was officially named Chancellor-Elect. The announcement marked a moment of unity and vision as board members, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners gathered to welcome a leader ready to build on ECSU's historic foundation and lead it into a future defined by bold ambition.
Dr. Hargrove, an accomplished academic and seasoned higher education executive, will begin as chancellor June 15, following a unanimous vote from the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. He succeeds Dr. Catherine Edmonds, who has served as interim chancellor and former chancellor Dr. Karrie Dixon, now leading North Carolina Central University.
"Dr. Hargrove's deep commitment to institutional leadership, along with his academic and business experience, made him a standout," said Dr. Stephanie D. Johnson, chair of the ECSU Board of Trustees and the Chancellor Search Advisory Committee. "He has the vision and discipline to take our university to the next level, and we are more than thrilled to welcome Dr. Hargrove to Elizabeth City State University."
The appointment follows a national search that drew more than 50 candidates. Input from students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members shaped the process through surveys and listening sessions, further showing ECSU's collective spirit and shared vision.
University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans recommended Dr. Hargrove for the role and cited his proven track record at three HBCUs. "During his time as provost at the prestigious Tuskegee University, Dr. Hargrove oversaw a strategic planning process that focused on growing enrollment, improving the student experience, and supporting faculty development," Hans said. "His appreciation of the close link between academic performance and operational excellence helped drive an increase in enrollment and graduation rates, which will be key priorities for ECSU's next leader."
Before his tenure at Tuskegee, Dr. Hargrove served as Dean of Engineering at Tennessee State University and as department chair at Morgan State University. His unique blend of academic excellence and real-world industry experience positions him well to lead ECSU into a season of institutional growth.
But it wasn't just credentials that stirred excitement—it was heart. With authenticity, Dr. Hargrove addressed the Viking community for the first time, offering gratitude and a roadmap for the future.
"Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, humility and excitement as the newly elected Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University," he said. "Elizabeth City State University is a treasure not just within the UNC System, but throughout the region and our state. It is a place where history lives, opportunity thrives, and the future is written every day."
Dr. Hargrove also acknowledged the ECSU Board of Trustees, community leaders, alumni, faculty, and staff for their enduring commitment. "Your belief in ECSU's mission—and in the promise of what we will achieve together—is both inspiring and energizing," he said.
He outlined a strategic vision grounded in academic excellence, operational efficiency, and deepened partnerships. With a focus on being "dashboard-driven and outcomes-focused," Hargrove pledged to center the ECSU experience on students, support the advancement of faculty and staff, and expand the university's footprint across North Carolina and beyond.
"To our students—you are why we are here," he said. "Everything we do—from academics to campus life—will center on your success, your journey, and most importantly… your graduation!"
Dr. Johnson praised the process that led to his selection, emphasizing the collaboration of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the greater ECSU community. "Our Chancellor-Elect understands the unique strengths of ECSU, values its mission, and is poised to build upon its proud legacy," she said.
In an intimate gathering that blended reverence for tradition with hope for tomorrow, the announcement reminded the ECSU community of the strength in its people and the shared commitment to the institution's success.
"We may be the smallest institution in the UNC System," Dr. Hargrove said, "but we will be the boldest in our vision, the strongest in our commitment to student success, and the loudest in our impact across this region, the state and beyond."
A new chapter is starting for ECSU, and a new man is ready to help write it. Thursday's announcement was a call to continue writing ECSU's story, together.
From humble beginnings in 1891 to a rising reputation in aviation, STEM, business, education and the arts, ECSU continues the legacy of excellence with the mission to let nothing get in the way.
Because, as Hargrove reminded the crowd, "We are only as great… as we allow ourselves to be."