DURHAM, N.C. — Johnson O. Akinleye told the North Carolina Central University Board of Trustees on Friday that he will retire from his position as chancellor at the end of the academic year.
He has served in that role since June 2017.
Under his leadership, NCCU has achieved records for fundraising and research funding, won an HBCU national football championship and seen enrollment grow at a rate greater than that of all other UNC System schools.
“I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this esteemed university through a period of growth and innovation, a period when the institution was primed for transformative change. I am immensely proud and truly gratified to have worked with very talented executive staff, a supportive Board of Trustees, a dedicated faculty and staff and thousands of caring and dedicated alumni across the nation and worldwide during the past eight-plus years,” Akinleye said in
a statement to the campus community.
Tomeika Bowden is the President of NC Central's Alumni Association. She said she believes Akinleye has fulfilled his promises.
"When I came to central, my incoming class was the largest, and that was over 20 years ago," Bowden said. "To see now that the classes have quadrupled, there's a Chick-fil-A, there's a Starbucks! I came to that campus in 1996 and left with a family."
During his tenure, Akinleye lead the university to records in enrollment and fundraising, and spearheaded major infrastructure projects.
“We take with us very fond memories of an institution that has a rich tradition and legacy and will continue to make great strides in championing education for generations yet to come," Akinleye wrote.
The university said a nationwide search will be conducted for Akinleye's replacement.
Akinleye's last day at work will be June 30.
