North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has appointed a dynamic set of industry leaders as members of the NCCU Board of Visitors, each one tasked with rejuvenating the group as strong partners in the work of helping the university soar to new heights.

The NCCU Board of Visitors assists the university in accomplishing its mission and strategic priorities, while serving as ambassadors of the university in their communities and professional and personal networks. The board has not been operational since 2022 and NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon has made it a priority to recast and revitalize the board, in line with her objective to strengthen the university's impact as a driver of economic development by aligning its engagement efforts with local, state and national stakeholders.

"Reactivating the NCCU Board of Visitors is an important step in strengthening the university's connections across industries, communities and regions," said Dixon. "These leaders bring deep expertise, trusted relationships and a shared belief in NCCU's mission. Their service will help expand opportunities for our students, elevate our partnerships and advance our impact as a driver of economic growth and public good."

Great care was taken to ensure representation from influential leaders across a broad range of industries and expertise.

Meet the Board Members

• Marcus Anderson, Grammy & Stellar Award Nominated Musician
• Jason Armstrong, Retired Police Chief, Keynote Speaker, Public Service Consultant
• Nana Asante-Smith, Senior Associate Attorney, Parker Poe
• Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr., Deputy Chief, Raleigh Police Department
• Renee N. Clark, Director, Annual Giving, Southern Environmental Law Center
• Charmaine Fuller Cooper, State Director, AARP South Carolina
• Stevie Dunk, Senior Corporate Regional Sales Manager
• Lilyn Hester, Head of External Affairs, Google
• Dr. Derrick Jordan, Chief Operations Officer, NC Department of Public Instruction
• Ramonda Kyser, Senior Vice President, Alignment and Activation, Truist Bank
• Jamaal K. Livan, Senior Vice President, Global Commercial Banking, Bank of America
• Kim Ratliff, Civic Engagement Director, Alliance Center for Education
• Gregory Scott, Business Owner
• James H. Sills, President, M&F Bank
• Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director, Dudley Flood Center
• Kimberly Williams, Owner/Realtor, Right Time Realty
• Trish Hardy Wray, Associate General Counsel, Duke Energy Corporation