Butterfield Congratulates New NCCU Chancellor Dr. Debra Saunders-White


WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement regarding the selection of Dr. Debra Saunders-White as the new chancellor of North Carolina Central University (NCCU):

“I congratulate Dr. Debra Saunders-White on being selected as the new chancellor of North Carolina Central University.  Her experience leading programs that recruit, prepare and support disadvantaged and first-generation students make her an excellent choice to lead my beloved alma mater.  Saunders-White’s has demonstrated a strong commitment to higher education as highlighted by her previous leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Education, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Hampton University.  She is a capable leader and well-qualified to usher NCCU into the future.”

Most recently, Saunders-White was the White House appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Higher Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education.  Prior to her appointment, Saunders-White was a senior officer at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and chair of the UNC System Chief Information Officer Council.

A native of Hampton, Va., Saunders-White holds an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Virginia, a master’s of business administration from The College of William and Mary, and a doctorate in higher education administration from The George Washington University. 

Saunders-White will be the 11th chancellor and the first woman to lead NCCU.  She begins on June 1.