North Carolina Central University Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon has announced the establishment of a significant 13-member commission tasked with outlining the future direction of the NCCU School of Law. The commission will be chaired by Raymond C. Pierce, J.D., who previously served as the law school’s dean and is currently the president and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation.

“I am deeply grateful to Raymond Pierce for agreeing to lead this important commission,” said Chancellor Dixon. “The NCCU School of Law has been a transformative force in the legal profession, and with Attorney Pierce’s leadership, I am confident we will chart a bold and innovative path forward. His expertise and vision will help ensure our law school continues to be a national leader in impact, value and excellence for generations to come.” 

With over 85 years of service to the North Carolina community, the NCCU School of Law has played a crucial role in providing access to legal education. The newly formed commission will focus on a comprehensive review of various aspects crucial to legal education, including American Bar Association standards, admission processes, course offerings, student support services, bar passage rates, and post-graduation outcomes. 

The commission’s work will commence in January 2025, with a report expected by May 2025. Pierce expressed his honor in chairing the commission, stating, “I look forward to collaborating with some of the best legal minds in our state to ensure the School of Law continues to lead in excellence and opportunity for future generations.”

The commission members bring a wealth of experience and expertise from diverse areas of law and education, reinforcing NCCU’s commitment to shaping a robust framework for future legal education. Members include notable figures such as Glenn B. Adams Sr., Kate Bartlett, and The Honorable Allyson K. Duncan, among others.