Dan Gerlach has been named interim chancellor of East Carolina University. Gerlach was chosen by Interim UNC System President Dr. Bill Roper. On May 6, Gerlach will replace ECU Chancellor Cecil Staton, who announced his resignation in March after months of discussions with leaders of the UNC System. “It is an honor and privilege to...
The University of North Carolina System is governed by confusion, and the problem is as much systemic as it is situational. Personal relationships and organizational uncertainty make it tough for UNC to function without conflict — and to manage its public image, says Andy Taylor, professor of political science at N. C. State University. Former...
Since January 2016, the University of North Carolina system has had two “permanent” presidents and two interim leaders (including current Interim President Dr. Bill Roper). In recent months, UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt left in a huff, taking the Confederate memorial “Silent Sam” down on her way out. East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton...
After a week of public turmoil and bad press, University of North Carolina Board of Governors member Steve Long opened a March 22 meeting at Appalachian State University by offering his regrets for how he handled his criticism of board Chairman Harry Smith. On March 18, East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton announced he was...
Allies of UNC System Board of Governors Chairman Harry Smith are trying to silence a critic on the board, Carolina Journal has learned. Board member Tom Fetzer is lining up votes to introduce an official resolution of censure against Steve Long, a board member at odds with Smith. The censure vote would take place during...
East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton didn’t initiate his resignation, and discussions with UNC leadership about his impending exit have been ongoing, he confirmed at a news conference Monday. Carolina Journal first reported Staton’s pending resignation Sunday night. At the news conference, the departing chancellor said he signed a non-disparagement agreement last week, and he...
Departing East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton will receive nearly $600,000 in a separation agreement from the UNC System, a document from the system states. Staton will resign as of June 30 and receive his regular salary and benefits through the period. “An interim chancellor will be appointed to begin serving following the May 3...
Update: The story has been updated since its original publication at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17. East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton announced his resignation Monday, March 18. Carolina Journal had learned Sunday about Staton’s plans to leave the job May 3. He’ll stay until June 30 to advise UNC System Interim President Bill Roper...
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information since its original publication. Dr. William Roper has officially taken the helm of the University of North Carolina System. UNC’s new interim president presented a welcome address Jan. 25 to the UNC Board of Governors, setting the tone for new leadership in the departure...
More than 120 high-profile supporters of East Carolina University sent a letter Tuesday afternoon to UNC System President Margaret Spellings, Interim UNC President Dr. Bill Roper, the UNC Board of Governors, and ECU’s Board of Trustees, asking all to allow Chancellor Cecil Staton “to continue in his position without continued threats,” and calling for the...
University of North Carolina System President Margaret Spellings is about to leave her job in Chapel Hill, saddling her successor with a daunting task: wrangling a perfect storm of campus and state politics. On Dec. 14, while Spellings gave her final remarks to the UNC Board of Governors, dozens of demonstrators gathered in the rain...
