Harry Smith, the former leader of the University of North Carolina System board, during his tenure was publicly described as “hands-on,” or “very involved” in the operations of the university system and its 17 campuses. A new trove of emails released by the UNC System Friday, Nov. 8, show exactly what that means — and...
Harry Smith, former chairman of the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors, has officially resigned from the board. In September, after months of publicly tense relationships with some members of the body, Smith announced he would step down as board chairman Oct. 1. At the time, he remained on the board. Now, the...
The University of North Carolina System and Vidant Health — the eight-hospital system that holds a close relationship with East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine — have settled a months-long turf war. UNC sued Vidant on May 20 after the nonprofit corporation decided to block the UNC Board of Governors from appointing members to...
With neither discussion nor debate, the University of North Carolina’s Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve Beaufort businessman Randy Ramsey as the board’s new chairman. The vote Tuesday, Oct. 1, comes after former board chairman Harry Smith, citing other professional demands, abruptly resigned Sept. 24. Board rules dictate members must wait 30 days before...
Days after the University of North Carolina System filed a lawsuit against Vidant Health — the eight-hospital system that holds a close relationship with East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine — UNC leaders say they hope to mend fences. UNC took Vidant Health to court May 20 after the nonprofit corporation decided to strip...
Silent Sam should not return to the Chapel Hill campus, the leader of the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors says. Protesters felled the Confederate statue some nine months ago. Board chairman Harry Smith told reporters Wednesday, May 22, his views and opinions have “evolved greatly,” and the board is working hard 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...
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...
University of North Carolina Interim President Dr. Bill Roper acted unilaterally, at the direction of Board of Governors Chairman Harry Smith, to reach a termination agreement with East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton’s employment, one BOG member says. The BOG had no chance to weigh in on the termination of Staton, a violation of UNC’s...
