The symposium, "The Future of the American Research University," was introduced by newly installed Chancellor James Moeser and moderated by UNC-system President Molly Broad. The event began with short commentaries by the panelists and continued with an audience-driven question-and-answer session.
Broad set the pace of the symposium by focusing on the theme of change. She highlighted the role of the global economy, the challenges of population growth and social issues. "All of this will challenge the American research university to adopt to the modern world and how it affects UNC."
Participating panelists included chancellors and university presidents, politicians and philanthropists.
William Richardson, president and CEO of W. K. Kellogg Foundation, said philanthropy's focus has changed. "(Its) enormous emphasis is not on grant-making but on change-making."
Peter Magrath, president of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, stressed action. "If we want to continue to be the envy of the world, it is up to us to make the future what it should be."
Other panelists also commented on research universities' potential to grow. Sen. Howard Lee, D-Orange, voiced the N.C. General Assembly's readiness to financially assist universities, while N.C. State University Chancellor Marye Anne Fox discussed faculty resources.
UNC alumnus Bryce Jordan, who is also president emeritus of Pennsylvania State University, said a lack of publicity efforts has created the idea that research institutions aren't useful enough. "I'm afraid that we are hearing and seeing a decreasing concern in disciplines driven by human values, that is, the humanities, social sciences and performing arts."
Many audience members said they found the symposium productive. "I think what's developed out of this discussion is a great interest in furtherance of the University being engaged in the community," said Ferrel Guillory, a UNC lecturer and director in journalism. "Chapel Hill has been known for that."
The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.
