Cabinet Posts Revamped, Positions Filled

Provost Robert Shelton named Bernadette Gray-Little, senior associate dean for undergraduate education, as the executive associate provost.

Stephen Allred, professor of public law and government at the Institute of Government, was appointed associate provost for academic initiatives.

Both Gray-Little and Allred will begin their new positions Sept. 1.

Shelton said the two posts are new titles for revamped Cabinet roles and replace the associate provost for academic affairs and associate provost for health affairs positions.

"This University is so wonderfully strong at cross-school and cross-collaboration that having this historical division between health affairs and academic affairs was outdated," Shelton said. "I redefined those -- I wanted to have one position that worked with all the deans and one who worked with everyone else."

Gray-Little's new job description includes working with deans on a day-to-day basis and dealing with topics such as allocating faculty, post-tenure review and sabbatical policy. She also will serve as the acting provost in Shelton's absence.

"(Gray-Little) is a fabulous choice because she has a variety of experience here on campus," Shelton said.

"She has been asked to and has given of her time to serve on numerous committees all over campus. That's what I was looking for -- that breadth of experience. This office is supposed to speak on behalf of the entire campus."

Mike Smith, director of the Institute of Government, also will be part of the deans' Cabinet that Gray-Little oversees. Smith said he thinks the newly organized posts will improve the operation of the Cabinet and its communication with the provost's office.

"I think it's a nice balance -- (Gray-Little) is a person respected by so many people, and I have complete confidence going to her on any issue that might face the institute, but I still have the option of going to the provost as well," he said.

Smith said he is sad to say goodbye to his colleague as Allred heads to South Building. "I'm not thrilled to lose (Allred) to the institution, but I think the University gains," Smith said.

In his new post, Allred will be responsible for cross-disciplinary programs and public outreach, overseeing areas such as the Carolina Center for Public Service, the Ackland Art Museum and the Sonja H. Stone Black Cultural Center.

Shelton said Allred is uniquely qualified for the position. "A lot of what the position has to do is public service, outreach, activities where the public is aware of Carolina. He has a strong background in this area in his position at the (Institute of Government)."

Linda Carl, special assistant to the provost, will work directly under Allred and said he has the necessary experience to accomplish the position's interdisciplinary mission. "I think he has a real understanding and interest in all of the areas I am committed to," she said.

And both Gray-Little and Allred are equally excited about their opportunity to work with Shelton. Gray-Little said she has worked often with Shelton in the past and welcomes the chance to do more.

"I am looking forward to working with him," she said. "I have the impression of someone I find it easy and profitable to work with. We talk well and clearly together."

Allred said he is impressed by Shelton and glad to become part of his team. "I think he's a great provost -- he brings a lot of vitality to the job. Everyone's excited about working with him," he said.

And both administrators took the opportunity to thank their coworkers as they prepared to move on.

"I've really enjoyed the opportunity to work in the programs I've been involved with the last three years," Gray-Little said. "The people I worked with are really doing a great job, and I expect that to continue."

Allred also offered his thanks and praise to the UNC community as he prepared for his transition. "I'm really honored -- I came to the University as a freshman in 1970, and I never imagined I'd be in the position I'm in now. I love this university -- it's just a great place," he said.

"It's a great opportunity to be moving into South Building now, 31 years later. Let that be an inspiration to freshmen."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.