Moeser looks towards UNC's future

As the University of Virginia and other public universities throughout the country take strides toward privatization, UNC is standing firm in its commitment to serving the state, the nation and the world.

So said Chancellor James Moeser during his fourth annual State of the University address Wednesday.

"This is not so much a competition with other universities as it is with ourselves and with our own vision of excellence in harmony with our core values as a public university," he said.

About 400 members of the University community filled the Great Hall and listened as Moeser outlined the accomplishments of the past year and presented framework for the University's future.

A commitment to engagement and public service will continue to define UNC as it evolves, he said.

Moeser spoke of how his travels with Carolina Connects, a program that highlights the University's impact throughout the state, have strengthened UNC's public service efforts.

UNC also has committed to the state by recognizing the importance of higher education and opening a gateway to a better life through the Carolina Covenant, he said.

Moeser announced the expansion of the program, which allows some of the state's most impoverished students to graduate from the University debt free.

During the past year, University administrators have placed value not only on connections to the people of the state but also on bonds with University employees, Moeser noted.

Officials addressed concerns raised by the Chancellor's Task Force for a Better Workplace by creating an ombuds office, making education more accessible and easing financial concerns.

These milestones, in conjunction with the growth of enrollment, capital projects, faculty research and several other ongoing initiatives, will dictate the path the University will follow.

"Great things are happening at Carolina, and this past year has only added to our positive momentum," Moeser said.

A seven-point plan, based on the priorities of the University's Academic Plan, will direct the University's energy and resources.

Out of the seven points, Moeser's top priority is strengthening faculty recruitment, retention and development to maintain UNC's culture.

UNC also will seek to provide students with the richest possible learning environment by increasing the number of classes with less than 20 students and doubling the size of the Honors Program - developments Moeser also mentioned last year.

Furthermore, the University must continue to commit resources to research, especially for the strategic overhaul of information technology, he said. A vital part of this plan is Carolina North, the 70-year mixed-use research park currently blocked in its conceptual stages.

Moeser stressed that the project is key to the state's economy as well as to the University's ability to define itself as a leader in the state, the UNC-system and the nation.

Other elements of Moeser's plan include increased commitment to diversity, a bid for international recognition and new efforts to invest in these priorities, he said.

"Let us not take our eye off the ball of excellence, on what it will take for us to become a truly, distinguished world-class university - great as well as good."

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.