A global outlook

In the past Chancellor James Moeser has used his State of the University address to outline bold campus-based initiatives.

This year he set his sights outside University borders.

About 400 members of the University community packed into the Great Hall of the Student Union on Thursday to hear Moeser's fifth annual address.

His message was simple: In light of persistent changes in the global education market, the University must expand its horizons to compete on a global level.

In UNC's endeavors, it also must act as a leader, compelling the state to follow its outward vision, he said.

"North Carolina must compete in this global economy," Moeser said. "So it is absolutely critical that its flagship university be a player on the world stage. We must be engaged internationally."

And he said the groundwork already has been laid.

The University's current initiatives and ongoing programs are set up to empower North Carolina's ability to adapt to the 21st century.

"Our University is deeply engaged in the issues that matter most to North Carolinians: their health, their economy and their education, both for themselves and their children."

Moeser announced the creation of a panel that will explore ways in which the University can make these contributions.

The Task Force on Engagement with North Carolina will determine how the University can best mobilize its resources to further the state's progress.

"Their recommendations should reflect an understanding of the work already underway (and) emphasize specific strategies to improve these efforts."

Moeser cited as an example of the contributions a number of ongoing projects including Carolina North, UNC's planned satellite research campus, and the Global Education Center, now under construction.

The task force will present its findings in December, Moeser said, and meetings will begin as soon members' calendars can be cleared.

"We're going to crash in an all-day session," he said in an interview after his speech.

But some of the state's needs are more pressing than others.

"Nothing calls us more urgently than the challenge of improving public schools in this state," Moeser said.

The University is compelled to act immediately, he said, even before the task force completes its work.

Moeser announced that Thomas James, dean of the School of Education, will work directly with state education officials to determine how the University can work to improve N.C. public schools.

"We have programs all around campus, but they're not focused," James said after the speech.

People too often see the problems in state public schools as an issue for only those in the School of Education, Moeser said.

"Frankly, the problem is much bigger than that," he said after his speech.

By engaging faculty from all disciplines, more resources can be focused into confronting education problems, Moeser said.

Once these new resources are in hand, the University will focus on expanding the state's reach abroad.

"Carolina is moving forward with tremendous momentum," Moeser said.

"Our challenge is to sustain that energy and focus it in the areas that will best serve the people of North Carolina in the future."

 

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.