Appalachian State University’s chancellor Peacock steps down

Upon hearing the news of Appalachian State University Chancellor Kenneth Peacock’s impending resignation, ASU sophomore Ellie Simpson reflected on his reputation among the student body.

She said there is a general sense that he is highly respected and will be missed.

“He typifies what it means to be a Mountaineer,” Simpson said.

Last week, Peacock informed UNC-system President Thomas Ross and the ASU Board of Trustees that he plans to step down from his position of nearly a decade.

Ross said in a statement that he reluctantly accepted Peacock’s decision and praised the chancellor’s accomplishments during his time at ASU.

“In countless ways, he will leave Appalachian stronger than he found it, and that’s quite a legacy in and of itself,” he said.

Joni Worthington, spokeswoman for the system, said the search for a new chancellor will be conducted according to the university code, and Peacock will be involved.

“He made his intentions known well in advance so that there would be adequate time for a search to be conducted,” she said.

Simpson said students have been sad to hear of Peacock’s resignation, but she expects he will leave the university in good hands.

“I’m sure he will not hand over the position to anyone less than deserving,” she said.

Simpson said Peacock is invested in and interacts with every student on campus.

“If you wave at him, he will treat you as if you guys go way back,” she said.

Peacock said he isn’t leaving until the right person is found to be his successor.

“It was important to me that this transition be smooth and that nobody is rushed,” he said.

He said the decision to step down wasn’t easy, but he is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

“I don’t know what it’s going to be, I don’t know where it’s going to be, but I know it’s going to be exciting,” he said.

“I want two months to sit, unwind and read,” he said.

Simpson said Peacock has advocated for his students and accepts only the best.

“He will be greatly missed on this campus, but we really appreciate his time here and all that he’s done for this university,” she said.

Contact the desk editor at state@dailytarheel.com.