Update, 4:45 p.m.: “While I’m disappointed by the Board of Governors’ timeline, I have truly loved my almost six years at Carolina," Chancellor Carol Folt said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "Working with our students, faculty and staff has inspired me every day. It is their passion and dedication, and the generosity of our alumni and community, that drive this great University. I believe that Carolina’s next chancellor will be extremely fortunate, and I will always be proud to be a Tar Heel.”
The UNC System Board of Governors voted to make Chancellor Carol Folt's resignation effective Jan. 31.
Folt announced her plan to resign on Monday with intentions to resign following spring commencement. In the same announcement, she ordered the removal of Silent Sam's pedestal. It was removed early Tuesday.
The BOG was not aware of Folt's plans to resign prior to the announcement, a statement from the BOG said Monday.
"We are incredibly disappointed at this intentional action. It lacks transparency and it undermines and insults the Board’s goal to operate with class and dignity," the BOG's statement said. "We strive to ensure that the appropriate stakeholders are always involved and that we are always working in a healthy and professional manner."
The BOG asked UNC System Interim President Bill Roper to appoint an interim chancellor "at such time as he deems appropriate."