CORRECTION: A previous version of the story incorrectly referred to Board of Trustees Assistant Secretary Chris McClure as a "current Board member." McClure is a member of the chancellor's staff — not a member of the BOT. The story has been updated with McClure's correct position. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for this error.
During a special meeting on Thursday, the UNC Board of Trustees voted to approve leadership for its 2023-24 term. The BOT elected a chair, vice chair and secretary, each of whom will serve for one year.
What’s new?
David Boliek, who served as the board's chair from 2022-23, reflected upon his time leading the board and specifically noted the BOT’s work on efforts such as:
- The UNC All-Funds Budget
- “We have a budget framework that previously did not exist, which gives University decision-makers a roadmap and confidence in the available dollars to accomplish the work we do as a university.”
- Efforts toward academic freedom and institutional neutrality on campus
- “In a day and time when many groups pressure universities to trumpet particular opinions, the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees has reaffirmed UNC's commitment to the time-honored Chicago Principles and the Kalven Committee Report on institutional neutrality.”
- Campaign for Carolina
- “The University has new leaders in development right now for the University following the successful campaign. As a board, we are actively working to support that team's formulation to what's next for fundraising.”
- Consistent tuition rates
- "We have had record numbers of applicants at Carolina year after year, and we have not raised tuition."
- Success of public safety
- “I think our public safety team as a whole and the administration acted very professionally, effective and swiftly in handling [the Aug. 28 shooting] and I congratulate them for that work.”
- The School of Data Science and Society and the School of Civic Life and Leadership
- "There is a like-kind demand in the workforce for graduates with data analytic skills and thinking ability in that arena."
- "The School of Civic Life and Leadership — an endeavor that we supported and an idea that is taking shape on our campus — is poised to serve as an example to universities across the nation. This new school will help equip our graduates with tools they need to navigate an increasingly polarizing world of ideas and concepts."
- Expansion of the ACC
- “We must always, however, be resolute to act in the best interest of our student athletes, our coaches, our student body, our alumni, our faculty and staff and Tar Heel fans across North Carolina and elsewhere.”
- Relevance of the BOT
- “Each and every one of you as a board member has helped set a precedent that our board is relevant to policy support, advice and decision making here at Carolina. Ultimately, we truly serve the University of the people.”
The board approved John Preyer, former vice chair, to become the new BOT chair.
The BOT also approved the appointment of Malcolm Turner as the new vice chair and Ramsey White as secretary.
Chris McClure, a member of the chancellor's staff, was named assistant secretary again.
BOT member Jim Blaine and Spence Whitman, a member of the Board of Directors of the UNC Investment Fund, were also appointed to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Foundation, one of the University's fiduciary boards, which is responsible for the governance of UNC's endowment fund.
The UNC Board of Trustees will meet again on Sept. 27 and 28.
