Abby Pender

Aisha Baiocchi

Data

Former trustees' political campaigns showcase wealth and connections

By Abby Pender | February 18

"[The BOT is] a group of many well-connected, high-wealth individuals with the ability to give in a low-profile council of state race,” Rebekah Whilden, executive director of Carolina Forward, said. “Especially after the elimination of public funding programs in council of state races, serious candidates from either party have to leverage their personal networks to be successful.”

Helen McGinnis

News

Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz officially accepts MSU presidency

By Abby Pender | December 8

Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz will step down as UNC chancellor on Jan. 12 and assume the MSU presidency on March 4.

Kennedy Cox

News

2023 Year in Review: What fuels the fire

By Abby Pender | December 5

"Throughout all the social, political and emotional strife that has struck campus and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area in 2023, students and residents have used their voices, their presence and their deep attention to the world to advocate for their communities. These reactions aren't unprecedented. They are evidence of the UNC community's strength, which has persisted for generations and fuels its fire."

Kennedy Cox

News

As Guskiewicz considers departure, some faculty are concerned over possible destabilization

By Abby Pender and Ashley Quincin | November 29

UNC has faced political tensions between the Board of Trustees, the General Assembly and the chancellor, which could have contributed to Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz's consideration of departure from the University.

Samantha Lewis

University

Shooting suspect Tailei Qi found unfit for trial in professor’s death

By Abby Pender and Lauren Rhodes | November 27

Tailei Qi, the suspect charged with the murder of UNC associate professor Zijie Yan, has been found unfit to continue to trial due to mental illness.

Olivia Paul

University

UNC Police investigating 15 reports of motor vehicle break-ins near campus

By Abby Pender and Lauren Rhodes | October 18

The email said the locations of the break-ins include the Williamson and S-11 parking lots, the Ambulatory Care Center, the McLean Center (Rizzo Center), the Ronald McDonald and SECU House and the Craig North parking deck.

Claire Brennan

University

Tensions rise at pro-Palestine demonstration, countered by supporters of Israel

By Tori Newby and Abby Pender | October 13

UNC's Students for Justice in Palestine held a protest Thursday morning on the steps of Wilson Library to advocate for Palestinians. This was met with counter-protests from some members of the University community who support Israel.

Serena Sherwood

City & State

David Boliek, member of BOT, to run for State Auditor

By Abby Pender and Walker Livingston | September 21

Boliek was chairperson of the BOT from 2022 to 2023. He is running against five other Republicans in the primary for state auditor.

Jon Gardiner

University

Jennifer Evans reflects on appointment to Board of Trustees

By Abby Pender | September 19

Jennifer Evans stood in the stands of Kenan Stadium when she had her "full circle moment." Evans is now a member of the UNC Board of Trustees. She was sworn in on Aug. 21 after being nominated by N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland, Rutherford).

Samantha Lewis

University

'Everyone starts bolting': UNC community reacts to second lockdown of semester

By Abby Pender and Ashley Quincin | September 19

After the second lockdown in 16 days, UNC community members reflect on their experiences and sense of safety on campus. “I just felt so sad,” Michael Mesa, a sophomore, said. “Like no freaking way this is happening again.”

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Abby Pender

News

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By Abby Pender | November 9

Screenshot from the Nov. 8 panel covering the impact of pandemic stress on mental health, and how current research at UNC is driving innovations in neuroscience that lead to new treatments and better outcome.