UNC students weigh in on chancellor search

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Tags:

unc, local/state, steve dorsey

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- A chancellor search committee heard from students Thursday evening about what they want to see in a new leader.

More than a dozen people on the UNC Chancellor Search Committee were all ears listening to students, who spoke out on a wide range of issues that they want a new chancellor to focus on -- everything from breastfeeding rooms to security.

"A safe and friendly environment for all students, regardless of what they are, is important," said UNC sophomore Josh Aristy.

The committee has a laundry-list of takeaways. Among the most popular priorities was college affordability.

The committee's chair said feedback from both faculty and students showed everyone on the same page.

"It suggests that the greater university community embraces core values with respect to what this university should be," said committee chairman Wade Hargrove.

A new chancellor won't take office for months. Outgoing Chancellor Holden Thorp won't step down until June 30.

He leaves behind a university riddled with scandals, but students praised the search process as open and transparent.

"I like that it's very open," said UNC graduate student Jo Ellen McBride. "I like that we can actually meet with them and talk with them."

This was the fourth and final forum for community feedback.

The university's Board of Trustees will ultimately decide who to hire.