By PAUL FULTON
Our universities have set this state apart. If we don’t pay attention to our universities’ future, then we’re not paying attention to our state’s future. They are one and the same.
Today, our universities tell a complicated story with world-class highs, but also headline-dominating lows.
In recent years, the turmoil has risen sharply. The UNC System has seen its reputation tarnished. Good leaders have left and campuses have been upended and distracted from Cullowhee to Greenville to Chapel Hill.
But as we were reminded by our new UNC Board of Governors chairman in November, and as last month’s strategic plan update starkly shows, good – even transformative – work continues.
Across the UNC System, enrollments are at record highs and our system-wide graduation rate has soared to nearly eight points above the national average. But much of that progress is happening because of good work and good people at the campus level.
That leaves us with a central question: How can the UNC System provide stability and leadership that empower, not distract, leaders at the campus level? Put differently, how can we improve the UNC System’s governance?
Today, Higher Ed Works is launching a series to begin that discussion. Over the next month, we will feature state and national leaders as they discuss the UNC System’s governance challenges.
There’s no one answer, no silver bullet. Ultimately, the question of reform is one for the General Assembly to decide. But increasingly, leaders across the state agree that the time for action is now.
This state is at its best when it slowly builds consensus by bringing together leaders from both parties and every corner of the state to talk about the issues that matter. Governance reform is one of those issues.
Starting today, we will publish pieces from thinkers and leaders from every sector, including:
- Two former North Carolina Governors, one a Democrat and one a Republican;
- A sitting U.S. Senator;
- Former Presidents and Chancellors from the UNC System;
- Business leaders from across the state; and
- Education leaders from across the state and nation.
This week will start at the foundation, including a history of the UNC System’s governance and a look at peer systems and best practices. Next week, statewide and national leaders will begin to weigh in with their own thoughts.
This is a debate with enormous consequences for our state: Are there structural changes that will make our universities run better? Can we sit down together and decide which changes are right for North Carolina?
We invite you to share your own thoughts and comments below. You can also send us an email at [email protected].
As a state, we must decide if we are willing to make changes to keep our institutions strong, healthy, and growing, for the sake of our state and its future.
Paul Fulton of Winston-Salem is Co-Chair of Higher Ed Works. He is a former President of Sara Lee Corp., former Dean of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, a former member of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees and a former member of the UNC System Board of Governors.
Jen Mangrum says
This is an important issue and I applaud Higher Education Works for starting the public conversation!
Douglas Cole says
I have both a BA in Economics and an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. The reputation of the University today in my community is one of an extremely liberal institution in which students tear down statues without consequence, and a liberal Administration that does nothing to stop them. Rather, they seem to make excuses for such behavior and side with those who break the law. We also created a special “non-curriculum” to attract and let star Afro-American athletes maintain athletic eligibility and not only got into trouble with the NCAA, but cheapened and disgraced ourselves academically.. This should have never happened. The line coming out of South Building seems to be new-age liberalism,, and out of step with the traditional values of North Carolina. Are there any good conservative minds in Chapel Hill who will demand excellence, good citizenship, and respectable behavior? Finally, we seem to be admitting more and more out of state and foreign students who did not pay the taxes that built and maintain the University rather than the sons and daughters of North Carolinians. This simply isn’t being accountable to the taxpayers.
Ryan says
Out-of-state (which includes foreign) enrollment is capped at 18% under state law and has been since 1986. Perhaps universities are admitting more within that cap than they used to in the past, but consider that these students pay significantly more in tuition than in-state students, so they are in fact contributing to the university’s financial stability. In addition, having students who were raised outside the state adds to the diversity of perspectives at our universities, which can only make them stronger and more responsive institutions over time.
I agree that the paper course scandal is a blemish on our history (though I take issue with the blatantly racist way you present the issue) but I hardly think you can attribute that to “new-age liberalism.” You can attribute it to poor oversight and monetary incentives, and I hope UNC maintains a strong commitment to academic integrity moving forward.
I must say, however, that find it amusing that you think it requires a “conservative mind” to demand “excellence, good citizenship, and respectable behavior” considering the words and actions of conservative standard-bearers in Raleigh and Washington over the past 10 years.
Dr. Ronald Plummer says
The UNC System started falling apart after Wm. Friday retired.
UNC General Administration became filled with unqualified people who were “friends of friends” and took on a bogus superior attitude toward the constituent institutions and the taxpayers. Erskine Bowles tried to stop it but the mindless mafia was too entrenched. As they reigned, I watched the rot take hold across the state. In short, the politically correct and posturing platitude laden suck-ups simply did not know what they were doing in a system where they did not even know the constituent elements much less student needs. They did not know the UNC System PURPOSE because they did not know the PEOPLE. As a fiscal Conservative and within the system for 25 years, I was sickened and appalled by the wealthy cronies, who certainly rewarded each other! If you forget the people, your forget the purpose.