Little Public Input Given in UNC Chancellor Search

Chapel Hill, N.C. — Few people provided input Friday for the search for a new chancellor for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Chancellor James Moeser announced last month he would step down next summer after seven years in charge of the UNC System's flagship campus.

A 21-member committee searching for Moeser's successor held a public forum Friday to elicit comments from people on the type of person they want in the chancellor's office. But only a half dozen people showed up.

“We want to hear from people with opinions about the qualities and qualifications the next chancellor should have. It’s an important part of this process,” said committee chairman Nelson Schwab III, a Charlotte investment banker.

Committee members are looking for someone who can be a successful fundraiser and leader and understands the importance of both academics and athletics.

The committee has hired a consulting firm for $90,000 to help with the search. Schwab said people, mostly in the academic world, had already suggested names of about 20 potential candidates.

A second forum next Tuesday will target faculty, staff and students.

The committee expects to have a short list of candidates by March and have a new chancellor in place by July.