Meeting May Focus on Spangler Successor

Neither Cameron nor former Gov. James Holshouser, who chairs the searchcommittee, returned reporters' phone calls.

C.D. Spangler Jr., who has been president since 1986, is retiring.

Among those whose names have been bandied about include UNC-Wilmingtonchancellor James Leutze, former Gov. Jim Martin, U.S. Education SecretaryRichard Riley, Ohio State University President Gordon Gee, White HouseChief of Staff Erskine Bowles, and N.C. Supreme Court Justice WillisWhichard. Some were under consideration initially but not did make it tothe short list; at this point the nature of the short list is tightlyunder wraps.

Under an exception to the state Open Meetings Law, the sessions of theeight-member Board of Governors screening committee and of the 14-membersearch committee have been held in secret.

Cameron's one-paragraph memo calling the board members to Thursday'smeeting said, "A personnel matter will be discussed."

It is also possible the matter will move to a vote on the candidate.The post may have been offered and accepted, pending approval by the fullboard.