UNC-Chapel Hill begins search for new chancellor

The committee’s search for the university's 12th chancellor will be overseen by Richard Stevens, chair of the university's board. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and other board members will make up the committee.

“As we look forward – at this critical moment in higher education – it is essential to have a visionary leader in place to lead and advance the initiatives of our great University,” Stevens said in a press release.

The selection process will consist of committee members recommending candidates to the full board, which will then vote on which candidates to recommend to UNC Interim President Dr. Bill Roper. Roper will then recommend one candidate to the UNC Board of Governors, which will elect the new chancellor.

“I welcome the beginning of this process and the formation of this committee, which is comprised of highly qualified and well-respected representatives from the university community,” Roper said in a press release. “I am confident that this committee, drawing on input from all corners of campus, will locate the strongest candidates to lead UNC-Chapel Hill into the future.”

Kevin Guskiewicz, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at the university, is currently serving as the interim chancellor after Carol Folt stepped down in January after spending nearly six years in the position.

Roper said Guskiewicz is to lead the university for 18 months during the national search for a new chancellor.

UNC-Chapel Hill dean named interim chancellor

The statue was pulled down by protesters last August, and UNC officials are still trying to determine what to do with it.

Harry Smith, the chairman of the UNC Board of Governors, said Folt's decision "undermines and insults the board’s goal to operate with class and dignity."

With 'Silent Sam' gone from UNC-CH, chancellor to quickly follow