Margaret Spellings Coverage

DAVID RICE: Ross & Spellings aim to organize UNC System for success

Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 -- Two former Presidents of the UNC System who will lead a commission to assess the System's governing structure say the panel will examine models across the country and try to better define the roles of board members and organize for success.

Editorial: Cooper makes a much-needed move to fix UNC System's instability and patronage

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 -- Coming up with ways to make those who lead the UNC System and its campuses more representative of the state and its needs is an important and timely mission. Rather than seeing it as a threat to legislative leaders' power, Sen. Phil Berger and others should embrace Gov. Roy Cooper's proposal. It will work to help assure North Carolina can maintain a top-notch system of public higher education.

WILLIAM L. ROPER: It is time to 'settle things down' in the UNC system

Saturday, May 11, 2019 -- "What I'm trying to do, as I work with and for the Board of Governors and with the chancellors and others across the system, is settle things down. (The goal) is to get us to a stable operating environment where we can do the real important work of educating the current and future generations of North Carolinians, doing the research and health-care delivery and all the other things that make this such a powerful gem that the people of North Carolina have."

Editorial: UNC Board -- Act like you run a $3.2 billion business, not a lemonade stand

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 -- The obsessive micromanagement of the campuses leaves the UNC System leaderless. Individual institutions are in constant confusion. Unless this ends, the system is in jeopardy of being unable to attract the best administrators, brightest researchers and most inspiring teachers while serving our state's aspiring young minds. It all diminishes UNC's reputation.

ERSKINE BOWLES & RICHARD VINROOT: Legislators' efforts put UNC system's reputation in peril

March 17, 2019 -- Republican lawmakers have named conservatives of their own party to the Board of Governors and changed the governance rules to diminish any appointive authority in the governor's office. This type of action risks turning the Board of Governor's into a purely political organization doing the bidding of our legislative leaders. And, in our opinion, that puts our university's reputation in peril.

North Carolina university leaders depart amid culture war

When Carol Folt gave her first big speech as head of North Carolina's flagship public university, she praised lawyer Julius Chambers, who battled segregationists in court, and she lauded legendary basketball coach Dean Smith's civil rights advocacy. The Tar Heel titans "worked across differences for the common good," she said in 2013.

Spellings gives final report as UNC president

Outgoing UNC President Margaret Spellings receives two standing ovations from the Board of Governors during her final meeting with them.

Spellings: 'I'm proud about what's been accomplished'

After three years on the job, University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings officially steps down in January.

Full interview: One-on-one with Margaret Spellings

After three years on the job, University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings officially steps down in January.

Spellings looks back at time as UNC President, most proud of low-cost tuition plan

After three years on the job, University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings officially steps down in January.

UNC system board names interim president

UNC Board of Governors Chairman Harry Smith and Interim UNC President Dr. Bill Roper hold a news conference about Roper's appointment.

Announcement on new UNC interim president expected Thursday

Dr. William Roper, chief executive of UNC Health Care, is expected to be named interim president of the University of North Carolina system on Thursday, sources have told WRAL News.

Editorial: Spellings to UNC Board -- 'You're fired!'

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 -- UNC President Margaret Spellings' decision to fire the Board of Governors and return to Texas reveals is this board is a political playground of puppets dangling on strings pulled by the ultra-partisan leaders of the General Assembly.

Spellings says she did what she set out to do at UNC, so it's time to go

UNC President Margaret Spellings announced Friday that she will leave her post heading the 17-campus system on March 1.

UNC President Margaret Spellings resigns: 'All leaders are for a time'

University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings plans to step down as the chief executive of the 17-campus system, sources told WRAL News on Thursday.

Matthew Burns, WRAL.com senior producer/politics editor

Spellings discusses reason for departure

UNC President Margaret Spellings and Board of Governors Chairman Harry Smith discuss Spellings' resignation.

Sources: UNC President Spellings leaving

University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings plans to step down as the chief executive of the 17-campus system, sources told WRAL News on Thursday.

Spellings to leave as UNC president, sources say

University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings plans to step down as the chief executive of the 17-campus system, sources told WRAL News on Thursday.

Matthew Burns, WRAL.com senior producer/politics editor

Spellings: Future of 'Silent Sam' presents 'interesting challenges'

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill officials have about six weeks to devise a plan for the future of a controversial Confederate monument on campus, and UNC President Margaret Spellings said Monday that she doesn't want to step into the middle of that process.

Sloane Heffernan, WRAL reporter

UNC president: 'We want to keep the best and brightest'

North Carolina has always prided itself on trying to make higher education as affordable as possible, and the University of North Carolina system is putting new emphasis on that effort.

UNC touts cheap tuition at three schools

North Carolina has always prided itself on trying to make higher education as affordable as possible, and the University of North Carolina system is putting new emphasis on that effort.

Sloane Heffernan, WRAL reporter

UNC president, board chairman discuss 'Silent Sam,' chancellor search

UNC President Margaret Spellings and Board of Governors Chairman discuss the Confederate statute on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and the search for a Western Carolina University chancellor during a news conference.

UNC system to study itself to improve student success

The University of North Carolina system is launching a research effort to help students at its various campuses succeed, President Margaret Spellings said Monday.

Claudia Rupcich, WRAL reporter

Two years later: Spellings reflects on time as UNC system president

Thursday marked two years since Margaret Spellings took office as the president of the University of North Carolina system.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL reporter