06/08/2009
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Update: Bowles' Memo on Oblinger
Created by
Laura Leslie
posted at 2009-06-08 10:26 | Last modified 2009-06-08 10:40
posted at 2009-06-08 10:26 | Last modified 2009-06-08 10:40
Here's the text of the memo sent out this morning by UNC President Erskine Bowles:
Dr. Jim Oblinger has shared with me his decision to resign as Chancellor of North Carolina State University, effective immediately. I have accepted that decision with considerable sadness, but agree fully with Jim’s conclusion that it would be in the best interest of NC State and the entire University for him to step down as chancellor and return to the faculty.
I am extremely grateful that UNC Charlotte Chancellor Emeritus Jim Woodward—an aeronautical and mechanical engineer who taught at NC State early in his career—has agreed on very short notice to serve as interim chancellor. I will of course be working closely with NC State Board of Trustees Chairman Bob Jordan to launch a search for a permanent chancellor and to ensure that the campus doesn’t lose momentum in the months ahead.
Jim Oblinger has devoted the past 23 years to NC State University, serving as associate dean, dean, provost and executive vice chancellor, and chancellor. Under his leadership as chancellor, the campus has grown to 33,000 students, NC State has been ranked the nation’s 4th best overall value among public universities, and competitive federal grants have increase by 37% to $140 million annually. Also during his tenure, the Centennial Campus has grown to include 130 corporate and governmental tenants and the Achieve! capital campaign reached its $1-billion goal 19 months early, raising a total of $1.3 billion for university priorities.
Consistent with University policy and pending Board of Governors approval, Dr. Oblinger will be granted a six-month leave at his current salary. He will then assume the duties of his tenured faculty position as a professor of food science at normal salary for his discipline, with normal departmental duties.
Chairman Jordan has called for a review of the transitional salary package offered to former Provost Larry Nielsen. This package appears to be inconsistent with Board of Governors and Board of Trustees policies, and I fully endorse and encourage that examination.
I am extremely grateful that UNC Charlotte Chancellor Emeritus Jim Woodward—an aeronautical and mechanical engineer who taught at NC State early in his career—has agreed on very short notice to serve as interim chancellor. I will of course be working closely with NC State Board of Trustees Chairman Bob Jordan to launch a search for a permanent chancellor and to ensure that the campus doesn’t lose momentum in the months ahead.
Jim Oblinger has devoted the past 23 years to NC State University, serving as associate dean, dean, provost and executive vice chancellor, and chancellor. Under his leadership as chancellor, the campus has grown to 33,000 students, NC State has been ranked the nation’s 4th best overall value among public universities, and competitive federal grants have increase by 37% to $140 million annually. Also during his tenure, the Centennial Campus has grown to include 130 corporate and governmental tenants and the Achieve! capital campaign reached its $1-billion goal 19 months early, raising a total of $1.3 billion for university priorities.
Consistent with University policy and pending Board of Governors approval, Dr. Oblinger will be granted a six-month leave at his current salary. He will then assume the duties of his tenured faculty position as a professor of food science at normal salary for his discipline, with normal departmental duties.
Chairman Jordan has called for a review of the transitional salary package offered to former Provost Larry Nielsen. This package appears to be inconsistent with Board of Governors and Board of Trustees policies, and I fully endorse and encourage that examination.
Here's the PDF version. More when I get it. Stay tuned.
Update: the N&O has Oblinger's statement.
