Dive Brief:
- The University of North Carolina's Board of Governors met Friday with its leading finalist in the search for the system’s new president: Margaret Spellings, former secretary of education under President George W. Bush.
- The Chronicle of Higher Education reports Spellings’ political experience could give the system a strong advocate before the legislature, and her history indicates she would bring a focus on accountability to UNC schools.
- While faculty might argue that Spellings doesn’t have enough experience working inside academia, those tasked with hiring her may weigh her time heading the U.S. Department of Education more favorably than an early career as a professor.
Dive Insight:
The North Carolina legislature passed a bill requiring the UNC Board of Governors to consider at least three final candidates in its search for a president. Gov. Pat McCrory hasn’t signed it yet, but a local ABC affiliate is reporting Spellings is not the only finalist in contention. Former UNC president Tom Ross’ forced exit in January was seen as a shift toward more conservative leadership, so it would not be surprising to see Spellings or someone ideologically aligned with her to replace him.
UNC is not the only system in the country looking for nontraditional leaders. The board of regents in Iowa recently hired a career businessman as president of the University of Iowa, causing an avalanche of opposition among faculty and students.