>> WE ARE IN ORDER.

I WANTED TO SLAM THAT GAVEL FOR A MONTH.

I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT AFTER I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MEETINGS, MEREDITH STILL REMINDS ME WHEN IT'S 30 SECONDS TO GO.

I APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S ATTENTION THIS MORNING.

WE HAVE HAD COMMITTEE MEETINGS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

THEY HAVE BEEN PRODUCTIVE AND WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED A GREAT DEAL.

I ENJOYED YESTERDAY'S.

I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE REPRESENTATIVE NEIL JACKSON WHO I THINK IS IN THE BUILDING -- THERE HE IS NOW.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE TODAY.

[APPLAUSE] I KNEW YOU WERE ON THE WAY UP.

I HADN'T SEEN YOU COME IN THE DOOR.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR PARTNERSHIP.

I CALL ON MR. BYERS FOR THE INVOCATION.

>> MR. CHAIRMAN, YOU REALIZE BEFORE ASKING ME TO DO THIS, I GREW UP IN A SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH IN THE MOUNTAINS, AND THIS WILL PROBABLY LAST 45 MINUTES.

JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE THAT WITH YOU.

>> ARE YOU PLANNING TO PASS THE PLATE?

>> WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

LET US PRAY.

HEAVENLY FATHER, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER WITH A GROUP TO DO THE BEST WE CAN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE CITIZENS THROUGH THIS STATE THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND EDUCATION.

WE ASK THAT YOU MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT JUDGMENTAL IN OUR WORKS AND WE ARE FAIR TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED, BUT THAT WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE THE DECISIONS NECESSARY TO LEAD AND GO FORWARD IN THIS GREAT STATE.

WE ASKED ALL OF THESE THINGS IN YOUR NAME.

WE ASKED SAFETY THAT EVERYONE RETURNS HOME SAFELY AND RETURNS BACK TO OUR NEXT DUTY, AND WE ASK FORGIVENESS OF ALL OF OUR SINS AND SHORTCOMINGS.

IN YOUR NAME WE PRAY, AMEN.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR BYERS.

I CALL ON SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD TO CALL THE ROLL, PLEASE?

>> CHAIR RAMSEY?

>> PRESENT.

>> VICE-CHAIR MURPHY?

>> HERE.

>> DR. BARNES?

>> HERE.

>> MRS. BLUE?

>> HERE.

MR. BRANTLY?

HERE.

>> MR. BROWN?

>> PRESENT.

>> MR. HARRY BROWN?

>> HERE.

>> MR. BYERS?

>> HERE.

>> MR -- >> HERE.

>> MR. CLARK?

>> HERE.

>> MRS. COWARD?

>> HERE.

>> MR. DAVIS?

>> MR. FORD?

>> PRESENT.

>> MR. FRALEY?

>> HERE.

>> MR. HOLLY.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> MR. HOLTON?

>> HERE.

>> M MR. HUTCHENS?

MR. MITCHELL?

MISS NICHOLS?

GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> MR. POPE?

>> PRESENT.

>> MR. SLOANE?

MR. WHITE?

MR. WILKFORD.

>> MR. CHAIRMAN, YOU HAVE A QUORUM.

>> THANK YOU, SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD.

LOOKING AT TODAY'S AGENDA DOES ANYONE HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR APPEAR AS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST UNDER THE STATE ETHIC'S ACT.

LET ME KNOW NOW.

SEEING NONE, WE MOVE ALONG WITH THE AGENDA.

WE HAVE A HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY, WE HAVE A COUPLE, BUT OUR NEW STUDENT MEMBER CAMERON BROWN BEING SWORN IN.

I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON JUSTICE BARRINGER TO ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE, PLEASE.

>> THIS IS MY DISTINCT HONOR TO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF SWEARING IN CAMERON BROWN.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR UNIVERSITY.

IF YOU WILL RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND, PLACE YOUR LEFT HAND ON THE BIBLE AND REPEAT AFTER ME.

I, CAMERON BROWN, DO SOLEMNLY AND SINCERELY SWEAR, THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES -- AND THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY AND BEAR TRUE ALLEGIANCE -- TO THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA -- AND TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS AND AUTHORITIES -- WHICH ARE OR MAY BE ESTABLISHED -- FOR THE GOVERNMENT TH THEREOF -- AND THAT I WILL ENDEAVOUR -- TO SUPPORT, MAINTAIN AND DEFEND -- THE CONSTITUTION OF SAID STATE -- NOT INCONSISTENT WITH -- THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES -- TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY -- SO HELP ME GOD.

FURTHER, I CAMERON BROWN DO SWEAR THAT I WILL TRULY EXECUTE -- THE DEITIES OF THE OFFICE -- AND A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS -- OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA -- ACCORDING TO MY BEST SKILL AND ABILITY -- ACCORDING TO LAW SO HELP ME GOD.

>> CONGRATULATIONS.

[APPLAUSE] [INDISTINCT CHATTER] >> JUST A LITTLE BIT OF PRESSURE WITH THE HANDSHAKING.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU SAW THAT.

I'M OKAY.

JUST NERVOUS, THAT'S ALL.

GOOD NERVOUS, THOUGH.

GOOD MORNING, GOVERNORS, PRESIDENT HANS, CHANCELLORS AND GUESTS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM.

I AM CAMERON BROWN.

I'M HONORED TO STAND BEFORE YOU AS THE 53RD SESSION PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM AND NEWEST MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

AS A FIRST GENERATION STUDENT BORN AND RAISED IN THE TRIANGLE BY A SINGLE MOTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATOR, I HAVE SEEN THE INTRINSIC VALUE A DEGREE BRINGS TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND UNDERSTAND THE FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT IT CAN PROVIDE AS WELL.

WHEN MY FATHER PASSED WHEN I WAS SEVEN I REALIZED LIFE WAS NOT EASY AND HARD WORK WAS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE LIFE I DESIRED.

THIS IS WHERE I SAW THE VALUE OF EDUCATION.

STEPPING UP TO BE THE MAN OF THE HOUSE PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE AND HELPED ME UNDERSTAND THAT EDUCATION WAS THE TICKET TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

BEGINNING WITH ATTENDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN WEST RALEIGH AROUND NC STATE, TOURING CHAPEL HILL AND GRADUATING FROM EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY THIS MONTH WITH PLANS TO ATTEND UNC IN THE FALL, MY CONNECTION TO THE SYSTEM IS CONSTANT.

BEFORE I WAS BORN THE UNC SYSTEM HAD A DIRECT IMPACT ON MY LIFE.

MY SISTER BORN PREMATURELY RECEIVED CARE AT UNC CHAPEL HILL.

BECAUSE OF MY JOURNEY AND THE PRESENCE OF THE.

IS, I HAVE DREAMT OF GOING TO COLLEGE AND BECOMING A PUBLIC SERVANT, FROM ASPIRING TO BE A POLICE OFFICER, WANTING TO BE AN EDUCATOR AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, I HAVE KNOWN I WANT TO RECEIVE EDUCATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM, INSTITUTION.

LIKE MANY OTHER STUDENTS WITHIN THE SYSTEM, MY STORY HAS SHAPED MY EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE WHICH DRAWS MY DEVELOPMENT.

WHILE ON PAPER I MAY BE SEEN AS BLACK, POOR AND LESS THAN OTHERS, BUT I'M NOT DISCOURAGED BECAUSE I'M A STRONG EDUCATED INDIVIDUAL CAPABLE OF INDEPENDENT THOUGHT AND MUCH OF THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE EDUCATION I RECEIVED THAT TAUGHT ME HOW TO THINK AND NOT WHAT TO THINK.

THE AFFORDABLE EDUCATION BY THE UNC SYSTEM HAS ALLOWED ME TO LIVE A PRODUCTIVE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY.

AS PRESIDENT OF ASG, I INTEND TO ADD VALUE FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL, STUDENTS IMPROVING THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION OR FAMILIES RELYING ON GRADUATES FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

I WANT TO PRODUCE RESULTS THAT INCREASE THE MOBILITY AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT PROMISED TO EACH STUDENT BY THE SYSTEM.

ADDRESSING KEY ISSUES SUCH AS UPHOLDING STUDENT GOVERNMENT, PROMOTING WELL BEING FOR STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY AND EMPOWERING THE MSI INSTITUTIONS, I STRIVE TO ENSURE THE VALUE AND PRESENCE FOR PAST, PRESENT -- REPEAT THAT, I STRIVE TO ENSURE THE VALUE AND POSITIVE PRESENCE OF OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM FOR PAST, PRESENT AND INCOMING STUDENTS.

WITH NEARLY THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE ASSOCIATION, I HAVE THE INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO EFFECTIVELY LEVERAGE MY POSITION AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION TO PRODUCE RESULTS.

I HAVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH VARIOUS LOCAL, STATE FEDERAL HIGHER EDUCATION BASED REPRESENTATIVES SUCH AS THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NORTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, VARIOUS MUNICIPALITIES THROUGH ENGAGED RESEARCH.

I SERVE AS THE INAUGURAL FELLOW FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM SERVING MORE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP.

MY WORK HAS FOCUSED ON UNDERSTANDING HOW TO SUSTAIN THE GROWTH OF THE NUMBER ONE STATE FOR BUSINESS ENSURING THE STATE CAN MEET THE DEMANDS OF TOMORROW.

MUCH OF THIS HAS INSPIRED ME TO PURSUE PUBLIC SERVICE AND TAKE ON A ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATION.

POSITIVE STUDENT ADVOCACY CAN HAVE ON THE ECONOMIC SUCCESS OF OUR STATE.

THE FUTURE OF OUR WORKFORCE DEPENDS ON STUDENT TALENT.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT, STAFF AND ASSEMBLY, BOARD OF GOVERNORS, PRESIDENT HANS, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM STAFF, FACULTY AND STAKEHOLDERS DURING MY TERM AS PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION.

MY GOAL DURING THE 53RD SESSION IS FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA STUDENT GOVERNMENT TO ACHIEVE THE MISSION OF THE BROWN GUARD ADMINISTRATION, TO ADVOCATE FOR TOMORROW TODAY.

THE VALUE OF A UNC SYSTEM DEGREE IS INDISPUTABLE.

THE COST IN TERMS OF DOLLARS AND EFFORTS IS INCREASING.

FINANCIAL BURDENS AND DEMANDS REQUIRE THAT WE MAKE SURE THE STUDENTS MAKE THE MOST OF BENEFITING FROM HIGHER EDUCATION.

THIS IS MY WORK BEGINS.

WE MUST CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT AND AFFORDABLE SERVICES THAT ALLOW STUDENTS TO GRADUATE ON TIME AND RECEIVE A POSITIVE RETURN ON INVESTMENT WHILE MINIMIZING THE FINANCIAL STRAIN ON THOSE SUPPORTING THE SYSTEM.

DURING A TIME NORTH CAROLINA IS A LEADING ECONOMIC DRIVER, WE MUST LOOK TO STUDENTS FOR PROSPERITY OF FUTURE PROMISES.

THIS INCLUDES TOMORROW TODAY.

THANK YOU AND THIS CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

[APPLAUSE] >> I WOULD NOW LIKE TO PRESENT CHAIR RAMSEY WITH THE RESOLUTION PASSED BY THE 52ND SESSION.

IF YOU WOULD COME UP TO RECEIVE YOUR AWARD.

WE APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR OUR STU STUDENTS AND THE STATE.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[APPLAUSE] >> GOVERNOR BROWN, WELCOME.

I KNOW YOU WILL BE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE BOARD.

I APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS.

I SAW GOVERNOR BRADLEY TALKING ABOUT ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE STATE, I SAW HIM PERK RIGHT UP.

I THINK YOU ALREADY HAVE A FRIEND ON THE BOARD.

WE COME TO ANOTHER PORTION OF THE CALENDAR, THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2024 OLIVER MAX GARDENER AWARD.

THIS INCLUDES GREATEST CONTRIBUTIONS TO WELFARE AND THE HUMAN RACE.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR ED PLANNING PROGRAMS.

VICE-CHAIR LEE BARNS, WENDY MURPHY AND MRS. WHITE WERE APPOINTED AS MEMBERS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THEM FOR IDENTIFYING THE PARTICIPANT THAT BEST PERSONIFIES THIS AWARD.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

AFTER DELIBERATE AND LENGTHY CONSIDERATION OF MANY QUALIFIED NOMINEES, THE SUBCOMMITTEE SELECTED DR. GEORGE CRAIG FROM NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY.

AS AN ACADEMIC RESEARCHER, HE HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE WELFARE OF HUMANITY IN NORTH CAROLINA, ACROSS THE NATION AND ON A GLOBAL SCALE.

WE ARE PLEASED THAT SEVERAL COLLEAGUES ARE HERE TO CELEBRATE WITH HIM TODAY.

YOU HONOR US WITH YOUR PRESENCE.

WOULD YOU NOW PLEASE STAND TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A GUEST AS I CALL YOUR NAME?

PLEASE HOLD THE APPLAUSE UNTIL ALL OF THE GUESTS ARE STANDING.

GARY FOX, NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES.

FRANK LOWES, NORTH CAROLINA STATE HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT HEAD.

MICHELLE GRANGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NORTH CAROLINA SWEET POTATO COMMISSION.

KEN, RESEARCH SCHOLARS FROM NORTH CAROLINA STATE.

WELCOME AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR PRESENCE.

[APPLAUSE] >> DR.

YEN SHOW IS A PLANT BREEDER SPECIALIZING IN THE STRATEGIC UTILIZATION OF GENETIC TOOLS TO EXPEDITE TRADITIONAL BREATHING METHODS.

HIS GROUND BREAKING WORK IN SWEET POTATO GENETIC LINES HAS REVOLUTIONIZED THE METHOD IN NORTH CAROLINA.

A BREAKTHROUGH VARIETY KNOWN FOR HIGH YIELD, FLAVOR, NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND APPEARANCE, COMMANDING NOW 90% OF NORTH CAROLINA CROP PRODUCTION AND 20% OF THE SWEET POTATO CROP ACREAGE NATIONWIDE.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE COVINGTON SWEET POTATO HAS INCREASED $4 BILLION FOR NORTH CAROLINA FARMERS.

HIS ORCHESTRATION OF TEAMS COMPRISING SEASONED AND EMERGING SCIENTISTS HAS PROPELLED ADVANCEMENTS IN FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA.

HIS EARLY REALIZATION AS A FORMER PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER EMPHASIZED AGRICULTURAL TO UPLIFT COMMUNITIES FROM POVERTY AND CONFRONTING THE CHALLENGE OF GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY.

THIS MERITS THE PRESTIGIOUS OLIVER MAX GARDNER AWARD.

PLEASE SEE A SHORT VIDEO RECOGNIZING HIM.

>> IT'S BEEN A FASCINATING RIDE WITH POTATO AND SWEET POTATO, PRODUCTIVE WITH SWEET POTATO BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT TO NORTH CAROLINA'S ECONOMY.

IN BREEDING THIS HEALTHY NUTRITIOUS FOOD ITEM HAS INCREASED NUTRITION ACROSS THE BOARD, HERE AT HOME IN THE U.S. AND PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA.

THE OLIVER MAX GARDNER AWARD IS RECOGNIZING A SCIENTIST OR SCHOLAR FOR THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE AND IMPACT IT'S HAD ON THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT HIM FROM HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES, HE EPITOMIZES WHAT THE AWARD WAS MEANT TO CELEBRATE.

HE SPENT HIS CAREER AT NC STATE WORKING ON THE IMPROVEMENT FOR SWEET POTATOES.

NORTH CAROLINA IS NUMBER ONE IN SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION.

HE IS A LOT TO DO WITH THAT.

>> IT'S LUCK THAT I WAS RECRUITED IN NC STATE TO LEAD IF POTATO BREEDING PROGRAM I RECEIVED TRAINING ON AND THERE WAS AN OPENING IN SWEET DEPARTMENT PARTICIPANT AND I WAS ASKED TO TACKLE BOTH.

I WAS TWO YEARS INTO THE PROGRAM, A 608TH SELECTION THAT WE MADE THAT YEAR.

IT WAS ON AN ON FARM TRIAL WE WERE DOING WALKING TOWARD THE END OF THE DAY WHEN WE SAW AN OUTSTANDING SWEET POTATO AT THE END OF THE FIELD WHICH BECAME COVINGTON.

IT WAS RELEASED IN 2005.

THE TOBACCO BUYOUT WAS AROUND THAT TIME A FEW YEARS EARLIER AND GROWERS WERE LOOKING FOR NEW OPTIONS TO DIVERSIFY THEIR FARMING SYSTEM.

THIS HAS ACCOUNTED FOR 4 BILLION -- I SAY IT AGAIN, $4 BILLION IN FARM GATE VALUE PRIMARILY CENTRAL EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND THAT'S HELPED LIFT FARMERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ACROSS THE STATE.

>> WE HAVE WORKED AS A TEAM FOR 26 YEARS NOW, AND WE COORDINATE CLOSELY TOGETHER.

THE NETWORK OF IMPROVING ALL OF SWEET POTATOES ACROSS THE WORLD HAS BEEN CRAIG'S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT AND CONNECTED A LOT OF RESOURCES TO GET THE THINGS DONE AND GET VARIETIES TO IMPACT PEOPLE'S LIVES HERE AND NORTH CAROLINA AND IN AFRICA WHERE THEY USE HIGH BETA KERR TEEN SWEET POTATOES TO IMPROVE LIFE.

>> IT HAS MADE A LOT OF IMPACT ON PEOPLE IN AFRICA.

I CAME ALL OF THE WAY FROM UGANDA TO GET TRAINING IN SWEET POTATO RESEARCH.

I HAVE COLLEAGUES THAT HAVE COME TO NORTH CAROLINA STATE.

PEOPLE IN AFRICA NEVER KNEW IT WOULD BE ANY OTHER COLOR THAN WHITE OR YELLOW.

NOW, TRAINED FROM NORTH CAROLINA STATE WHO WENT TO UGANDA AND OTHER COUNTRIES IN AFRICA, IMPROVED SWEET POTATO VA VARIETIES WITH IMPROVED BETA TER KERR TEEN IN THEM.

>> WE UNDERSTOOD IT'S A VALUABLE CROP.

NOURYOU IT'S PRODUCED ALL OVER THE WORLD, SWEET POTATO FRIES, ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS.

THAT ALL STARTED WITH GREG.

>> I NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED WE WOULD BE SUCH A SUCCESS LIKE COVINGTON.

A LOT CAME TOGETHER, PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NC STATE, DA, INDIVIDUAL FARMERS, NORTH CAROLINA SWEET POTATO COMMISSION WHO HAVE SUPPORTED OUR EFFORTS AND WORKED DILIGENTLY WITH US OVER 25 PLUS YEARS NOW.

THE COLLABORATION THAT WE HAVE WITH HIM IS CRITICAL FOR MAKING SURE THAT AGRICULTURE IN NORTH CAROLINA IS SUCCESSFUL AND CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD.

AS THEY INCREASE THE RESEARCH, WE GROW WITH THAT TO MEET THE DEMAND.

WE ARE READY TO RENOVATE, ALLOW US TO INCREASE STORAGE CAPABILITY BY 60%.

WE ARE READY FOR WHAT THE NEXT 20 YEARS OF SWEET POTATO RESEARCH HAS TO OFFER.

>> DOCTOR, YOU ARE SO HIGHLY DESERVING OF THIS AWARD.

YOU ARE INSPIRING RESEARCH AND SERVICE IS CHANGING LIVES IN NORTH CAROLINA, ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND ACROSS THE WORLD.

WOULD YOU PLEASE JOIN US AT THE PODIUM, SIR?

[APPLAUSE] >> I WOULD LOVE TO PRESENT THIS TO YOU.

I'M HOPING YOU MIGHT HONOR US WITH A FEW WORDS.

>> YOU'RE TALKING TO A FACULTY MEMBER.

>> WELL, IF I COULD, I NEED TO COMPOSE MYSELF A BIT HERE.

HONESTLY, I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT THAT I WOULD RECEIVE SUCH AN AWARD AS THIS HERE.

I GUESS, WHAT I WANT TO DO, I WANT TO JUST START OUT BY SAYING, THANK YOU.

IT'S A TRULY -- IT MAKES ME HUMBLE, AND IT'S A REMARKABLE AWARD I'M RECEIVING.

WHAT I WANT TO DO NOW IS ON BEHALF OF PRESIDENT HANS AND CHAIRMAN RAMSEY, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR FACILITATING THIS AWARD AND THE GREAT WORK YOU ARE DOING.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY, I ACCEPT THIS AWARD ON THE BEHALF OF THE MANY OTHER PEOPLE, COLLABORATORS, HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA, AT THE UNIVERSITY, THROUGHOUT ALL OF EASTERN CAROLINA, ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, AND INDEED ACROSS THE GLOBE.

I ACCEPT THIS AWARD IN HONOR AND BEHALF OF THE WORK THAT THEY DO.

I'M ONE VERY SMALL GEAR, IF YOU WILL, IN A VERY LARGE COG THAT IS HELPING TO IMPROVE SWEET POTATO, AND I JUST FEEL EXCEPTIONALLY FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO BE IN THIS SPACE.

THANK YOU.

I HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN WORKING NC STATE 28 YEARS NOW TO THE MONTH.

I STARTED IN MAY 1996.

TIME HAS PASSED REALLY QUICKLY.

MY HAIR WAS A LITTLE BIT DARKER AT THAT POINT, BUT AT LEAST I STILL HAVE IT.

I WANT TO SAY -- WHERE'S THOMAS IN THE ROOM HERE?

WELL DONE WITH THE VIDEO.

I THINK YOU HAVE TOLD OUR STOUFFSTORY WELL AND CAPTURED THE ELEMENTS I WANTED TO COME THROUGH.

ONE OF THE KEY ELEMENTS I WANTED TO COME THROUGH WAS PARTNERSHIP.

THROUGH GREAT PARTNERSHIPS, GREAT THINGS HAPPEN.

I WANT TO TAKE TIME TO RECOGNIZE FOLKS THAT CAME OUT IN THE VIDEO BRIEFLY.

AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK CHANCELLOR WOODSON, DEAN FOX, MY DEPARTMENT HEAD, DR. LOWES, FRANK LOWES, MY LONG TIME COLLABORATOR AND PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST BREEDERS IN THE WORLD, KEN, AND THEN DR. BONNIE, ONE OF MY FORMER PHD STUDENTS WHO WENT BACK TO UGANDA, WORKED SEVERAL YEARS IN THAT SPACE AND WAS SO GOOD WE RECRUITED HIM BACK HERE TO LEAD EFFORTS AT HOME AND ALSO THROUGHOUT AFRICA.

IT'S BEEN A GREAT TEAM.

I WANT TO SAY LAST BUT NOT LEAST MICHELLE GRANGER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NORTH CAROLINA SWEET POTATO COMMISSION.

SHE JOINED US A FEW YEARS AGO, BUT IT SEEMS A LONG TIME BECAUSE SHE'S UP TO SPEED SO MUCH AND IS A STELLAR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NORTH CAROLINA SWEET POTATO INDUSTRY HERE AT HOME AND GLOBALLY.

I'M HAPPY, MICHELLE THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT TODAY.

SHE HAS BROUGHT SURPRISES FOR YOU.

I WILL TOUCH BASE ON THAT TOO FOR YOUR LUNCH.

ALL OF YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING IN THIS CELEBRATION WITH ME.

I'M REALLY VERY APPRECIATIVE.

NC STATE IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AT.

I THINK YOU KNOW HOW GOOD OUR CHANCELLOR IS, CHANCELLOR WOODSON.

HE REALLY SETS -- HE'S AN EXCE EXCEPTIONAL LEADER.

I HAVE KNOWN HIM SINCE HE ARRIVED.

I HAVE SPENT TIME WITH HIM AT HIS HOUSE, VARIOUS EVENTS, AND AFRICA TOGETHER.

WE HAVE GOTTEN TO KNOW EACH OTHER WELL.

RANDLEY,RANDY, YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.

HIS LEADERSHIP TRICKLES DOWN.

UNFORTUNATE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL NC SCIENCES.

FRANK LOWES IS A WONDERFUL LEADER.

BEYOND THAT, MY TEAM HAS SURPASSED MY WILDEST EXPECTATIONS.

THEY ARE A GREAT TEAM TO WORK WITH AND THEY MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.

I WANT TO MENTION, BY THE WAY, I'M ONLY HALF OF A DUAL CAREER COUPLE.

MY WIFE, DR. GINA FERNANDEZ IS A SMALL FRUITS BREEDER, AND WE WERE RECRUITED TOGETHER AS A DUAL COUPLE 28 PLUS YEARS AGO.

I WAS THE TRAILING SPOUSE.

I WAS HIRED AS A VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR WITH A TWO YEAR COMMITMENT.

WE HAVE BEEN THERE TOGETHER THE WHOLE TIME.

SHE'S ACTUALLY HOLDING THE FORT DOWN TODAY WHILE FRANK IS HERE AS OUR DEPARTMENTAL DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE PROGRAMS.

SHE IS HOLDING THE FORT DOWN WHILE FRANK IS CELEBRATING WITH US.

I WANTED TO RECOGNIZE GINA AND OUR FAMILY FOR SUPPORTING ME ALL OF THESE YEARS.

IF YOU WOULD PERMIT ME, I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU A QUICK STORY, AND IT REALLY CONNECTS WELL WITH THE VIDEO YOU SAW.

I WANT TO CONNECT IT WITH LAST YEAR'S AWARDEE, DR. SHELLY I ERP.

I TOOK TIME TO LOOK AT HIS AWARD CEREMONY LAST YEAR.

I WAS FASCINATED BY WHAT HE'S DONE, AND TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY AS PART OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE LINE BURGER CANCER CENTER.

WHAT HE'S DONE AND HOW MANY LIVES HE'S IMPACTED OVER THE YEARS.

I THOUGHT THERE WAS AN INTERESTING CONNECTION BETWEEN THESE TWO AWARDS AND THIS YEAR.

THAT CONNECTION IS THE VALUE OF HUMAN NUTRITION IN PREVENTING AND IMPROVING MEDICAL OUTCOMES, IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS AND HEALTH IN GENERAL.

SHELLY WORKED TIRELESSLY HIS ENTIRE CAREER TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF HIS PATIENTS, AND IN MANY WAYS, OUR TEAM HERE IN SWEET POTATO BUT ACROSS COMMODITIES AT NC STATE, HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO THE SAME THING.

QUICK STORY, MY FIRST STUDENT DR. ROBERT WONG GA, ANOTHER SCIENTIST FROM UGANDA WAS THE 2016 RECIPIENT -- CO-REAT THIS RECIPIENT OF THE WORLD FOOD PRIZE, OUR EQUIVALENT OF THE NOBEL PRIZE.

HE WAS AWARDED FOR HIS WORK ON BIOFORTIFICATION.

YOU HAVE HEARD THE TERM IN THE VIDEO HERE.

SIMPLY, IT'S TAKING A FOOD STAPLE CROP, IMPROVING THE NUTRITIONAL VITAMIN STATUS VALUE TO ADDRESS MALNUTRITION AND UNDER NOURISHMENT.

SWEET POTATOES ARE ACTUALLY ONE OF THE BEST AND ONE OF THE FIRST IN A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF FOODS TO IMPROVE HUMAN NUTRITION AND HEALTH OUTCOMES.

ROBERT GOT THIS WORK GOING A LONG, LONG TIME AGO.

HE PITCHED THE FIRST GRANT.

IT'S AN EXAMPLE OF A STUDENT PITCHING GREAT IDEAS AND BRINGING THINGS TO FRUITION IS LIKE WE DO HERE ACROSS ALL OF OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

I'M THANKFUL FOR THAT.

WHAT WE DID, WE TOOK THE WHITE FLESH SWEET POTATOES LIKE MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO AND INTRODUCED BETA-CAROTENE IN THEM.

MANY OF US ARE SOUTHERNS AND ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE ORANGE SWEET POTATOES.

I ASSUME YOU ARE EATING THE COVINGTON, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

BUT THE ORANGE COMPOUND IS CAUSED BY BETA-CAROTENE.

ROBERT AND A LARGE TEAM OF SCIENTISTS RECOGNIZED IF YOU CAN BREED ORANGE SWEET POTATOES, YOU CAN ADDRESS VITAMIN A DEFICIENCIES IN CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN PRIMARILY.

THAT'S THE TARGET POPULATION.

WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE FOUNDATION, THE BILL AND MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION, CGR, CONSTATIVE GROUP ON RESEARCH, WE WERE ABLE TO PUT UP A LARGE PROJECT THAT SPANS MOST OF AFRICA.

I'M HAPPY TO SAY THAT OUR ORANGE FLESH SWEET POTATOES HAVE IMPACTED THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF HOUSEHOLDS.

TRANSLATE THE NUMBER SIZE 5 TO 7, WE HAVE MADE A HUGE IMPACT.

WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT I'M PROUD TO BE HERE TO SHARE THAT WORK WITH YOU, AND IT'S SIGNIFICANCE.

I WANT TO TAKE IT HOME, IF YOU WILL, ALSO.

HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA, KEN AND I HAVE SEEN THE TRANSITION OF SWEET POTATO OVER 25 PLUS YEARS NOW FROM BEING A SMALLER CROP INTO A MAJOR FOOD CROP FOR NORTH CAROLINA.

OUR MOST IMPORTANT VEGETABLE, MOST IMPORTANT PRODUCER, 65% OF THE NATION'S CROP IS GROWN HERE IN NORTH CAROLINA.

MUCH OF THE CROP IS PRODUCED DOWN EAST IN TIER 1 AND TIER 2 COUNTIES.

RURAL AREAS THAT NEED JOBS, NEED INCOME.

THEY WANT TO SEND THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL ALSO.

IT COULD BE A TRADE SCHOOL.

IT COULD BE ON THE FARM.

IT COULD BE TO COLLEGE.

I'M REALLY PLEASED TO SAY, I HAVE SEEN SOME OF THE KIDS GROW UP ON THE FARM AND IN HALLWAYS OF NC STATE OR OTHERWISE.

THEY COULD BE NCU OR CHAPEL HILL OR APPALACHIAN.

IT'S GREAT FOR ME TO SEE THIS.

I JUST WANT TO TURN AROUND HERE AT HOME TO SAY THAT WE HAVE HAD A GLOBAL IMPACT, BUT WE HAVE ALSO HAD A VERY, VERY LOCAL IMPACT, AND I'M PROUD THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IT ON THE TWO FRONTS.

I HAVE NEVER LOST SIGHT OF THE LOCAL AND GLOBAL ASPECT OF THINGS.

I'M GOING TO FINISH HEREBY SAYING I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO BE A HELP IN A VERY SMALL WAY.

I CONSIDER MYSELF TO BE A SMALL PART OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE, BUT I KNOW MY ROLE AND WHERE I FIT INTO THAT EQUATION.

I WANT TO SAY THAT I CERTAINLY STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF MANY OTHERS, AND I HAVE SAID THAT BEFORE.

I AM VERY, VERY HUMBLED.

I'LL GO BACK TO A SAYING THAT MY GRANDFATHER GAVE ME A LONG TIME AGO.

I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT TEARING UP HERE.

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED.

I WANT TO SAY, I UNDERSTAND THAT.

I COMMIT TO CONTINUING TO GIVE AND TO SERVE.

I'M A PROUD MEMBER OF THE LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

I VALUE TEACHING, RESEARCH AND EXTENSION, AND I HOPE TO CONTINUE AND TO USE THIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RECOGNITION TO CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE AND DO GOOD THINGS BOTH FOR OUR STATE, OUR NATION AMEND OUR GLOBE BECAUSE WE HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS, AND WE HAVE BIG ISSUES TO SOLVE.

MY NICHE HAS BEEN IN TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS AND I'M HAPPY TO DO THAT.

I'LL STOP THERE AND AGAIN, I'M JUST SO HUMBLED BY THE AWARD.

I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR THE SYSTEM.

WE HAVE A TRULY GREAT SYSTEM.

YOU YOU HAVE BIG ISSUES TO WRESTLE WITH.

I WISH YOU WELL WITH YOUR DELIBERATIONS.

I'M PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF THE UN SYSTEM AND PROUDER TO BE A MEMBER OF NC STATE UNIVERSITY.

GO PACK.

[APPLAUSE] >> UNC SYSTEM IS BLESSED TO HAVE TALENTED FACULTY SO COMMIT TODAY THE MISSION OF EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND PUBLIC SERVICE.

CONGRATULATIONS.

THIS AWARD IS VERY WELL DESERVED.

NOW I'LL ASK YOU AND YOUR GUESTS TO PROCEED TO THE HALLWAY FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

I'LL NOW CALL ON GOVERNOR HUTCHENS TO INTRODUCE THE GUEST FROM THE STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE.

>> GOOD MORNING.

IT IS MY PLEASURE THIS MORNING TO INTRODUCE MISS JORDAN CHIPPEWA FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR WHO IS THE FINANCIAL AUDIT DIRECTOR ALONG WITH MR. VERNON UTLEY, THE INFORMATION SYSTEM AUDIT DIRECTOR AND LINDA HALLER, THE DEPUTY STATE AUDITOR.

THESE FOLKS FROM THE STATE OFFICE MET WITH THE COMMITTEE YESTERDAY AND PRESENTED A REPORT ON THE AUDIT THAT HAS BEEN DONE ON THE CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS OF THE SYSTEM.

WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE MISS CHIPPEWA WITH US TODAY.

THANK YOU, MA'AM.

>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

[OFF MICROPHONE ] >> -- STATE AUDITOR'S CONFERENCE THIS WEEK.

I'LL GET INTO IT.

THIS FISCAL YEAR, FINANCIAL STATE AUDITS ACROSS THE NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM, 16 UNIVERSITIES, MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL AS WELL AS THE UNC SYSTEM OFFICE.

OF THE AUDITS COMPLETED THUS FAR, ALL HAVE RECEIVED AN UNMODIFIED OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

THIS MEANS THE AMOUNTS ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE MATERIALLY ACCURATE.

WE DID REPORT ONE FINDING AT ONE UNIVERSITY THAT WE DISCUSSED YESTERDAY AT THE CAR MAC.

THE TIMELINESS OF THE AUDITS ARE CRITICAL.

THEY ARE NEEDED FOR THE STATE'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS WELL AS FOR THE BOND RATINGS AT THE INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS.

WE DID DISCUSS TWO DELAYS -- TWO UNIVERSITIES DELAYED THIS FISCAL YEAR.

WE DISCUSSED THAT YESTERDAY WITH THE CAR MAC AS WELL.

LSA ALSO PERFORMED AUDIT WORK AT FIVE UNIVERSITIES FOR THE STATEWIDE FEDERAL COMPLIANCE AUDIT WHICH AUDITS THE COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS OVER THE FEDERAL FUNDS RECEIVED FOR THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

THERE WERE NO AUDIT FINDINGS AT THE UNIVERSITY FOR THE FEDERAL COMPLIANCE AUDIT WORK.

LASTLY, OUR OFFICE INVESTIGATES ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER USE AND SO WE DID OPEN AND CLOSE TWO ALLEGATIONS AT UNIVERSITIES THIS PAST YEAR.

THEY WERE UNSUBSTANTIATED.

WE REFER TO ALLEGATIONS TO THE INTERNAL AUDITORS THIS PAST YEAR.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

>> THANK YOU, MISS CHIPPEWA.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MISS CHIPPEWA.

WE APPRECIATE THE WORK OF THE STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND YOUR PARTNERSHIP VERY MUCH.

FIRST THING I WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS MORNING IS RECOGNIZE THE CAMPUS POLICE OFFICERS FOR ALL OF THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE IN RECENT WEEKSES TO KEEP OUR UNIVERSITY SAFE.

WILL YOU JOIN ME IN A ROUND OF APPLAUSE, PLEASE?

[APPLAUSE] >> I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE 10S OF THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS THAT GRADUATED THIS MONTH ACROSS THE UNC SYSTEM.

I APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY BOARD MEMBER WHO TOOK PART IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONIES.

IT'S A JOYOUS TIME ACROSS THE STATE FOR FAMILIES, GRADUATES AND I THINK IT'S CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE PROCESS.

THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU THAT DID IT.

EACH OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE NOW IS OPENING A NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE.

WE HAVE HEARD FROM MR. BROWN -- HE'S NOT IN HERE RIGHT NOW -- AT CHAPEL HILLS FOR HIS MASTER'S DEGREE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT HE AND OTHER GRADUATES DO ACROSS THE STATE.

IT IS MY FINAL REPORT AS THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS.

WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY TOGETHER.

I'M GRATEFUL TO EACH AND EVERYONE THAT HAS WORKED TO STRENGTHEN THE UNC SYSTEM, BUILD ON OUR STRATEGIC GOALS AND SUPPORT OUR INSTITUTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND.

LET'S NOT GO BACK THERE.

I HAVE A FEW PEOPLE I WOULD LIKE TO THANK.

FIRST MY WIFE WHO I WISH WAS HERE TODAY BUT COULD NOT BE.

SHE HAS ALLOWED ME TO TAKE PHONE CALLS AT NIGHT, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS -- MAYBE ONCE OR TWICE SAID NOT TO TAKE THAT ONE, BUT SHE HAS BEEN A REAL PARTNER IN THIS.

WITHOUT HER, I COULD NOT HAVE PUT THE TIME IN.

THANK YOU TO PRESIDENT HANS AND TEAM FOR TIRELESS COMMITMENT TO THE UNC SYSTEM MISSION OF EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND PUBLIC SERVICE.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK MEREDITH AND BOARD SECRETARY.

SHE HAS KEPT ME STRAIGHT NEARLY FIVE YEARS AND HELPED ALIGN OUR VISION SO WE CAN ACCOMPLISH SO MUCH TOGETHER.

SHE IS A SPECIAL PERSON AND I KNOW ALL OF YOU KNOW THAT AND SHARE THAT WITH ME.

TO EACH MEMBER OF THE BOARD, THANK YOU FOR WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE.

WE MIGHT NOT ALWAYS AGREE ON EVERYTHING, INCLUDING LAST NIGHT ON A COUPLE OF ISSUES, BUT I KNOW I CAN COUNT ON YOU TO SHARE YOUR OPINION, LISTEN TO DEBATE AND COME TO A CONSENSUS.

IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO LEAD THE GROUP AND BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION.

I'LL MISS THIS ROLE.

BEFORE I TURN THE PAGE OFFICIALLY TO THE NEXT CHAPTER, THERE ARE PIECES OF ADVICE I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE EVERYBODY WITH.

FIRST, CARE MORE ABOUT RESULTS THAN CREDIT.

ON SOME DAYS THE JOB FEELS LIKE A LOT OF EFFORT WITH LITTLE RECOGNITION.

WE ARE NOT ALWAYS IN THE HEADLINES MAKING CHANGES TO THE FUNDING MODEL.

IT'S NOT EXCITING TO TALK TO COMMON CORE AND IMPORTANT TO TRANSFER STUDENTS AND FEW PEOPLE MAKE THE BUDGET SOUND RIVETTING.

JENNIFER HAYGOOD DOES A GOOD JOB.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY THE RESULTS OF OTHERS.

WE HAVE EIGHT YEARS OF FLAT TUITION, LOWER DEBT, HIGHER GRADUATION RECORDS.

THEY MAY NOT BE FLASHY, BUT IT'S WHAT MATTERS MOST TO NORTH CAROLINIANS.

STAY FOCUSED ON THE LONG GAME WHEN DISTRACTIONS ARE LOUDEST AND LARGEST.

I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR YEARS TO ALL OF YOU.

I REALIZE IT GETS HARDER EVERYDAY.

SOBEL MEDIA IS CHURNING, THE NEWS MEDIA IS BROADCASTING.

AT TIMES, CONTROVERSY CAN SEEM OVER POWERING AND PERSONAL.

IT'S EASY TO GET SWEPT UP IN THE CONTROVERSIES TO HAVE A SHORT-TERM IMPACT ON US.

WHEN EVENTS DISTRACT US FROM STRATEGIC GOALS OF SUCCESS, ACCESS, AND AFFORD ABILITY, IT'S TIME TO RETRAIN OUR EYES ON THE LONG GAME AND NOT LET THAT HAPPEN.

WE HAVE DONE THIS THROUGH MANY CHALLENGES AND I BELIEVE WE CAN STAY ON TRACK.

IN 50 YEARS WHAT MATTERS IS HOW TO BUILD COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS IN THE SEATS WHICH BRINGS ME TO THE FINAL POINT WHICH I'M SURE YOU ARE GLAD OF.

STRIVE TO LEAVE THE UNIVERSITY BETTER THAN WE FOUND IT.

FOR YEARS WE HAVE ADDRESSED MANY CHALLENGES FACING OUR STATE.

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT HEADED FOR A DEMOGRAPHIC CLIFF, HEALTHCARE SHORTAGE IN NORTH CAROLINA, EVIDENCE BASED LITERACY TRAINING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF TEACHERS AND MORE.

THIS SYSTEM IS IN A STRONG POSITION GOING FORWARD.

I'M CONFIDENT OF THAT, BUT WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK ALONGSIDE EACH OF YOU.

LET'S MAKE EVERYDAY AND EVERY MEETING ABOUT THE MISSION OF THEE UNIVERSITY.

LET'S KEEP STUDENTS IN THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MINDS AND YOU WORKING THIS BOARDROOM IS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF OUR STATE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[APPLAUSE] >> I'LL NOW CALL ON PRESIDENT HANS FOR HIS REPORT.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN, FOR EVERYTHING.

IT'S GOOD FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS TO ENCOUNTER LIBERAL IDEAS, TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE BEST FORMS OF PROGRESSIVE THOUGHT THAT OUR SOCIETY HAS TO OFFER.

IT'S ALSO GOOD FOR STUDENTS TO ENCOUNTER CONSERVATIVE IDEAS, TO APPRECIATE TRADITIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND STRONG RIGHT OF CENTER ARGUMENTS.

IT'S VITAL THAT COLLEGE ADMINISTRATORS STAY OUT OF IT ALTOGETHER, LEAVING FACULTY AND STUDENTS FREE TO GRAPPLE WITH COMPETING IDEAS AND PURSUE TRUTH AND DISCOVER KNOWLEDGE WITH AN OPEN MIND.

I CAME TO COLLEGE AFTER GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN AND SOME OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF MY EDUCATION ASK THAT I HEAR DIFFERENT WORLDVIEWS AND CONSIDER VALUES THAT CHALLENGED MY OWN.

THAT'S THE ESSENCE OF UNIVERSITY LIFE.

WHERE WE ALL SHOULD BE AS VAN JONES PUTS IT, PHYSICALLY SAFE BUT INTELLECTUALLY UNSAFE.

OUR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES ARE HERE TO SERVE EVERYONE AND IDEALLY, CHALLENGE EVERYONE.

THAT'S THE JOB.

BECAUSE WE ARE MEANT TO HOST A WIDE RANGE OF IDEAS, CONCEPTS AND THEORIES, TO BE AN INTELLECTUALLY RICH FORUM FOR BIG AND DIFFICULT QUESTIONS, OUR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES MUST TAKE A STANCE OF NEUTRALITY ON MATTERS OF POLITICAL CONTROVERSY.

FACULTY STUDENTS ARE FREE TO WEIGH IN ON ALL MATTER OF EVENTS AND ISSUES WHILE UNIVERSITY STAFF MUST EXERCISE RESTRAINT.

NO ONE CAN SPEAK FOR THE WHOLE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ON CONTENTIOUS ISSUES BECAUSE THE UNIVERSITY IS NOT OF ONE MIND ABOUT ANYTHING.

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME, PLEASE COME SPEND A DAY IN MY OFFICE.

ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS HIGHER EDUCATION HAS FORFEITED PUBLIC CONFIDENT OVER RECENT DECADES IS THE PERCEPTION THAT UNIVERSITIES ARE PARTISAN, DEMANDING CAMPUS LEADERS TO TAKE SIDES ON DIVISIVE ISSUES, TO CALL FOR CEASE-FIRES IN FOREIGN LANDS OR DENOUNCE FELLOW CITIZENS AT HOME.

IT UNDERMINES PUBLIC TRUST AND SPIRIT OF OPEN INQUIRY OUR UNIVERSITIES DEPEND ON.

OUR EDUCATION DOES NOT EXIST TO SETTLE THE MOST DIFFICULT DEBATES IN DEMOCRACY.

OUR ROLE IS TO HOST THE DEBATES, INFORM THEM, MAKE THEM RICHER AND MORE CONSTRUCTIVE.

IT'S A VITAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WE CAN'T FULFILL IT IF OUR INSTITUTIONS ARE SEEN PARTISAN IN ONE DIRECTION OR ANOTHER.

PRINCIPLE NEUTRALITY ON THE PART OF LEADERS AND ADMINISTRATORS, ENHANCES THE FREE SPEECH RIGHTS OF STUDENTS TO ASK QUESTIONS, VOICE OPINIONS AND CHANGE OPINIONS AND PEACEFULLY PROTEST.

PRINCIPLED NEUTRALITY WELCOMES PERSPECTIVE WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF REASONABLE STUDENT CONDUCT RULES LEAVING SHARED SPACE FOR EVERYONE TO BE HEARD.

AN OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY POSITION WOULD HINDER FREE EXPRESSION AND STIFLE THE OPENMINDED CONTEST OF IDEAS THAT IS SUPPOSED TO MARK UNIVERSITY LIFE.

PRINCIPLED NEUTRALITY PROTECTS THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM OF FACULTY HIGHLIGHTING THEIR INFORMED VIEWS AND SCHOLARLY EXPERTISE BECAUSE THERE IS NO OFFICIAL POSITION IN THE CLASSROOM OR LAB.

IT KEEPS US ALIGNED WITH FEDERAL LAWS, STATE LAWS AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND NONDISCRIMINATION.

PRINCIPLED NEUTRALITY ALLOWS US TO WELCOME GENERAL DIVERSITY, A PLAIN FACT OF SOCIETY AND A GREAT SOURCE OF STRENGTH.

ENSURING EVERYONE IS INCLUDED AND SUPPORTED IS PART OF OUR MISSION AS A PUBLIC INSTITUTION, BUT IT IS NOT THE JOB OF THE UNIVERSITY TO DECIDE ALL OF THE COMPLEX AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL QIS QUESTIONS OF HOW TO BALANCE AND INTERPRET IDENTITY.

THESE ARE VIGOROUSLY CONTESTED IDEAS IN DEMOCRACY AND ON CAMPUS.

NONDISCRIMINATION, INSTITUTIONAL NEUTRALITY, FREE EXPRESSION, ACADEMIC FREEDOM, THEY ARE ALL MUTUALLY REINFORCING CONCEPTS AND VALUES.

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE ALL, NOT JUST THOSE THAT AGREE WITH US.

THEY ALLOW DIVERSITY IN ALL FORMS TO THRIVE.

THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE FUNDAMENTALLY DEMOCRATIC VALUES DESIGNED TO FOSTER FREEDOM, INTOLERANCE IN THE NATION WITH DIFFERING VISIONS OF PROGRESS.

IT'S NOT AN EASY TIME TO ADHERE TO THOSE PRINCIPLES, FOR TOO MANY OF US HAVE COME TO VIEW EVERY ISSUE AND CONTROVERSY THROUGH A RED OR BLUE LENS, TREATING PUBLIC LIFE AS A TEAM SPORT.

OUR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES MUST RESIST THAT TEMPTATION.

WE ARE INSTITUTIONALLY NEUTRAL ON POLITICAL CRONT VERSE CONTRO.

IT IS CRITICAL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION TO RECOMMIT TO CREATING CONDITIONS FOR TRUE DIALOGUE, MODELING UNDERSTANDING, EMPATHY AND TRUST IN THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE.

THOSE ARE OUR VALUES.

THAT'S OUR MISSION.

NOW, I HAVE HAD PLENTY OF THOSE DEEP AND CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS OVER THE PAST MONTH, HEARING FEEDBACK FROM PEOPLE SKEPTICAL OF THIS APPROACH.

I HAVE SPENT TIME LISTENING TO DETAILED QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS FROM THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY.

I HAVE HEARD FROM STUDENT BODY PRESIDENTS, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STAFF AND MANY ALUMNI AND HEARD THEIR VIEWS ABOUT CAMPUS DIVERSITY AND HOW WE CAN DO A BETTER JOB ON STUDENT SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

I HAVE HEARD DIRECTLY FROM PEOPLE WHO WORRY ABOUT THE MESSAGE WE MIGHT SEND WITH ANY CHANGE TO OUR POLICIES.

A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I WAS IN CHAPEL HILL TO SPEAK AT THE ROTC GRADUATION CEREMONY, A BEAUTIFUL AND PATRIOTIC EVENT.

I LISTENED AS A LIEUTENANT COLONEL BLACK FEMALE ALUM SHARED HER EXAMPLE OF SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY, VOICED HER CONCERNS THAT BLACK STUDENTS AND STAFF MIGHT FEEL DIMINISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY POLICY.

SHE REMINDED US WITH INCLUSION AND HOW THAT RESONATES TODAY.

SOME WOUNDS STILL FRESH.

I THANKED HER AFTERWARDS AND ASKED HER TO CONTINUE WITH FULL DIVERSITY IN THE STATE.

I DON'T BELIEVE WE ARE AT THE END OF THE STRUGGLE.

I DON'T.

THIS POLICY, THOUGH, WILL PRESERVE THE UNIVERSITY'S ROLE AS A TRUSTED VENUE FOR THAT VITAL DEBATE AND FOR ALL OTHERS.

I BELIEVE IT'S WHAT OUR DEMOCRATIC RESPONSIBILITY DEMANDS OF US, AND I AM FULLY COMMITTED TO HELPING US REALIZE IT'S ASPIRATIONS.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT.

EXTREMELY WELL SAID.

I APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS.

BEFORE WE CONSIDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM ON TODAY'S SCHEDULE, ARE THERE ANY MEMBERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE CONSENT AGENDA OR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA PRIOR TO US MAKING A MOTION TO APPROVE IT?

GOVERNOR DAVIS?

>> THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN AND WELL SEND PRESIDENT HANS FOR THOSE WORDS.

I WISH TO EXPRESS MY REASONING FOR VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE EQUALITY WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS AND PREDECESSORS OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS, AS OPERATED HAVE HELPED VARIED GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN IMPORTANT WAYS.

NONE MORE SO THAN PROVIDING INCREASING ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY TO OUR STATE CITIZENS AS IT IS EVER EXPANDING AND EVERMORE DIVERSE.

THESE PROGRAMS HAVE INCREASED STUDENT RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES BOTH GOALS THAT WE HAVE RIGHTLY ESTABLISHED FOR EACH OF OUR CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS.

THESE PROGRAMS HAVE MADE OUR UNIVERSITIES FEEL MORE WELCOMING TO A MORE DIVERSE GROUP OF PEOPLE FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND.

FURTHER FULFILLING OUR DEEPLY ROOTED MISSION OF SERVING ALL.

SPECIFICALLY, THESE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS HAVE HELPED STUDENTS FROM RURAL AREAS OF OUR STATE, FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS, AND STUDENTS WHO GREW UP IN POVERTY AND BRING WITH THEM THE HOPES OF MAKING A BETTER LIFE FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

VETERANS, WOMEN, ADULT LEARNERS, STUDENTS RETURNING TO COLLEGE AFTER TAKING TIME OFF, MEMBERS OF OUR LGBTQ COMMUNITY, THOSE WITH DISABILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND NEURODIVERGENT ONES LIKE AUTISM.

STUDENTS FROM FOREIGN LANDS, STUDENTS FROM OUR NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY, OUR LATIN LATINX COMMUNITY, ASIAN COMMUNITY, AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY, THOSE FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES AND THOSE FROM DIFFERENT TRADITIONS.

DEI PROGRAMS AND THEIR PREDECESSORS HAVE DONE A LOT OF GOOD FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, AND FRANKLY HAVE RESULTED IN OUR CONSTITUENT UNIVERSITIES REFLECTING THE RICHLY DIVERSE FABRIC OF OUR STATE AND HAVE MADE OUR UNIVERSITIES MORE WELCOMING FOR ALL AND HAVE MADE OUR UNIVERSITIES STRONGER AND BETTER AND HAVE CHANGED THE LIVES OF NORTH CAROLINIANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THAT BEING SAID, I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE NAME OF DEI THAT MAKE ME UNCOMFORTABLE, AND I BELIEVE ACTUALLY RESULT IN OUR UNIVERSITY COMMUNITIES BEING LESS WELCOMING TO ALL.

IT IS FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT PEOPLE IN NORTH CAROLINA AS WELL AS PEOPLE ACROSS OUR NATION AND WORLD KNOW AS CHAIR RAMSEY RIGHTLY SAID IN HIS OP ED EARLIER THIS WEEK, ALL ARE WELCOME AT THE CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

MY FOCUS ON BEING WELCOMING IS BORN OUT OF MY OWN LIFE EXPERIENCE.

I WAS BORN WITH A CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT, AND AS A RESULT, I WAS ALWAYS THE SHORTEST AND THE SMALLEST PERSON IN MY CLASS.

I WAS DIFFERENT.

WHEN IT CAME TIME FOR RECESS AND P.E.

AND MY CLASSMATES WERE PICKING TEAMS, I WAS ALWAYS -- ALWAYS THE LAST PERSON PICKED.

I REMEMBER THE FEELING OF JUST HOPING ONE TIME I WOULDN'T BE THE LAST PERSON PICKED.

MAYBE THEY'LL PICK ME -- THEY ARE DOWN TO TWO, AND MAYBE THEY'LL PICK ME.

IT HURTS WHEN YOU FEEL YOU DON'T BELONG.

IT HURTS WHEN YOU FEEL YOU ARE NOT ACCEPTED AND YOUR DIFFERENCES ARE HELD AGAINST YOU.

I DON'T WANT ANY STUDENT, ANY POTENTIAL STUDENT, ANY FACULTY MEMBER, ANY STAFF MEMBER, ANY ALUMNI OR ANY CITIZEN OF OUR STATE TO EVER HAVE THAT FEELING.

I DON'T WANT THEM TO EVER FEEL THAT THEY DON'T BELONG AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

I HAVE READ THIS MEASURE TIME AND TIME AGAIN, AND I TRULY ENCOURAGE ALL TO READ IT.

THIS MEASURE OUTLINES SOME OF OUR CORE VALUES AS A UNIVERSITY, AND AS A PART THEREOF, IT EXPRESSLY DOES THE FOLLOWING: AFFIRMS THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL IS DESERVING OF DIGNITY AND INCLUSION.

ENSURES THAT DIVERSE PERSONS OF ANY BACKGROUND FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND ARE INVITED, INCLUDED AND TREATED EQUALLY.

I'M QUOTING FROM THE TEXT.

INSURES EQUALITY OF ALL PERSONS AND ALL VIEWPOINTS.

REQUIRES COMPLIANCE WITH ALL FEDERAL AND STATE LAW THAT PROTECTS PEOPLE FROM DISCRIMINATION.

REINFORCES THE UNIVERSITY'S COMMITMENT TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION FOR ALL.

REAFFIRMS ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RECOMMITS THE UNIVERSITY TO EQUALITY OF ALL PERSONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS THAT ENROLL IN A CONSTITUENT INSTITUTION, AND FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT SERVE THE UNIVERSITY.

IF I DID NOT BELIEVE THAT ALL OF THESE ASSURANCES AND COMMITMENTS WERE GENUINE, I WOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO THIS MEASURE.

YES, THIS MEASURE DOES AMEND THE UNIVERSITY CODE AS IT RELATES TO DEI.

IT DOES NOT LESSEN OUR UNIVERSITY'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, TO EQUALITY AND EQUITY.

TO BEING A PLACE WHERE ALL FEEL WELCOME, WHERE ALL FEEL THEY BELONG.

I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THESE COMMITMENTS MADE IN THIS MEASURE ARE HEARTFELT BY THE MEMBERS OF THIS BOARD AND BY THE UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP.

UPON ADOPTION, THEY'LL BE BE ASKED TO LOOK AT CAMPUSES WITH AN EYE TOWARD ANY PROGRAM LESS THAN WELCOMING, AND KEEPING AND SUPPLEMENTING PROGRAMS THAT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ACCOMPLISHING THE GOALS AMPLIFIED BY THIS MEASURE.

IT IS MY HOPE AND BELIEF THAT THEY'LL GO BACK TO LISTEN TO THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING STUDENTS FACULTY AND STAFF AND THEN ACT THOUGHTFULLY.

AS THIS MEASURE EXPRESSLY STATES, THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANCELLORS TO DOUBLE DOWN ON THOSE PROGRAMS THAT HAVE WORKED IN ADVANCING THE SUCCESS OF OUR STUDENTS WHICH, FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, IS OFTEN THE VERY PROGRAMS THAT MAKE ALL STUDENTS FEEL MORE WELCOME, AND THAT MAKE ALL STUDENTS FEEL AS THOUGH THEY BELONG.

SO, TO THE STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, ALUMNI, PARENTS OF STUDENTS, FUTURE STUDENTS AND FUTURE PARENTS OF STUDENTS, WHETHER YOU ARE IN THIS ROOM TODAY OR WATCHING ONLINE OR WHETHER YOU HEAR OR READ THESE REMARKS IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE REST ASSURED THAT ALL OF THE CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO ALL, AND I DO MEAN ALL IN THE BROADEST SENSE, ALL IN OUR UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FEELING INCLUDED AND WELCOME AND SUPPORTED AND AS THOUGH THEY BELONG BECAUSE EACH OF THEM DOES BELONG, EACH OF YOU DO BELONG.

JUST AS YOU ARE, IN YOUR PERFECT, WONDERFUL DIVERSE SELF, EXACTLY AS YOU ARE, YOU BELONG.

I'M GLAD AND PROUD THAT YOU ARE PART OF THIS UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY.

YOU ARE MAKE OUR UNIVERSITY BETTER.

THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN.

>> WOULD OTHERS LIKE TO SPEAK BEFORE WE CONSIDER THE CONSENT GAINED?

SECRETA AGENDA?S-FLOYD SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD?

>> THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN.

I'M NOT ALWAYS THE PERSON THAT SPEAKS ON EVERY TOPIC.

I NORMALLY REFLECT ON WHAT WE ARE DOING AND HOW WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR THIS UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

I'M A PRODUCT OF THIS UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, DID MY TRAINING AT THE MEDICAL SCHOOL THERE.

I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE TO BE PART OF THE SYSTEM IN A REAL WAY.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT MY OTHER SIBLINGS, FOUR BROTHERS -- ALL OF US TOUCHED, GRADUATED OR HELD CLASSES AT A UNC SYSTEM.

IT IS NOT ALWAYS A TIME WHEN EVERYTHING IS GOING TO FEEL GREAT.

SOMETIMES FEELING UNCOMFORTABLE HELPS US GROW.

I SPEAK AS A RETIRED LEADER IN THE FIELD OF DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION.

MY WORK OVER 20 YEARS HELPED TO MAKE PEOPLE NOT BE CONTROLLED, BUT TO FIND UNDERSTANDING.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE CONTINUE TO LISTEN TO ONE ANOTHER, TO UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER.

WHEN I BECAME INTERESTED IN POLITICS, AND ELECTIVE OFFICE, I SAID THAT I WOULD REPRESENT ALL PEOPLE AND BE THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR ALL PEOPLE.

AND DURING MY TENURE, I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE DONE THAT.

NOTHING WAS EVER SO TELLING TO ME THAN WHEN PEOPLE CAME TO MY RETIREMENT CELEBRATION ALL RACES, COLORS, ETHNICITIES.

THEY CAME.

I WAS SO HUMBLED BY THAT.

IT ALLOWED ME TO SEE THAT DURING MY LIFE, I DID SOMETHING GOOD.

THAT I HELPED PEOPLE, THAT I DID NOT DISCRIMINATE, THAT I DID NOT CLOSE MY EYES TO THINGS THAT WERE WRONG.

BUT FOUND A WAY TO COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT WITH PEOPLE THAT MATTERED.

I BELIEVE I HAVE SHOWN THAT IN MY TENURE HERE ON THIS BOARD TO TALK, TO SHARE, TO CARE, NOT TO CONTROL, NOT TO INDOCTRINATE, AND TO CARE WITH NOT JUST A SENSE OF -- THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO, BUT HOW CAN I HELP YOU, AND TO BE PROUD OF WHERE WE ARE.

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT HOW WE STARTED, THERE WOULD NOT BE WOMEN IN THIS GROUP.

IT WOULD BE ALL MEN.

LOOK AT WHERE WE ARE NOW.

NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE MEN AND WOMEN, WE HAVE A DIVERSITY OF ETHNICITIES RIGHT HERE ON THIS BOARD, SERVING THE CITIZENS OF NORTH CAROLINA, THE STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOMS, THE TEACHERS, WE LOOK AT OUR FACULTY AND OUR CHANCELLORS.

WE ARE ALSO DIVERSE.

SO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION, AND I MUST ADD -- BELONGING, ARE PART GROWING.

DID EVERYONE WHO TAUGHT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION GET IT RIGHT?

NO, THEY DIDN'T.

SOME PEOPLE SAID THINGS THAT WERE NOT TRUE.

THAT HAS HURT THE FABRIC AND THE ABILITY TO CARRY THINGS FORWARD.

BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE STOP.

WHEN I RETIRED FROM MY POSITION IN THE FIELD OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION, DECEMBER 1ST LAST YEAR, I SAID, THIS ISN'T OVER.

PEOPLE WERE SAD.

THEY WANTED ME TO CONTINUE.

BUT GOD HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN FOR MY LIFE.

I WELCOME THAT.

I TOLD THEM, SIMPLY BECAUSE I'M NOT GOING TO BE THERE, IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE WORK WILL END.

WHEN YOU THINK OF GOVERNOR BROWN, WHO STOOD SO ELOQUENTLY AND STATED WHAT HE WAS GOING TO DO AS A YOUNG LEADER, OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT.

WE MUST GRASP IT.

WE MUST NOT HOLD BACK.

WE MUST NOT SAY THIS IS HOW IT'S ALWAYS BEEN.

BUT, HOW CAN WE MAKE THINGS BETTER?

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR SITUATION?

NOT EVERYONE IS AN ELOQUENT SPEAKER, BUT WE ALL HAVE IDEAS, AND WE KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG.

WE KNOW WHEN PEOPLE ARE SAYING THE WRONG THINGS FOR THE WRONG REASONS, AND OFTEN TIMES, WHEN THAT HAPPENS, PEOPLE ARE HURT.

#I ASK THAT ON TODAY, WHEN WE MAKE THIS DECISION, THAT THE LEADERS IN OUR CAMPUSES WILL NOT FEEL AS THOUGH WE HAVE TURNED OUR BACKS ON THEM.

WE ARE ALLOWING OUR EDUCATORS TO EDUCATE, TO LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE, TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT EVEN IF IT'S NOT CALLED DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION, WE HAVE A WAY TO HELP PEOPLE AND MAKE THAT PATH FORWARD CLEARER FOR ALL PEOPLE.

YES, WE CAN IMPROVE.

THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.

AS I CLOSE I SAY TO YOU, LET US WORK TOGETHER.

LET US BE UNDERSTANDING.

LET US NOT CONDEMN ONE ANOTHER.

BECAUSE WE HAVE ALL FALLEN SHORT.

WE HAVE ALL MADE MISTAKES.

AS WE RECTIFY A MISTAKE, LET US TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE AT HAND AND CONTINUE TO MAKE THIS UNIVERSITY SYSTEM THE BEST THAT IT COULD EVER BE.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> THANK YOU, SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD.

WOULD ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO SPEAK BEFORE I ASK FOR A MOTION TO PASS THE CONSENT AGENDA?

HEARING NONE, WE'LL CONSIDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEM EIGHT ON TODAY'S AGENDA.

ARE THERE ITEMS MEMBERS WISH TO REMOVE FOR DISCUSSION?

IF NOT, I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND?

DISCUSSION OR DEBATE?

HEARING NONE, EVERYONE SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

GOVERNOR FORD?

YES, SIR?

[OFF MIC ] >> NO VOTE HAS BEEN RECORDED.

MISS NICHOLS IS ALSO A NO?

YOU HAVE TWO NO VOTES RECORDED.

ANYONE ELSE?

OKAY.

VERY GOOD.

I WILL NOW CALL ON MR. CLARK FOR A REPORT ON BUDGET AND FINANCE.

>> THANK YOU, CHAIR RAMSEY.

CHAIR RAMSEY AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS, DURING THIS MEETING YESTERDAY, THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND FINANCE RECEIVED AN INFORMATIONAL UPDATE ON THE RENEWAL NEGOTIATIONS OF STUDENT BLUE FOR NEXT YEAR AND HEALTH INSURANCE TRANCATION IN FUTURE YEARS.

NEXT, THE INSTITUTION PHYSICAL YEAR 24-25 ALL FUNDS BUDGET.

MISS HAYGOOD HIGHLIGHTED COMMON THEMES REFLECTED IN THE INSTITUTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.

THE FULL ALL FUNDS BUDGET REPORT IS AVAILABLE ONBOARD EFFECT.

IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED A PRESENTATION AND APPROVED THE FISCAL YEAR 2023UNC DEBT CAPACITY STUDY.

15 INSTITUTIONS INCREASED THEIR DEBT CAPACITY OVER THE FIVE YEAR STUDY PERIOD.

NINE INSTITUTIONS INCREASED DEBT CAPACITY COMPARED TO LAST YEAR.

ALL 16 INSTITUTIONS IMPROVED AT LEAST ONE OF THE PRIMARY FINANCIAL RATIOS SINCE 2022.

THE FULL DEBT CAPACITY STUDY IS AVAILABLE ONBOARD EFFECT.

THE COMMITTEE REVIEWED SEVERAL TRANSACTIONAL ITEMS.

REVISION TO THE SALE OF SPECIAL BONDS FOR NC UNIVERSITY FROM APRIL TAXABLE TO TAX EMT BASIS.

STUDENT HOUSING, FINANCED THROUGH UNC PEMBROKE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION AND WINSTON SALEM FOUNDATION LLC.

AUTHORIZATION OF TWO NEW PROJECTS AT TWO INSTITUTIONS AND FOUR INCREASED AUTHORIZATIONS AT THREE INSTITUTIONS.

AUTHORIZATION TO IMPROVE THE PBS CHASE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC HAS DESIGN FIRM FOR THE EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT.

THE LAST FIVE ITEMS WERE APPROVED BY THE FULL BOARD THROUGH THE CONSENT AGENDA MOMENTS AGO.

THANK YOU, CHAIR RAMSEY.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> THANK YOU.

WE APPRECIATE THE BUDGET EFFORTS YESTERDAY.

IT WAS A LONG MEETING.

I CALL ON GOVERNOR BRADLEY FOR A REPORT ON COMMITTEE OF ED PLANNING POLICIES AND PROGRAMS.

>> THANK YOU, THE MEETING REVIEWED AND APPROVED REQUESTS FOR 13-DEGREE PROGRAM ESTABLISHMENTS AND SEVEN DISCONTINUATION CONSOLIDATIONS.

FOUR LICENSURE PROGRAMS AND ONE APPLICATION FOR INTERIM PERMIT.

THESE REQUESTS WERE APPROVED THROUGH THE CONSENT AGENDA.

THE COMMITTEE EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO REVIEW STANDARDS AND LICENSURE DISCUSSED IN OUR SEPTEMBER MEETING.

DR. ENGLISH PROVIDED AN OVERVIEW OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONVENING HELD LAST WEEK, PARTNERSHIP OF THE SYSTEM, COLLEGE SYSTEM AND NC UNIVERSITIES, SAW 350 PROFESSIONALS COME TOGETHER TO LEARN FROM 40 ENGAGING AND INFORMATIVE SESSIONS.

THEY DEVELOPED IDEAS, SHARED BEST PRACTICES AND DISCUSSED MECHANISMS AND STEPS.

BEFORE I DONE CONCLUDE, I HAVE TWO ITEMS I WOULD LIKE TO ADD.

ONE WAS A REPEATED REQUEST THAT THE STAFF ASSEMBLY GOLF TOURNAMENT IS GOING TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER.

WE'LL ASK CHIEF OF STAFF HOUSTON TO SEND THE E-MAIL OUT TO ALL OF YOU.

WE ARE SHOOTING FOR 100% PARTICIPATION AND DONATION.

THE FUNDS FUND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STAFF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO IMPROVE CRE DENY T THAT CREDENTIALS FOR CURRENT JOB AND FUTURE AT THE SAME TIME AS WELL.

I'M PLEASED TO SAY GOVERNOR COWARD WILL HELP ME CIRCLE THE WAGONS.

YOU WILL RECEIVE A CALL FROM ONE OF US.

WE HAVE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED FOUR HUBS AT SYSTEM SCHOOLS, WESTERN CAROLINA, UNC CHARLOTTE, NCA & T IN EAST CAROLINA TO GET RESEARCH OFF THE CAMPUS AND CREATE COMPANIES TO CREATE JOBS IN NORTH CAROLINA.

WE DID EIGHT PILOT GRANTS TO HIGHLIGHT RESEARCH FROM LITHIUM MINING TO BEE SWARM PRESERVATION, WHICH IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

I WAS TALKING WITH OUR RECIPIENT TODAY ABOUT HOW THE BEE POPULATION HELPS AG IN OUR STATE.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE AS WE GET MOVING FORWARD.

WITH THAT, THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REPORT FOR THE COMMITTEE ON POLICIES AND PROGRAMS.

MR. WADE MAKI WILL NOW DELIVER HIS REPORT.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR BRADLEY.

WELCOME, MR. MAKI.

>> >> GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> IN 1651 THOMAS HOBBS PUBLISHED REFLECTING ON A STATE OF NATURE WHERE EVERYONE HAD LIBERTY TO DO AS THEY WILLED.

THE STATE OF NATURE WOULD RESULT THEN IN A WAR OF ALL AGAINST ALL AND THE LIFE OF MAN WOULD BE SOLITARY POOR, NASTY, BRUTISH AND SHORT.

TO ESCAPE THE STATE OF NATURE, HOBBS ARGUED WE WOULD AGREE TO LIVE UNDER SOVEREIGN SO LONG AS THE RULER PROVIDED FREEDOM FROM FEAR.

THE KING IS LEGITIMATE AS THE ALTERNATIVE IS WORSE.

HOBBS LOGIC OF ACTING TO PREVENT SOMETHING WORSE HAS WITHSTOOD THE TEST OF TIME.

WE HAVE EMPLOYED IT HERE AS OF LATE AS WELL.

HOBBS WAS A PROBLEM SOLVER.

HE SAW THE PROBLEM OF ANARCHY DURING THE CIVIL WAR OF HIS TIME.

HUMANITY NEEDS MORE THAN FEAR OF SOMETHING WORSE.

IN 1689 JOHN LOCK PUBLISHED THE SECOND TREATIES OF GOVERNMENT.

ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL BY GOD WITH THE NATURAL RIGHTS OF LIFE, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY.

IF THE LAST LINE SOUNDS FAMILIAR, YOU MIGHT DO WELL IN A FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY COURSE.

THE LEGITIMACY OF RULERS THEN FOR LOCK IS TIED TO PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS.

IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BE BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVE LEADING PEOPLE REQUIRES PROTECTING THEIR CORE VALUES.

KING GEORGE III TRIED THE ARGUMENT WITH COLUMNISTS.

STICK WITH ME OR GET SOMETHING WORSE.

WE STAND FOR SOMETHING.

LOCK WAS A PROBLEM SOFTER.

THE PROBLEM HE SAW WAS THE OPPRESSIVE MONARCHIES OF HIS TIME.

ONE LEGACY OF LOCK IS THE ONGOING STRUGGLE TO BALANCE RIGHTS WHICH WE FACE TO THIS DAY, FREE SPEECH, PROTESTS, SAFE CAMPUSES, ACADEMIC FREEDOM, INTELLECTUAL POLICY AND MORE.

WE FACE THESE CHALLENGES AS WE ARE THE PROBLEM SOLVERS OF OUR DAY.

THE CHALLENGES ARE NATIONAL.

NOTHING WE ADDRESS IS UNIQUE TO NORTH CAROLINA, HOWEVER, I WOULD ARGUE WE HAVE BEEN MORE SUCCESSFUL AT ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES INDEPENDENTLY AND MEETING STAKEHOLDER EXPECTATIONS AS A SYSTEM THAN CAN BE SEEN IN OTHER STATES.

HOW HAVE WE BEEN SUCCESSFUL?

FIRST, WE LISTEN TO EACH OTHER TO CONSIDER NEW IDEAS AND SOLUTIONS.

FOR EXAMPLE, IN MARCH, FACULTY ASSEMBLY INVITED DR. ROBERTSON TO PRESENT TO FACULTY ASSEMBLY ON HER PROPOSAL TO IMPROVE GENERAL EDUCATION.

FACULTY ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP MET WITH PRESIDENT HANS AND ANDREW TRIP ON THE EQUALLY POLICY FOR OVER 90 MINUTES.

A POLICY THAT REINFORCES CORE VALUES.

MR. PRESIDENT, THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING US THAT OPPORTUNITY.

IT WILL IMPROVE THE UNDERSTANDING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW POLICY.

SECOND, WE HAVE A FOCUS ON PROCESS.

AS I SAID IN FEBRUARY, THE PROCESS WE USE DETERMINES THE TRUST WE BUILD.

CONSISTENT WITH THAT FACULTY ASSEMBLY ENDORSED A COLLABORATION OF FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS.

TO QUOTE THE RESOLUTION.

THIS PROCESS INVOLVED WORKING TOGETHER AS PART OF THE IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM, BRAINSTORM, MAKE PROPOSALS AND GATHER FEEDBACK AND BRING FORWARD A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION.

THIRD, COLLABORATIVE IMPLEMENTATION.

RIGHT NOW, FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATORS ARE WORKING TO IMPLEMENT FACULTY WORKLOAD, TENURE REVIEW AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY REQUIREMENT.

THERE ARE POSITIVE PROPOSALS PIT FORWARD FOR HOW WE OPERATE EFFICIENTLY, EFFECTIVELY AND IMPROVE CIVICS LEARNING FOR THE STUDENTS.

ONE OF THE THINGS I APPRECIATE IS THAT EVERYONE HERE IS A PROBLEM SOLVER.

WE TRY TO ENSURE WE ARE SOLVING THE RIGHT PROBLEM, LISTENING TO THOSE WHO CAN HELP, WE ARE COMMUNICATING WHAT WE ARE DOING AND CONNECTING SOLUTIONS TO OUR CORE VALUES.

FOR THIS, ALL OF US FACE CRITICISM FOR OUR EFFORTS.

SOME OF IT CONSTRUCTIVE.

MUCH OF IT FROM THOSE IN THE PRIR PRIVILEGED POSITION OF NOT OFFERING A REALISTIC SOLUTION OF THEIR OWN.

LIKE HOBBS, LOCK AND OTHERS, WE PERSEVERE TO THE GOOD OR AT LEAST, THE LESS BAD.

PERSONAL NOTE, THIS IS THE END OF MY SECOND YEAR WITH YOU AND CONCLUDES MY FIRST YEAR AS CHAIR.

I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT AND RECOGNIZE RANDY RAMSEY FOR ALL HE HAS DONE TO BE WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE AND CONSTATIVE WITH ME OVER THE TWO YEARS.

I, SIR, ARE YOU A PROBLEM SOLVER, AND BOY DOES THE PRESIDENT KNOW IT.

YOU HELPED ACCOMPLISH A LOT AND THANK YOU FOR THE LEADERSHIP.

NEXT FALL, I WILL BEGIN MY SECOND AND FINAL TWO-YEAR TERM AS CHAIR.

THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ALL TO PROVIDE REALITY BASED SOLUTIONS TO OUR SHARED CHALLENGES.

TO PARAPHRASE PRINCE, LET'S GO, BUT LET'S NOT GO CRAZY.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

[APPLAUSE] >> I'M REALLY GLAD I DON'T HAVE TO FOLLOW HIM.

I'LL CALL ON GOVERNOR BLUE FOR THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE.

>> THANK YOU.

THERE WERE TWO MEETINGS IN MAY, FIRST VIRTUAL MAY 16TH, VOTING TO REAPPOINTMENT TWO, RICK FRENCH AND MICHAEL SCOFIELD AND JOHNNY AND RODNEY ARE RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT FOR A FOUR YEAR TERM.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN YOUR MATERIALS.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOMINATION OF RICK FRENCH AND MICHAEL SCONEFIELD FOR REAPPOINTMENT AND JOHNNY AND RODNEY HOOD FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE PBS NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOUR YEARS TERMS JULY 1, 2024 ENDING JUNE 30, 2028.

>> YOU HAVE HEARD THE MOTION.

DOES NOT REQUIRE A SECOND.

DISCUSSION OR DEBATE?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

THANK YOU, THE MOATIONZ PASSES.

>> NEXT THE COMMITTEE VOTED TO REAPPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF SMALLWOOD TO THE UNC PRESS BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION IS INCLUDED IN YOUR MATERIALS.

O ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE I MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOMINATIONS FOR REAPPOINTMENT AND SMALLWOOD FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE PRESS BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR FIVE YEARS TERMS JULY 1, 2024 ENDING JUNE 30, 2029.

>> BOARD, YOU HAVE HEARD THE MOTION.

DISCUSSION OR DEBATE?

HEARING NONE, SAY AYE.

ANYONE OPPOSED?

THANK YOU.

THE MOTION PASSES.

>> THAT CONCLUDES THE OPEN SESSION BUSINESS FROM THE MAY 16TH MEETING.

AT OUR MEETING YESTERDAY, THE COMMITTEE VOTED A RESOLUTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

THIS CONDEMNS THE UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR WE HAVE SEEN RECENTLY.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE, I MOVE THE BOARD APPROVE THE MAY 23RD, 2024 BOARD OF GOVERNORS RESOLUTION HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT.

>> YOU HAVE HEARD THE MOTION.

DISCUSSION OR DEBATE?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

THANK YOU.

THE MOTION PASSES.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

THAT CONCLUDES MY WASHINGS.

REM.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR BLUE.

WE CALL ON GOVERNOR HUTCHENS FOR A REPORT ON AUDIT, RISK MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A STATEMENT.

I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER BEEN AS PROUD OF WHAT WE DO ON THIS BOARD AS I HAVE BEEN TODAY, NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE WORK WE DO, BUT BECAUSE OF THE CHARACTER AND COMMITMENT OF THE MEMBERS OF THIS BOARD, AND I DON'T THINK I HAVE EVER BEEN MORE CERTAIN THAT WE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE IN HIRING PETER HANS AS OUR PRESIDENT AS I WAS TODAY.

THAT WAS THE MOST EL QUANTITILY REPORT ON A CONTROVERSIAL SUNT SO FAIRLY EXPRESSED.

THANK YOU.

>> WELL DO THAT.

DONE.

>> THANK YOU.

WE MET YESTERDAY.

WE HAD SEVERAL PRESENTATIONS FOR INFORMATIONAL UPDATES ONLY.

THERE WAS NO COMMITTEE OR BOARD ACTION REQUIRED.

AS YOU KNOW, WE HEARD FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR WHO REPORTED THAT OF THE 16 REPORTS THAT HAD BEEN COMPLETED, ONLY ONE HAD AN EXCEPTION.

TWO WERE OUTSTANDING.

WE THEN HEARD FROM MR. HECKY WHO UPDATED US ON RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRESSION.

HE PRESENTED AND INFORMED US THAT THE UPDATE IS ONGOING AT THE CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS, AND GAVE US INFORMATION TO CONSIDER.

WE THEN HEARD FROM MISS KIM WHO PROVIDED AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF UN CIETCNOLOGY UNC TECHNOLOGY.

SHE UPDATED US ON IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES ADOPTED IN 2018.

THE REPORT FULFILLS A REQUIREMENT THAT THESE POLICIES BE UPDATED AND SHE INFORMED US THAT THE SURVEYS HAD BEEN DELIVERED TO ALL OF THE CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS TO THE CIOS OF THE INSTITUTIONS TO COLLECT DATA AND PROVIDE UPDATES ON THE STATUS OF THEIR IMPLEMENTATION OF THOSE POLICIES AND SHE GAVE US A DETAILED WRITTEN REPORT.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR HUTCHENS.

ANY QUESTIONS?

VERY WELL.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK, SIR.

I CALL ON GOVERNOR BYERS FOR A REPORT ON COMMITTEE MILITARY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

>> THANK YOU CHAIR RAMSEY.

COMMITTEE MET YESTERDAY TO REVIEW THE ACTIVITIES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE OUR MEETING IN JANUARY.

REVIEWING AN UPDATE FROM FEDERAL RELATIONS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS.

WE RECEIVED AN UPDATE FROM FEDERAL RELATIONS DIRECTOR ELIZABETH MORA, VICE PRESIDENT OF FEDERAL RELATIONS, AND THAT UPDATE WAS TO DEAL WITH HOW NORTH CAROLINA UNC FEDERAL SYSTEM IS DOING WITH PRIORITIES AND HOW WE ARE FAIRING IN THE 2024 APPROPRIATION'S PROCESS AND PREVIEW WHAT IS HAPPENING CURRENTLY AMONG THE REGULATORY FRONT.

NEXT, WE RECEIVED AN UPDATE FROM MILITARY AFFAIRS STAFF.

MR. BRADLEY RYNN, PROGRAM MANAGER UPDATED THE COMMITTEE ON THE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNC SYSTEM MILITARY AFFAIRS TEAM, AND THE UNC SYSTEM OFFICES PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIVISION TO BUILD AN ONLINE SYSTEM THAT WILL ALLOW CAMPUSES TO IMPLEMENT A CONSISTENT METHODOLOGY FOR AWARDING ACADEMIC CREDIT BASE ON MILITARY TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE.

IT WILL ALLOW ANY MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER OR MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC TO SEARCH AND VIEW MILITARY COURSE EQUIVALENCIES ACROSS THE UNC SYSTEM.

SINCE THE LAST UPDATE IN JANUARY, THE MILITARY EQUIVALENT SYSTEM HAS PUBLICLY LAUNCHED.

THE MILITARY AFFAIRS TEAM PROVIDED THE SYSTEM AND DISCUSSED FUTURE PLANS.

TO DATE, 9,000 EQUIVALENCIES MATCHED FOR THE COURSE CREDITS IN THE SYSTEM.

EINDEED, A JOB WELL DONE FOR MILITARY AFFAIRS AND THE MILITARY EQUIVALENT SYSTEM.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR BYER.

WE APPRECIATE THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.

ANY QUESTIONS?

SEEING NONE, I CALL ON GOVERNOR HOLTEN FOR A REPORT ON STRATEGIC INITIATIVES.

>> WE MED MET YESTERDAY FOR A DEEP DIVE INTO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION.

AI IS BIG AND BIGGER EVERYDAY.

AS I MENTIONED YESTERDAY, I CAN THINK OF NO NEW TOOL OR TECHNOLOGY IN MY LIFETIME THAT HAS COME ON THE SCENE FASTER, DEVELOPED SO QUICKLY AND GENERATED SO MUCH HYPE IN SO MANY WAYS.

AS WE MENTIONED YESTERDAY, EARLIER TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGHS, THE INTERNET AND FACEBOOK TOOK FIVE TO TEN YEARS TO REACH 100,000,000 USERS.

CHAT GPT TOOK TWO MONTHS TO REACH THE MILESTONE.

AI WILL REACH EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES IN WAYS WE SEE TODAY, WAYS WE IMAGINE TODAY AND WITHOUT DOUBT IN WAYS WE CAN'T IMAGINE AS WE SIT HERE TODAY.

AI IS UBIQUITOUS BECAUSE EVEN IN ITS INFANCY, IT HAS THE ABILITY TO DRAMATICALLY CHANGE THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS INCLUDING THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS IN HIGHER EDUCATION.

IT'S CHANGING TEACHING AND LEARNING, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGES TO PROVIDE PERSONALIZED TUTORING AND ADVISING AT SCALE, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT TO RECRUIT STUDENTS AND DONORS MORE EFFICIENTLY.

THE TECHNOLOGY WILL CHANGE THE FUTURE OF WORK PUTTING MORE PRESSURE ON CAMPUSES TO ENSURE PROGRAMMING AND CURRICULUM PREPARING GRADUATES FOR THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE.

YESTERDAY, WE BEGAN TO LEVEL SET, AND WE BROUGHT IN THREE EXPERTS TO HELP US.

WE FIRST HEARD FROM KYLE BOWEN, DEPUTY CIO AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY.

ASC IS EMBRACING AND ADOPTING AI QUICKLY, AND APPARENTLY EFFECTIVELY.

MR. BOWEN DESCRIBED HOW ASU ENCOURAGED EXPERIMENTATION WITH AI ACROSS THE ENTERPRISE OUTLINING THE APPROACH, FOCUSED ON ADOPTION AND EVALUATION AMONG FACULTY AND STAFF, CREATING PLATFORMS AND PRODUCTS THAT UNIVERSITY, FACULTY AND STAFF CAN LERNLG AND DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS WITH AMAZON WEB SERVICES AND OPEN AI.

THE UNIVERSITY HAS ALSO INVESTED IN ADVISERS RELATING TO AI ETHICS, A CRITICAL TOPIC, AND IN FACULTY DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING ON AI TOOLS.

WE CAN LEARN MUCH FROM WHAT THEY HAVE DONE AND EMBRACE THEIR EFFORTS AND INCORPORATE THEM IN OUR THINKING.

WE HEARD FROM TWO EXPERTS WITHIN OUR OWN SYSTEM, DR. STAN AWALT SCHOOL OF DATA SCIENCE AND SOCIETY AND DR. RACHEL LEVY FROM THE DATA SCIENCE ACADEMY.

DR. AWALT DESCRIBED HOW FACULTY ACROSS THE CAMPUS LEVERAGED AI TO CONDUCT RESEARCH ON PRESSING SOCIETAL NEEDS AND THE WAYS IN WHICH DATA SCIENCE SERVED AS A HUB FOR THE REST OF CAMPUS TO LEARN ABOUT AND LEVERAGE AI.

DR. LEVY DESCRIBED HOW NC STATE DATA SCIENCE ACROSS MAJORS AND BILTD TRAINING IN THESE AREAS FOR EMPLOYERS ACROSS THE STATE.

BOTH CITED EXAMPLES OF COLLABORATION ACROSS OUR UNIVERSITIES TO SHARE POLICIES AND BEST PRACTICES ALREADY.

THAT WILL BE CRITICAL GOING FORWARD.

THE DISCUSSION CONCLUDED WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO DEPLOY AI AND TRAIN FACULTY AND STAFF AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CENTRALIZED AND SHARED RESOURCES TO HELP ALL OF OUR CAMPUSES DO SO.

YESTERDAY WAS JUST A STARTING POINT.

OVER THE SUMMER AND THROUGHOUT THE FALL, DR. KELLY AND I HOPE WE CONTINUE TO DRILL DOWN ON THIS ISSUE TO IDENTIFY KEY POLICY QUESTIONS THAT WE AS A BOARD SHOULD CONSIDER.

IN DOING SO, WE'LL CAPITALIZE AND HOPEFULLY BUILD ON THE IMPORTANT WORK THAT IS ALREADY UNDER WAY ACROSS THE SYSTEM.

I AM RELIABLY INFORMED THAT AI AGREES.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> THANK YOU.

WHERE IT GOES IN THE FUTURE WILL BE INTERESTING.

QUESTIONS OF GOVERNOR HOLTON?

I CALL ON GOVERNOR HOLLEY FOR HISTORICALLY MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS.

>> COLLEAGUES, YESTERDAY THE COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THE IMPACT, THE PROCESSING DELAYS HAPPENING ON OUR CAMPUSES.

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN CALLS FOR THE SYSTEM TO ENROLL AND GRADUATE MORE LOW-INCOME STUDENTS.

RAISE FIVE YEAR GRADUATION RATES AND GRADUATE MORE STUDENTS FROM PROGRAMS THAT ARE ALIGNED WITH CRITICAL WORKFORCE NEEDS.

ACROSS THE SYSTEM, CLOSE TO 60% OF OUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS USE FINANCIAL AID TO ACCESS ONE OF OUR INSTITUTIONS FOR OUR HMSIS, THAT NUMBER RISES TO 75% FINANCIAL AID PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE SYSTEM ACHIEVING THESE GOALS.

DURING OUR ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION, WE HEARD FROM ENROLLMENT PROFESSIONALS FROM SEVERAL HMSIS, NORTH CAROLINA STATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY AND FROM ONE OF OUR PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS.

ONE THING THAT IS VERY CLEAR, THERE ARE A HOST OF INDIVIDUALS ACROSS ALL OF OUR UNIVERSITIES WHO ARE WORKING ON INNOVATIVE MEASURES TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE AND I ABSOLUTE OUR PRESIDENT FOR MAKING CERTAIN THAT INDEED, ALL HANDS HAVE BEEN ON DECK.

I ALSO WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO COMMEND THEM ALL, SOME OF THE SPECIFIC INITIATIVES INCLUDE FOCUSED WEBINARS, OUTREACH ON AND OFF CAMPUS, AND HIGH SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, COMPUTER LABS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS DESIGNED TO ASSIST FAMILIES IN FASA COMPLETION.

HIRING OF HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS OVER THE SUMMER TO HELP STUDENTS COMPLETE THE FASA AND ORIENTATION AND OTHER SUMMER EVENTS ON CAMPUS AND DEVELOPING HOW-TO VIDEOS TO HELP STUDENTS NAVIGATE ALL OF THE CHALLENGES WITH THE APPLICATION.

WE ALSO HEARD MORE ABOUT THE NEW NEXT NORTH CAROLINA SCHOLARSHIP THAT PROVIDES AT LEAST 5,000 IN AID TO NORTH CAROLINA STUDENTS WITHIN AN ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME OF LESS THAN $80,000 AND THE NEW UNC SYSTEM, AND NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION PILOT THAT GUARANTEES ADMISSION TO FIVE UNC SYSTEM INSTITUTIONS FOR MANY NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS THIS FALL.

THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE CONVERSATION ON YESTERDAY.

THE COMMITTEE OWES A TREMENDOUS DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO ITS COMMITTEE SENIOR STAFF DR. ROBERTSON FOR ORGANIZING OUR SUBJECT MATTER.

BEFORE I CONCLUDE, MR. CHAIRMAN, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE, IF YOU WILL, TWO INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE UNC SYSTEM, AND TO THE GREAT STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

LET THE WORD GO FORTH TO THESE MASTER EDUCATION SERVANTS.

TO DR. JOHNSON FOR YOUR SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE AS A CHANCELLOR AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, AND TO THE LONGEST CURRENTLY SERVING CHANCELLOR IN THE UNC SYSTEM, THE DEAN, IF YOU WILL.

44 YEARS IN THE SYSTEM, 15 YEARS AT THE HELM OF THE LARGEST HBCU IN THE COUNTRY.

NORTH CAROLINA A & T, THE CHANCELLOR, DR. HAROLD MARTIN.

TOGETHER, YOUR UNWAVERING DEDICATION, VISION AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CRINTED CONTRIBUTED TO THE GROWTH AND SUCCESS OF THESE REMARKABLE HMSIS.

MR. CHAIRMAN, ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE, WE CERTAINLY ABSOLUTE THEIR LEADERSHIP, AND ONE LAST POINT, MR. CHAIRMAN, IF YOU WOULD INDULGE ME ONE MORE BIT, I CAN SAY IT'S BEEN AN HONOR TO BE A PART OF YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM.

I HAVE HAD THE HONOR TO SERVE IN THIS CAPACITY AND SEE THE GREAT WORK OF OUR HISTORIC MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS ACROSS THE STATE.

NO DOUBT, NORTH CAROLINA HAS THE PREEMINENT COLLECTION OF HMSIS IN THE COUNTRY.

SECOND TO NONE.

AND NO DOUBT, OUR SYSTEM AND OUR HM SIS ARE THE BETTER TODAY BECAUSE OF YOUR LEADERSHIP.

IT'S BEEN AN HONOR TO BE A PARTNER WITH YOU.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR HOLLEY.

WE ALL DO IT TOGETHER.

ANY QUESTIONS FOR GOVERNOR HOLLEY ON HIS REPORT?

HEARING NONE, I'LL CALL ON GOVERNOR BYERS FOR SUBCOMMITTEE ON LAB SCHOOLS REPORT.

>> THERE ARE TWO REPORTS, THIS ONE AND THE GOVERNOR COWARD TO CLOSE THE MEETING TODAY.

WOULD YOU EVER WANT IT DIFFERENTLY THAN I BE PART OF YOUR REPORTS?

>> IT'S THE THIRD TIME I HAVE CALLED ON YOU TODAY.

THAT'S A DANGEROUS THING.

>> I HAVE A NOTE HERE NOW THAT YOU MENTIONED IT.

IT SAYS, AS WITH THE FIRST PRAYER TWO COMMITTEE REPORTS, THE LOCAL TEAMSTER UNION, LOCAL NUMBER 71 WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU ABOUT ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION.

SO THERE YOU GO.

YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM MY PEOPLE.

MR. CHAIRMAN, AT OUR SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 6, 2023 WE RECEIVED A REPORT REGARDING OUR LABORATORY SCHOOLS, THE ENROLLMENT STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND EFFORTS TO PROVIDE CLINICAL PLACEMENT FOR TEACHER AND PRINCIPLE CANDIDATES.

MUCH OF THAT CONVERSATION SURROUNDED ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.

WHILE IN MOST CASES, LAB SCHOOLS HAVE MET GROWTH EXPECTATION SET BY THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, WE LEARNED THAT PROFICIENCY RATES LAG BEHIND THE STATE AND DISTRICT AVERAGES IN MANY CASES.

DURING THAT MEETING, THE SUBCOMMITTEE TESTS OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM OFFICE WITH DEVELOPING IMPROVEMENT PLANS WITH EACH LAB SCHOOL AND TO IDENTIFY HOW THEY'LL INCREASE PROFICIENT SI RATES.

ALONGSIDE THE SUBMISSION OF THE REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, WE CHARGED LAB SCHOOL TEAMS TO RAISE LEVELS FOR THIS ACADEMIC YEAR AND THE FOLLOWING.

OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS, SYSTEM OFFICE STAFF WORKED TO DEVELOP SMART GOALS, SMART GOALS TO CREATE LOGIC MODELS WITH CREE KEY ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES.

THE DIRECTOR OF NORTH CAROLINA PRINCIPLE FELLOWS PROGRAM LED THE EXERCISE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LAB SCHOOL PRINCIPLES, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, LEADERS, AND EDUCATOR PROGRAMS SUPPORTING EACH.

GOAL SETTING WAS ANCHORED TO DATA AND INFORMATION SO IT IS OUR EXPECTATION THAT REACHING THESE SMART GOALS WILL OCCUR IN THE SHORT TERM.

I LOOK FORWARD TO REPORTING ON THE PROGRESS AS SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY DATA WILL BE RELEASED BY THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA SHORTLY AND CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE.

I THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR BYERS.

I HAVE BEEN PART OF ALL OF THOSE LAB SCHOOL MEETINGS.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

WE HAVE HAD CHALLENGES YOU ARE AWARE OF.

YOU HAVE MADE IT CLEAR WHAT THE EXPECTATIONS ARE.

I AM THANKFUL FOR THAT.

ANY QUESTIONS FOR MR. BYER'S REPORT?

I WILL SKIP THE NEXT ITEM, BUT I WOULD PROBABLY GET IN TROUBLE SO, I'LL CALL ON VICE-CHAIR MURPHY FOR THE NEXT AGENDA ITEM.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE WITH YOU.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, WE WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION HONORING YOUR LEADERSHIP OVER THE YEARS.

WHEREAS RANDALL C. RAMSEY WILL SOON COMPLETE HIS TERM OF EXCEPTIONAL AND DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AS THE LONGEST SERVING CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

SINCE ASSUMING THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE BOARD, CHAIR RAMSEY PROVIDED STEADFAST LEADERSHIP FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM BROUGHT FOCUS TO OUR CORE MISSION OF TEACHING AND ESTABLISHED CLEAR METRICS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND -- >> WHEREAS CHAIR RAMSEY BROUGHT TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS A NEWFOUND COMMITMENT TO MEASURED, THOUGHTFUL DEBATE OVER SOME OF THE WEIGHTIEST IS ISSUES FACING THE UNIVERSITY, AS IT SERVES THE PEOPLE OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAIR RAMSEY'S HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND DEMAND FOR CONCRETE RESULTS SET A NEW TONE FOR THE UNIVERSITY IN THE DECADES AHEAD, AND WHEREAS -- >> CHAIR RAMSEY PROMOTED THE BENEFITS OF OPERATING UNDER A CONSOLIDATED SYSTEM.

ENHANCING TIES BETWEEN OUR CONSTITUENT INSTITUTIONS AND FOSTERING STRONGER COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND EACH OF THE 17 BOARD OF TRUSTEES ACROSS THE UNC SYSTEM.

WHEREAS CHAIR RAMSEY IS A DEDICATED ADVOCATE FOR MAINTAINING LOW TUITION AND FEES ENSURING THAT HIGHER EDUCATION REMAINS ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE TO ALL STUDENTS.

CHAIR RAMSEY HAS CHAMPIONED TRANSFORMATIVE POLICIES, THE ALL FUNDS BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE WEIGHTED FUNDING MODEL ENSURING FOCUS ON GRADUATING MORE CAROLYNIANS ON TIME AND WITH LESS DEBT THERE BY ADVANCING THE MISSION OF ACCESSIBLE AND HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION AND -- >> WHEREAS CHAIR RAMSEY SUPPORTED UNC SYSTEM FACULTY AND STAFF IN OVERSEEING A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF POLICIES THAT SUPPORT AND ADVANCE FACULTY EXCELLENCE INCLUDING FACULTY WORKLOAD, POST TENURE REVIEW AND FACULTY AWARD AND RECOGNITION.

HE HELPED TO REINFORCE THE STRENGTH OF UNIVERSITY WITH THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS IMPROVING UPDATED INSTITUTIONS TO MAINTAIN A COORDINATED AND EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

HE HAS FOSTERED A RENEWED FOCUS ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND A CRITICAL ROLE THAT PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES PLAY IN ADVANCING AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY.

AND -- >> WHEREAS CHAIR RAMSEY'S HONEST APPROACH AND STEADY DEMEANOR IMPACT THE DAY-TO-DAY WORK WITH FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT STAKEHOLDERS.

HIS LEADERSHIP HAS INSTILLED A LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE IN OUR SYSTEM THAT DIRECTLY AFFECTS OUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS AND STRENGTHENS THESE IMPORTANT RELATION SHHS -- AND -- >> WHEREAS HE HAS BEEN A STAUNCH CHAMP OF SAFETY AND DEDICATED SUPPORT OF POLICE DEPARTMENTS WHO WORK TO KEEP OUR INSTITUTIONS SAFE.

IN AN ERA LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCES CHALLENGES, CHAIR RAMSEY SET THE TONE FOR THE SYSTEM LETTING OUR CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS KNOW THEY ARE VALUED AND RESPECTED.

UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, THE BOARD HAS STRENGTHENED CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS BY EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS, ENHANCING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND INCREASING COMPENSATION STRUCTURES AND -- >> WHEREAS CHAIR RAMSEY EPITOMIZES WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SERVANT LEADER.

MORE CONCERN WITH SOLVING PROBLEMS AND DOING WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THE STUDENTS THAT -- EXCUSE ME -- FOR THE STUDENTS WHEN WITH NO OTHER CREDIT IS NEEDED.

HE WORKS WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY AND HIS LEADERSHIP IS EFFICIENT EVIDENT IN THE RESULTS HE HAS ACHIEVED.

CHAIR RAMSEY BROUGHT STEADFAST AND STABLE LEADERSHIP TO THE UNC SYSTEM WHERE IT IS NEEDED MOST AND -- >> WHEREAS CHAIR RAMSEY WILL CONCLUDE HIS EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS JUNE 30, 2024 BUT WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS A VALUED MEMBER OF THE BOARD THERE BY HELPING TO ENSURE THE UNIVERSITY'S EFFECTIVENESS, GROWTH AND VITALITY.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA HIGHLY COMMEND AND THANK RANDY RAMSEY FOR HIS EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY AND THE CITIZENS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

MR. CHAIRMAN?

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> WITHOUT OBJECTION, THIS RESOLUTION IS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED THIS 23RD DAY OF MAY 2024.

[APPLAUSE] >> MR. CHAIRMAN, BEFORE WE MOVE TO THE NEXT AGENDA ITEM, I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE PRESIDENT HANS FOR ONE MORE SPECIAL PRESENTATION.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

VICE-CHAIR, EXCUSE ME.

GETTING AHEAD OF MYSELF.

AMONG THE MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CHAIR RAMSEY'S TENURE, STEADFAST SUPPORT FOR OUR CAMPUS POLICE DEPARTMENTS STANDS TALL.

CHIEFS AND TEAMS WORK TIRELESSLY EVERYDAY, EACH AND EVERYDAY TO KEEP OUR UNIVERSITY SAFE.

IT'S A TOUGH AND SOMETIMES THANKLESS JOB.

AS ANYONE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL TELL YOU, YOUR BEST DAYS ARE THE ONES WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT.

FOR AS LONG AS HE SERVED HE HAS KEPT A GRATEFUL FOCUS ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES, EXPANDED TRAINING PROGRAMS TO HELP OFFICERS DEAL WITH STUDENTS IN CRISIS, TRAINING THAT HAS LITERALLY SAVED LIVES ALONG WITH GREATER EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS, ENHANCED COMPENSATION AND STEADY ADVOCACY FOR TOOLS AND RESOURCES OUR CHIEFS NEED TO GET THE JOB DONE.

MANY OF THE CAMPUS POLICE CHIEFS ARE WITH US TODAY.

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THE MENTOR.

THEY REPRESENT MORE THAN 500 MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROTECT OUR CAMPUSES AND HAVE A SPECIAL PRESENTATION FOR YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN.

I'M HONORED TO INTRODUCE THE CHIEF OF POLICE AT UNC CHARLOTTE CHIEF BAKER, TO MAKE THE PRESENTATION.

>> GOOD MORNING.

I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL TODAY.

[OFF MICROPHONE ] >> A FEW THINGS I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD THAT CHAIRMAN RAMSEY HAS BEEN UNWAVERSWAVERING IN HIS SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE UNC SYSTEM, LED THE WAY FOR CAMPUS SECURITY TO BE INCREASED, TO ENSURE THAT ALL UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENTS TRANSITION FROM SHRA TO EHRA WHICH WAS CRITICAL, I CAN TELL YOU THAT, WHILE STILL SAFEGUARDING THRA SHRA BENEFITS FOR OFFICERS.

ESTABLISHING POLICE OFFICER PROGRESSIONAL PAY STEPS, ANOTHER IMPORTANT TOOL, ESPECIALLY IN RETENTION AND RECRUITING OF POLICE OFFICERS.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT IN PLACE IF YOU WANT TO DO THAT.

ASSISTING WITH THE PASSAGE OF SUPER YOUR EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR OUR POLICE OFFICERS, ANOTHER IMPORTANT TOOL AS WE PROGRESS AND MOVE FORWARD AS A UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IS OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT EDUCATION, FORMAL EDUCATION CAN NEVER BE MORE IMPORTANT TO OUR OFFICERS.

IT'S BEING USED, I GUARANTEE YOU THAT, WE USE IT AT UNC CHARLOTTE.

WE HAVE A COUPLE OF OFFICERS IN THE PHD PROGRAM.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I ALSO WANT TO THANK CHAIRMAN RAMSEY.

ON MAY 1, 2019, HE CAME TO OUR CAMPUS.

THAT WAS A TOUGH TIME.

HE CAME THERE.

HE OFFERED ASSISTANCE TO OUR CAMPUS.

ANYTHING WE NEEDED.

HE BROUGHT A SMALL DELEGATION WITH HIM.

THAT WAS AN IMPORTANT TIME FOR ALL OF US.

SIR, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEVOTION TO SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE UNC SYSTEM AND AGAIN, WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> CHAIRMAN RAMSEY -- [APPLAUSE] >> IT'S A GOOD THING WE'LL KEEP THINGS SIMPLE.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

CHIEFS, WHEN YOU ALL CAME IN THE ROOM, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

I THOUGHT YOU ALL MIGHT BE CARRYING ME OFF IN HANDCUFFS.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU.

I DIDN'T EXPECT ANY OF YOU TO BE HERE TODAY.

I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT RECOGNITION.

IT MEANS MORE TO ME THAN I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW.

IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH YOU ALL.

I APPRECIATE YOUR DEVOTION TO YOUR CONTINUED WORKING TO KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE.

I KNOW THE LAST MONTH OR SO HAS BEEN DIFFICULT ON A LOT OF CAMPUSES, AND YOU ARE THE SPIRIT AND WE APPRECIATE YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TODAY.

[APPLAUSE] >> I TOLD YOU IT WAS GOING TO BE A LONG MEETING.

ALL RIGHT, NOW WE'LL MOVE TO -- FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR THE RESOLUTION.

I CERTAINLY WAS NOT PREPARED TO SPEAK ON ANY OF THIS TODAY.

PETER AND WENDY SAID IT WOULD BE SIMPLE, NO BIG DEAL.

I HAVE ASKED NOT TO AND WE HAVE HAD NOT ONE BUT TWO BIG DEALS.

I GUESS YOU DO LOVE RESOLUTIONS.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR WORKING WITH ME.

THANK YOU FOR MOVING THE SYSTEM FORWARD AND I APPRECIATE THE RECOGNITION MORE THAN I CAN SAY.

NOW WE GET TO MOVE ON TO A FUN AGENDA ITEM.

ITEM 18 IS THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

MAY 1ST, A MEMO OF BOARD OFFICERS.

TODAY WE'LL VOTE TO FILL THE BOARD COMMENCING JULY 1ST.

WENDY MURPHY BOARD CHAIR.

KELLY BLUE COMMUNICATED INTENT FOR BOARD VICE-CHAIR AND BURRIS-FLOYD RUNNING FOR REELECTION BOARD SECRETARY.

IS ANYONE ELSE INTERESTED IN NOMINATING THEMSELVES OR WANT TO NOMINATE ANOTHER PERSON FOR ANY OF THESE OFFICES?

I DON'T BLAME YOU.

THANK YOU FOR THAT.

SINCE THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS, I SPEND THE ELECTION POLICY REQUIRING WRITTEN BALLOT AND INSTEAD VOTE FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT AND VOTE FOR ALL THREE OFFICES OF SLATED NO, MA'AMTIES.

DO I HAVE A NOMINATION?

SECOND?

DISCUSSION OR DEBATE?

HEARING NONE, ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

IS THERE ANYONE OPPOSED?

YOU'RE ELECTED, FOLKS.

CONGRATULATIONS.

>> I WANT TO PERSONALLY SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE OF CONFIDENCE.

THIS IS A TREMENDOUS HONOR FOR ME.

MOST OF YOU KNOW I SERVED TEN YEARS AT UNCW AS A TRUSTEE.

IT WAS A LOT.

WHEN MY LAST DAY SOMEBODY SAID, WITH A ABOUT THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS?

I SAID, NEVER.

BUT AFTER A MINUTE, I HAVE ENJOYED THE SEVEN YEARS.

THIS IS A TREMENDOUS HONOR.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING OUR GOOD WORK.

THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF, WENDY AND PEARL.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING WITH THESE TWO LADIES AND DOING THE GOOD WORK THE BOARD ESTABLISHED AND CHAIR RAMSEY HAS DONE.

IT'S BIG SHOES TO FILL HERE.

I'M HONORED TO SERVE BESIDES MISS MURPHY.

SOMETIMES PEOPLE CALL ME MISS MURPHY AND HER KALI.

I GREW UP IN THE RANKS OF UNCP AND HAD NO IDEA COMING ONBOARD OF GOVERNORS AND DIDN'T HAVE A DESIRE TO, BUT I'M HERE, AND I WOULDN'T TRADE THE EXPERIENCES OR FRIENDSHIPS I HAVE MADE HERE.

IT'S AN AWESOME RIDE.

I LOOK FORWARD FOR YOUR VOTE OF CONFIDENCE.

>> I TOO WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU, MY FELLOW GOVERNORS, FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE.

I HAVE BEEN DO THIS FOR A WHILE NOW.

PRAYERFULLY, WE'LL CONTINUE AND DO EVEN GREATER THINGS.

OUR CHAIR HAS SET THE TONE.

HE KEPT US IN A VERY TACTFUL WAY, NOT IN LINE, BUT IN STEP WITH WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT WE NEEDED TO DO.

SO, CHAIR RAMSEY, YOU'RE NOT CHARLIE'S ANGELS, BUT YOU ARE GETTING CLOSE.

WE THANK YOU.

WE THANK YOU FOR GUIDING US AND ALLOWING US TO GROW STRONGER IN WHAT WE NEED TO DO FOR THIS SYSTEM.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SERVE WITH YOU, AND DOING GREAT THINGS FOR THIS UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU AGAIN.

YOU ARE GOING TO DO A TERRIFIC JOB.

YOU ARE GREAT LEADERS.

YOU ARE SERVANT LEADERS.

YOU CARE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY -- >> CHARLIE?

>> I'M CHARLIE.

>> I'LL BE ON THE SPEAKERPHONE FROM NOW ON.

>> MR. CHAIRMAN, I DON'T WANT TO LET THIS MOMENT PASS WITHOUT RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS MOMENT.

SPEAKING OF DIVERSITY, I DON'T KNOW THAT THERE HAS EVER BEEN A TIME IN THE HISTORY OF OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM THAT WE HAVE HAD THREE DYNAMIC WOMEN LEADING AT THE HELM OF OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

THIS IS A REMARKABLE DAY IN OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND I ABSOLUTE YOU FOR HELPING TO SHEPHERD THIS MILESTONE.

>> GOVERNOR HOLLEY, I APPRECIATE YOU SAYING THAT.

I HOPE THE PERSON THAT WROTE THE ARTICLE IN THE ""CHARLOTTE OBSERVER"" YESTERDAY ABOUT THE DIVERSITY OF OUR BOARD MIGHT TAKE NOTE OF THE DIVERSITY OF OUR LEADERSHIP GOING FORWARD.

THAT SAID, IF -- AS JIM USED TO SAY, IT'S ALL BEEN SAID, WE JUST HAVEN'T ALL SAID IT.

I'LL ASK SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD TO READ THE MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION.

>> I MOVE THAT WE -- MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE THAT WE GO INTO CLOSED SESSION UNDER GS CHAPTER 143 AS PROVIDED IN THE WRITTEN MOTION.

>> MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, YOU HAVE HEARD THE MOTION.

DO I HAVE A SECOND?

IT'S PROPERLY SECONDED.

ALL IN FAVOR SAY "AYE."

OPPOSSED?

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE'LL MOVE TO CLOSED SESSION.

>> WE ARE NOW BACK IN OPEN SESSION.

I WILL CALL ON GOVERNOR COWARD FOR THE REPORT ON UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL.

>> THANK YOU, CHAIR RAMSEY.

THIS REPORT COVERS ITEMS DISCUSSED ON THE MEETING YESTERDAY.

THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED UPDATES FROM DR. ENGLISH ON TENURE RERLS AT INSTITUTIONS WITHOUT MANAGEMENT FLEXIBILITY AS WELL AS FACULTY RECRUITMENT UTILIZATION OVER THE LAST YEAR.

MR. BASS UPDATED THE COMMITTEE ON APPOINTMENTS TO THE SYSTEM OFFICE IN THE LAST YEAR AS WELL AS NEW AND RECLASSIFIED POSITIONS WITHIN THE SYSTEM.

THE COMMITTEE REVIEWED A REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF TENURE FACULTY CONDUCTED TO ENSURE THE RIGOROUS APPLICATION OF POST TENURE REVIEW TO SUPPORT EXCELLENCE AMONG TENURE FACULTY.

AT THE 689TH FACULTY REVIEWED, 96% MET OR EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS.

THE ENTIRE REPORT IS AVAILABLE IN BOARD EFFECT.

THANK YOU, THIS CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR COWARD.

ANY QUESTIONS FOR GOVERNOR COWARD?

I APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S WORK OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS.

MEETINGS HAVE MADE IT VERY LONG DAYS.

THERE IS A HIGHLIGHT CARD FOR THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS FROM LAST YEAR THAT SHOWS WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED.

I JUST PICKED IT UP AND HAVE NOT READ IT.

I DON'T THINK I'LL PENCIL IN THAT WE ELECTED A NEW CHAIR.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, THIS CONCLUDES THE MEETING TODAY.

NEXT MEETING THURSDAY THE 25TH.

BACK IN THE SYSTEM OFFICE ROOM.

WE ARE ADJOURNED.