CHANCELLOR SEARCH
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Opportunity Summary Role of the Chancellor Qualities and Qualifications Chancellor Selection Process Overview of UNC Asheville UNC Asheville’s Strategic Plan Our Campus Organizational Structure Program Highlights Affiliated Centers, Institutes and Initiatives Asheville and Western North Carolina
OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE (“UNC ASHEVILLE”) INVITES NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF CHANCELLOR. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL SUCCEED DR. MARY K. GRANT, WHO HAS ACCEPTED A POSITION AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE EDWARD M. KENNEDY INSTITUTE FOR THE UNITED STATES SENATE IN BOSTON. Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2017, UNC Asheville is the creative and intellectual hub for Western North Carolina. As North Carolina’s only designated liberal arts university among the 17 institutions of the University of North Carolina System, UNC Asheville is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top liberal arts universities. UNC Asheville is widely recognized for outstanding faculty, top-notch academics, and championship-winning NCAA Division 1 athletics. The institution is a leader in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), headquartered on campus.
U N C A S H E VILLE AT A G L A N CE
3,700
undergraduate students from 37 states & 29 countries
UNC Asheville is home to about 3,700 undergraduate students, and 782 full- and part-time faculty and staff who collaborate to foster critical thinking and workforce skills to last a lifetime. Small class size, awardwinning faculty, and a nationally acclaimed undergraduate research program foster creativity as well as recognition. The work being done by the university’s faculty, staff, and students further enhance their reputations as innovators, difference makers, and leaders in their fields. The university offers more than 30 majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees as well as a Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree. The most popular majors by degrees awarded are Psychology, English, Mass Communication, Management and Accountancy, Biology, Environmental Studies, and Health and Wellness Promotion. UNC Asheville has received numerous program accreditations including the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Engineering, one of the university’s fastest growing majors, is among an elite few ABETaccredited (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) Mechatronics programs in the country. With its statewide mission as North Carolina’s public liberal arts university, UNC Asheville students primarily come from within the state, but the diverse campus also includes students from 37 states and 29 countries. UNC Asheville students are inquisitive, creative, and serious about their studies. They care deeply about current issues such as social
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30+ Majors
16
NCAA Division 1 Teams
200+
Full-time faculty members, 86% with terminal degrees
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY
justice and environmental sustainability, and are actively engaged in activities to make a difference. High-impact practices, both curricular and co-curricular, are key to the student experience. Students regularly take advantage of leadership and service opportunities to make a difference on campus and in the community.
plan over the next five years. The performance framework provides leaders with an opportunity to identify Systemlevel commitments that align with institution-level priorities. For UNC Asheville, those priorities are rural enrollment, rural completions, undergraduate degree efficiency, achievement gap and critical workforces. Progress on these goals and metrics will be achieved through the hard work and commitment of institutional leaders, faculty, and staff and must be led by the Chancellor.
In June 2016, the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees approved a comprehensive strategic plan, which culminated an inclusive and participatory process that engaged over Together, the UNC System 500 stakeholders. This strategic plan and the Through the strategic plan is UNC Asheville’s UNC Asheville strategic plan plan, UNC Asheville clearly roadmap through 2021. establish a solid foundation to articulates its commitment Through the strategic make the greatest impact on plan, UNC Asheville clearly the community, region, and the to supporting diverse and articulates its commitment state of North Carolina. inclusive communities, making to supporting diverse and innovation a core competency, In just three years, the inclusive communities, making university has experienced and renewing attention innovation a core competency, a renaissance of creative toward sustainability. and renewing attention partnerships with the toward sustainability—all core community, including the values of the strategic plan Black Mountain College that were unanimously and Museum + Arts Center, The Center for Craft, Creativity enthusiastically approved by the Board of Trustees and & Design, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Mission Faculty Senate. The core values of diversity and inclusion, Health, Asheville City Schools, and regional community innovation, and sustainability permeate the university, colleges. UNC Asheville is now viewed as a center for and are supported by four strategic directions: academic creativity, innovation, and excellence in the public liberal rigor, student success, community engagement, and arts, bringing the community to campus for tours, lectures, organizational capacity. concerts, games, and important conversations. UNC In addition, the groundbreaking five-year strategic plan Asheville is Asheville’s university. adopted by the UNC System in January 2017 includes The university is dedicated to continuing to promote ambitious goals in access, student success, affordability and and expand educational opportunities and access to efficiency, economic impact and community engagement, UNC Asheville to all, particularly those communities that and institutional excellence and diversity. Recognizing have been traditionally underserved. Several community that the UNC System’s greatest strength lies in the distinct engagement initiatives across campus, including the missions of its universities, UNC System President Margaret UNC Asheville Office of Pre-College Outreach (PCO), offers Spellings and Chancellor Grant signed a performance a wide-range of outreach activities and services available agreement in November 2017 that outlines the contributions to schools, communities, and other partners. Research, UNC Asheville aspires to make to the UNC System strategic scholarship, and expertise, along with the university’s
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY
commitment to heightening the importance of social and civic responsibility among the university’s faculty, staff, and students, helps to fuel engaged inquiry in an evolving and increasingly complex global society. UNC Asheville is committed to advancing its mission to seek and serve North Carolina’s most promising students, regardless of need, and facilitating their path to graduation as a strategic priority. In 2016, UNC Asheville was ranked No. 1 for “Making an Impact,” by The Princeton Review, recognizing schools with the best community service opportunities, student governments, sustainability, and on-campus student engagement. UNC Asheville continues to earn high marks for value and academic excellence, garnering an annual Top 10 place on the Best Public Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, The Fiske Guide to Colleges once again named UNC Asheville a “Best Buy,” and is also featured in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 375 Green Colleges: 2017 Edition for its commitment to sustainability.
Bulldog Athletics competes in 16 NCAA Division 1 sports and is a member of the Big South Conference. The Chancellor is responsible for the ultimate institutional control of, and responsibility for, Athletics Department Operations, fiscal integrity, and personnel administration. Over 200 studentathletes at UNC Asheville draw a crowd of supporters, from the fans who cheer them on, to the coaches and staff who push them in practice, to the donors who contribute to their scholarships. This team effort supports our student-athletes as they become champions in athletics, scholars in the classroom, and leaders in life when they graduate. UNC Asheville scholars succeed in academics and athletics. Seventy percent of student-athletes made the Dean’s or Chancellor’s lists in 2016, and the Bulldogs scored big on the basketball court, winning three Big South Conference championships in two years. UNC Asheville is home to 16 NCAA Division 1 sports including a women’s golf team that was established in 2016.
The launch of UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio at the RAMP in the vibrant River Arts District exemplifies how a liberal arts curriculum drives innovation, bringing together the next generation of scientists, makers, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY
In the last three years, UNC Asheville secured millions in grant funding for the arts and sciences, from launching the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation scholars in chemistry and biology to securing funding for the Center for Creative Entrepreneurship through the Windgate Foundation in partnership with the Center for Craft, Creativity & Design. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation recognized the university’s expanded work in community engagement through a $700,000 grant for an arts and educational alliance focused on public humanities, which further connects UNC Asheville’s expertise to the city of Asheville. From increasing connectivity through technological advances to encouraging collaboration vital to interdisciplinary innovations, the university is continuing to maintain momentum. The launch of UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio at the RAMP in the vibrant River Arts District exemplifies how a liberal arts curriculum drives innovation, bringing together the next generation of scientists, makers, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs. As students’ learning opportunities continue to expand, so does the campus. Several construction projects are underway including UNC Asheville’s first apartment-style student residences, renovations to the Highsmith Student Union, and renovations to two academic buildings — Owen and Carmichael Halls. These projects represent $67 million in campus construction and renovations, including $21.1 million funded through Connect NC bonds. UNC Asheville has also secured off-campus properties that have expanded its physical presence to Downtown Asheville and the River Arts District. It is clear that UNC Asheville is an engine of regional and economic growth within western North Carolina. While it is impossible to put a value on the cultural impact of the institution, the students and wide scope of events held on campus reinforce the critical role the university plays in the creative economy. UNC Asheville’s regional impact is multifaceted, vibrant, sustainable, and diverse, further solidifying its status as the academic, cultural, economic, and social hub of the region. The university is an important driver of Asheville’s creative economy, raising local economic output by $450 million according to the UNC Asheville Economic Impact report for the fiscal year 2016-2017. Through its faculty, students, staff, and facilities, UNC Asheville serves as a comprehensive and dynamic academic, cultural, economic and social center of the Asheville region. In 2017, Moody’s Investors Service assigned an A1 rating to UNC Asheville proposed $44 million of General Revenue Bonds, Series 2017. The rating favorably incorporates the institution’s generous financial support from the State of North Carolina (Aaa stable), which provides for continued operating stability.
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
#1 Nationally for “Best Schools for Making an Impact” The Princeton Review, 2016
#7 Public Liberal Arts University U.S. News and World Report
A “Best Buy” The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2018
OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY
The favorable location, low-cost pricing, and market niche as the UNC system’s public liberal arts university contribute to maintenance of student demand. The stable outlook reflects expectations that the university will maintain balanced operations while improving to near double digit cash flow margins to accommodate the incremental debt service from the 2017 bonds. It also reflects expectations of no material increase in financial leverage, continued state funding growth, and, at minimum, maintenance of liquidity at FY 2016 levels. UNC Asheville’s next Chancellor will have the opportunity to lead a nationally-recognized, dynamic, conscientious, and engaged university toward future successes aligned with the core values of the strategic plan, continue to work closely with dedicated faculty and staff, further strengthen and broaden extensive community engagement initiatives, and reside in one of the nation’s most attractive settings.
#1
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Beautiful Asheville, North Carolina is nestled in the breathtaking and inspirational Blue Ridge Mountains. Sitting at an elevation of 2,200 feet, Asheville experiences amazing sunsets and fabulous temperate weather. Architectural beauty, a vast landscape, and vibrant culture provide the backdrop to a diverse and welcoming city. The accolades abound for Asheville. In 2017 alone, Asheville was named Lonely Planet’s #1 “Best in the U.S. Destination for 2017,” Condé Nast Traveler named Asheville as one of The Best Small Cities in the U.S., Asheville was recognized as one of Travel + Leisure’s “Top 15 Cities in the United States,” and U.S. News & World Report named Asheville #3 on its “Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA” and #20 on its “Best Places to Visit in the USA” rankings. The climate, surroundings, and creativity are an irresistible draw for outdoor adventurers, food connoisseurs, art enthusiasts, and an eclectic mix of music lovers, and health and wellness practitioners. Find more information at www.ExploreAsheville.com.
#3
“Best in the U.S. Travel 2017 Destination”
“Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA”
Lonely Planet
U.S. News & World Report
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
#9
“Best Cities in the U.S.” Travel + Leisure
ROLE OF THE CHANCELLOR
ROLE OF THE CHANCELLOR: OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP The Chancellor of UNC Asheville is the chief executive officer of the institution. They are responsible for all operations of the university, including overall leadership and management of the institution, its academic enterprise, NCAA Division I athletics programs, fundraising, development of budgets, and allocation of resources. Beyond the management of a complex academic enterprise, the next Chancellor of UNC Asheville will be encouraged to place emphasis on several priority imperatives that will continue to strengthen the university and add value to its students, faculty, staff and community. The Chancellor reports directly to UNC System President Margaret Spellings and operates in accordance with policies and procedures established by the UNC Board of Governors and the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees in pursuit of strategic initiatives that further strengthen the university and the community. QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS The eighth Chancellor of UNC Asheville must be a trusted leader who is a creative thinker; a clear and inspiring communicator with the ability to convey an unrelenting enthusiasm and skill for telling UNC Asheville’s story;
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THE CHANCELLOR’S PRINCIPAL DUTIES ARE TO: ■■ Lead an institution with a truly distinctive identity as one of the
nation’s leading public liberal arts universities; ■■ Articulate the mission and core values of UNC Asheville; ■■ Work closely and collaboratively with the UNC President, Board
of Governors, and UNC Asheville Board of Trustees in regularly reviewing and refining strategies for continued success; ■■ Personally oversee the implementation and outcomes of a
thoughtful and comprehensive strategic plan that will continue to build the university’s mission, relevance and resources; ■■ Serve as a passionate advocate to enhance the university’s
resources, reputation, and quality; ■■ Lead effective efforts to raise funds from individual donors, private
and nonprofit sources, government grants, corporations and foundations. The Chancellor’s principal role is to facilitate this process by ensuring that donors recognize the significance of their potential gift and how the gift will help UNC Asheville accomplish its goals; ■■ Lead faculty, staff, and administrators to pursue focused goals in a
clear, purposeful way, including those that address student needs, initiatives in teaching, aspirations in academic scholarship and research, programs of service and leadership, and the enhancement of faculty and staff; ■■ Establish and maintain contact with relevant national, state, and
local government officials and community and civic leaders to advocate for UNC Asheville and the unique requirements of a small, public liberal arts institution. Extend invitations and facilitate opportunities for these officials to attend campus activities and functions and engage with students, faculty, and administrators.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
ROLE OF THE CHANCELLOR
an individual who possesses an entrepreneurial spirit; bold, forthright, adaptable; and who values relationships with all university constituents. The selected incumbent must be able to effectively communicate to and work with UNC Asheville’s Board of Trustees and the UNC Board of Governors to advocate for and promote the institution’s and the System’s strategic goals and priorities. The university is seeking a leader with demonstrated knowledge of board governance and relations in a complex and highly regulated institutional setting.
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The Chancellor will be a strategic and visionary leader with a transparent, collaborative leadership style; a seasoned and responsible financial manager; successful fundraiser, and institutional advocate passionate about the public liberal arts. The UNC Asheville campus, community, and UNC System will be seeking candidates who ideally present most if not all of the following leadership attributes closely aligned with the university’s core values.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
core value
sustainability
Working knowledge of multi-level governance practices is essential. Experience and familiarity working with boards and how they operate would enable the new Chancellor to develop a collaborative partnership with UNC Asheville’s Board of Trustees and the UNC System President, both of which are fully committed to the success of the university and its Chancellor, and the UNC Board of Governors. Understanding and navigating the relationships, complexities, and expectations of being part of a university system is essential. STRATEGIC PLANNING
CORE VALUE: SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIC DIRECTION: ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS A Ph.D. or other terminal degree is preferred. In lieu of an appropriate terminal degree, candidates should have a demonstrated record of successful executive leadership and comparable credentials and/or experience sufficient to warrant the respect and complete confidence of the academic community. HIGHER EDUCATION ISSUES, ECONOMICS AND TRENDS The Chancellor should be fluent in the current and emerging topics in higher education, particularly those that are relevant to a public liberal arts university. This should include working knowledge of changing university financial models, enrollment trends (both student recruitment and retention), financial aid, intercollegiate athletics, and instructional delivery methods such as online learning. UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE The Chancellor should possess the ability to balance the strong executive leadership needed to ensure that decisions are made in a timely and fair manner with sensitivity to the culture of shared governance, tenure, and academic freedom at UNC Asheville. This includes seeking appropriate input for major decisions; consulting with faculty, staff, and students and encouraging their engagement in campus matters; and conveying a collaborative leadership style.
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UNC Asheville’s next Chancellor will have the opportunity to continue to bring the 2016-2021 strategic plan to life, and use the plan’s firm foundation as a platform to further advance the university’s reputation, relationships, and resources. The Chancellor will capitalize on the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the university’s constituents during the planning process to develop and execute specific steps designed to move this plan forward. The Chancellor will also lead an upcoming companion process to develop a Campus Master Plan that establishes a long-range vision for the physical use of land and facilities on campus. In view of the need to oversee the continued implementation of the strategic plan, the Chancellor should have experience leading— or significantly contributing to—the design and execution of enterprise strategic and/or master plans. FINANCIAL ACUMEN Experience in managing the financial and budgeting operations of a complex unit or enterprise is a prerequisite for this position. Prior fiscal management experience will provide the foundation for effectively managing all major business aspects of the university. Also valuable will be creative thinking and entrepreneurial skills, especially as they relate to identifying and implementing new revenues streams for the university. FUNDRAISING Raising resources is critical to the growth and progress of UNC Asheville’s mission, and the Chancellor assumes
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
a key role in this process. The Chancellor provides overall direction to the strategies to cultivate and raise necessary funds. The Chancellor will have demonstrated success, talent and an enthusiasm for fundraising, including the interpersonal and social skills—and a passion about UNC Asheville’s mission—to cultivate financial support and partnerships in the private sector. TEAM BUILDING The incoming Chancellor will inherit an extraordinarily cohesive, collaborative, and stable senior cabinet, as well as a dedicated and energetic corps of faculty and staff. To build on this, the new leader should present a successful track record of recruiting, developing, and retaining a high-
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students and alumni have been awarded Fulbright Scholarships
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performing leadership team and organizational culture. This should be accompanied by proven skills in setting expectations, delegating, and holding team members accountable for actions and results. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY In today’s world of rapid technological advances and applications, a working knowledge of the direction and possibilities of information technology is vitally important in steering advances and shaping communications at UNC Asheville. While this is primarily at an oversight level, knowledge of and experience with technology and use of social media applications and trends will be highly beneficial.
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graduates volunteered in 2016 in the Peace Corps, coming in at No. 11 on the list for small schools
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
250+
students complete an internship for credit each year
QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
core value
sustainability
CORE VALUE: SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIC DIRECTION: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT UNC Asheville must constantly be sensitive to its community presence and image, and the Chancellor must have a prominent level of involvement and visibility in the area. They must be an active and influential leader of the Asheville community, and meaningfully impact the region’s quality of life. As a leading employer, the university plays an important role in the economic and community development of the region. The Chancellor must serve as UNC Asheville’s champion in outreach and advocacy, personally engaging the appropriate community organizations and causes including strengthening
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partnerships with area school districts and other institutions of education, the business community, and local and regional residents. Experience in community, organization, or nonprofit boards would be indicators that the new Chancellor would continue such initiatives in this position. ADVOCACY As a public institution, UNC Asheville is impacted by the perception of its external stakeholders on the university’s value in the local region and state of North Carolina. UNC Asheville’s Chancellor must possess the political acumen to position the university effectively and positively, clearly articulating the distinctive value of a liberal arts education to political, business, and civic leaders by personally interacting and building relationships with local, regional, and state elected officials to further their appreciation for the value that UNC Asheville provides to the citizens of the Asheville region and North Carolina. VISIBILITY AND APPROACHABILITY A willingness and interest in regularly being “out and about” through attendance at campus academic, cultural, and athletic events, with an additional investment of time spent externally in the Asheville community. The ability to encourage and accept insights, feedback, different perspectives, suggestions, and constructive criticism from a myriad of UNC Asheville stakeholders.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
core value
diversity & inclusion
CORE VALUE: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGIC DIRECTION: STUDENT SUCCESS STUDENT-CENTRIC FOCUS Commitment to an environment in which teaching and student success are the top priorities, supported with strong research and scholarship. Dedication to keeping students at the center of the UNC Asheville’s programs and operations, with their academic, co-curricular and holistic development being the ultimate goal. Ensure that the university presents high-quality academic offerings aimed at the achievement, success, and career readiness of all of its students. UPHOLDING OUR SHARED VALUES A collaborative leader who exhibits and embodies integrity, leadership development, support of scholarship, and enthusiasm. A leader who values participating in a campus community that honors tradition, embraces intelligent growth, and reflects its collegiality, respect, mutual support, and warmth. A demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, and the ability to articulate a strong basis for their importance to effective learning at UNC Asheville. Also, a leader who encourages thoughtful activism on campus as a hallmark of an active and vibrant university community. A leader who has the courage and conviction to make the necessary decisions in a compassionate way to ensure UNC Asheville’s long-term success.
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
fully with our communities. The Chancellor will recognize that innovative partnerships strengthen the institution’s ability to fulfil its mission and contribute to student success. core value
innovation
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT The Chancellor will embrace innovative approaches to organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages new ways of assessing problems and opportunities, and a willingness to foster and inspire change in organizations, practices, and culture. DRIVE FOR RESULTS
CORE VALUE: INNOVATION PROGRESSIVE THINKING AND BEHAVIOR In today’s evolving and competitive higher education environment, successful institutions make innovation a core competency. The next Chancellor of UNC Asheville will recognize the campus community’s commitment to innovation requires openness to change and a willingness to do things differently. They will drive thoughtful, intentional change that will help enhance the university’s educational program, enrich the student experience, and engage more
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UNC Asheville’s new Chancellor will help develop creative new policies, procedures, and practices that save time and money, and lead to positive, measureable outcomes that have a major impact on the entire institution. They will set high goals for personal and group accomplishment; using metrics to monitor progress toward goal attainment; tenaciously working to meet or exceed those goals while deriving satisfaction from the process of goal achievement and continuous improvement. This will be especially important as a portion of UNC Asheville’s annual state appropriation is based on specific performance outcomes.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
CHANCELLOR SELECTION PROCESS
CHANCELLOR SELECTION PROCESS Witt/Kieffer is assisting the University of North Carolina System and UNC Asheville in this search. The Chancellor selection process is governed by the University of North Carolina and overseen by the Office of the President. The Search Committee is appointed by the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees and comprises more than 20 stakeholders from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community. The Search Committee is accountable for overseeing the recruitment of candidates, performing initial candidate screening and assessment, and ultimately recommending three unranked finalists to the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees, who will recommend a slate of three candidates to the UNC President. The UNC President will then interview finalists and submit a recommendation to the UNC Board of Governors who will ultimately appoint the new Chancellor for UNC Asheville. All of the deliberations of the committee and the Board of Trustees are conducted with full confidentiality for candidates. Review of candidates will begin in mid-February 2018. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by February 19, 2018. Application materials should include a letter of intent addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements, a current c.v./resume, and contact information for at least five references (references will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate).
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Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to: John K. Thornburgh, Khalilah Lawson and Robert M Smith, Ph.D. by email at
[email protected]. Questions may be directed to John Thornburgh at 412-209-2666 or Khalilah Lawson at 630-575-6915. UNC ASHEVILLE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY UNC Asheville is committed to equality and diversity of experiences for our students, applicants and employees. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of socioeconomic status, gender expression, gender and sexual identity, culture, and ideological beliefs. UNC Asheville is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will not discriminate against applicants and employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other legally protected status with respect to all terms, conditions, and privileges of university-sponsored activities, employment, and the use of university facilities. The material presented in this position specification should be relied on for informational purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled, or quoted in part from UNC Asheville documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. Naturally, while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OVERVIEW OF UNC ASHEVILLE
AS THE ONLY DESIGNATED LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM, UNC ASHEVILLE PROVIDES A DISTINCTIVE INTELLECTUAL UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE THAT IS FEATURED ROUTINELY IN EVERY MAJOR COLLEGE RANKING FOR ACADEMIC QUALITY, VALUE, STUDENT ACCESS TO FACULTY AND QUALITY OF LIFE BOTH ON CAMPUS AND IN THE CITY OF ASHEVILLE. UNC Asheville offers an intellectually rigorous education that builds critical thinking and workforce skills to last a lifetime. Award-winning faculty lead small classes, engage students in a nationally acclaimed undergraduate research program, and foster a community of interdisciplinary learning that extends beyond campus into the vibrant City of Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Through special events
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Average Class Size
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and mission-driven campus organizations, the university welcomes the community to take part in unique learning experiences and resources. Internships, service learning, and study abroad opportunities enrich the core liberal arts curriculum, and a wide array of co-curricular activities encourage students to find practical applications for their education. UNC Asheville elevates the concept of creativity beyond its traditional association with the arts, inspiring students, faculty and staff to make creative thinking an inherent part of the academic experience. Economic, social, and environmental sustainability extend beyond classroom discussions—they are integrated into the strategic plan and into the construction and operation of new and renovated buildings.
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OVERVIEW OF UNC ASHEVILLE
THE HISTORY OF UNC ASHEVILLE AND TODAY’S PUBLIC LIBERAL ARTS Celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year, UNC Asheville was founded in 1927 as Buncombe County Junior College. The institution underwent several name changes, mergers, and moves before relocating in 1961 to its present 394-acre campus in north Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. The university joined the statewide UNC system in 1969, becoming the University of North Carolina at Asheville and the only designated public liberal arts institution in the state. Today, UNC Asheville enrolls about 3,700 students and offers more than 30 majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts,
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Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees as well as a Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree. The most popular majors by degrees awarded are Psychology, English, Mass Communications, Management, Biology, Engineering, Environmental Studies, and Health and Wellness Promotion. UNC Asheville has received numerous program accreditations including from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Engineering, one of the university’s fastest growing majors, is among an elite few ABET-accredited (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) Mechatronics programs in the country. In addition, the UNC Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy hosts a satellite doctoral program on UNC Asheville’s campus.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OVERVIEW OF UNC ASHEVILLE
FACULTY AND STUDENT EXPERIENCE UNC Asheville’s clear educational advantages include deeply committed faculty who interact closely with students in an uncommonly supportive campus community. The university makes excellence in teaching its first priority, while valuing faculty scholarship and service as integral to the quality of the rigorous and interdisciplinary educational program. A total of 782 full- and part-time faculty and staff ensure a close, personal learning environment where the average lecture has only 20 students, with 18 in the average lab. Approximately 86 percent of the full-time faculty members hold terminal degrees; individual faculty members have been widely recognized for their scholarship, publications, and creative accomplishments, as well as for their ability to attract educational grant support.
This intensely personal learning environment inspires wellprepared students to explore diverse interests in order to discover their full personal and intellectual potential. The average highschool weighted GPA of the 2016 incoming first-time freshman class was 4.1, and they boast the third highest combined average SAT score of any UNC institution at 1147. The student body (57 percent women and 43 percent men), is largely from North Carolina (89 percent), as required by North Carolina statute, which limits out-of-state students to 18 percent. Out-of-state students are drawn from 37 states and territories and 29 countries. Since 1973, 45 Fulbright Scholarships have been awarded to UNC Asheville students and alumni. Within one year of graduation, 80.3 percent of UNC Asheville students are employed. Approximately half of UNC Asheville alumni
55+
Countries for Study Abroad Programs
60%
Students participate in Undergraduate Research
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OVERVIEW OF UNC ASHEVILLE
(48.8 percent) apply to graduate or professional school, with a 95 percent acceptance rate. Over 200 student-athletes excel in the game and in the classroom, with more than 60 percent earning Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll recognition annually. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND EDUCATIONAL QUALITY Year after year UNC Asheville is recognized for its academic excellence, value, affordability, and notable programs by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, The Fiske Guide to Colleges, and more. In 2012, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges reaffirmed UNC Asheville’s accreditation for a term of 10 years. As a part of a multi-year process of reaccreditation, UNC Asheville developed a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) called Inquiry ARC, which focuses on active learning experiences that will enhance students’ critical thinking skills. The SACS Commission on Colleges is a regional accrediting body for degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. COMMUNITY IMPACT Just as UNC Asheville challenges students to pursue active engagement with the world, the university maintains an active partnership with the Greater Asheville community in important areas such as health and wellness, climate and technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership efforts. Its many affiliated centers, partnerships and initiatives offer resources to the community, ranging from the North Carolina Center for Health & Wellness to the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center. The nationally acclaimed Osher Lifelong Learning Center at UNC Asheville offers resources for an active and creative retirement, and the university houses the Family Business Forum and Leadership Asheville. UNC Asheville has, for decades, furnished North Carolina’s economy with highly accomplished thinkers, negotiators, planners, collaborators, and problem-solvers of today and tomorrow.
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Campus Community Member Volunteer Hours With a commitment to inspire, innovate and engage in the community, in FY 2016-2017 alone, UNC Asheville faculty, staff, students, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) members contributed over 100,000 volunteer hours annually. While this is not measured for local economic impact, it represents significant civic engagement.
KEY CENTER
11,426
ALL EMPLOYEES
871
ATHLETICS 2,500 OLLI
94,500
TOTAL 109,297
Other community partnerships include: ■■ Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center ■■ The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design ■■ Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians ■■ Mission Health ■■ Asheville City Schools ■■ Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
UNC ASHEVILLE’S STRATEGIC PLAN
VISION
CORE VALUES
UNC Asheville students, within a diverse and inclusive community, experience liberal arts education at its best.
UNC Asheville is committed to living the core values of diversity and inclusion, innovation, and sustainability, and ensuring that they permeate everything that the university does. Meeting these commitments requires an openness to change, creative and innovative approaches to programmatic growth, and a sustained focus on education including diverse ideas, as well as sufficient operating resources and support systems, incentives, and accountability measures.
MISSION The University of North Carolina at Asheville is the state of North Carolina’s designated public liberal arts university and one of the 17 excellent, diverse, and accessible institutions of the UNC System. UNC Asheville’s liberal arts curriculum and approach to teaching and learning emphasize critical thinking, clear and thoughtful expression, undergraduate research, community engagement, and free and open inquiry. Through small class sizes, close collaboration, and high-impact experiences, we are preparing the next generation of leaders and productive citizens to serve North Carolina and the nation. STRATEGIC PLAN UNC Asheville’s strategic plan arises from a commitment to our mission as a public liberal arts institution, distinct in the state of North Carolina and as national leaders, as one of the founding members and headquarters of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. As one of 17 institutions in the UNC System, our plan draws from statewide priorities of access, affordability and efficiency, student success, economic impact, and excellent and diverse institutions. Through this plan, UNC Asheville will continue to press forward as a nationally recognized center of creativity, innovation, and excellence in the public liberal arts.
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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION We must continue to foster a deep commitment to supporting diverse communities and appropriately encouraging frank and honest conversation. Our commitment leads us to envision a future where all UNC Asheville students, faculty, and staff know they belong regardless of their race and ethnicity, age, religion, disability, socio-economic status, gender expression, gender and sexual identity, national origin, culture, and ideological beliefs. UNC Asheville’s commitment includes ensuring that our curriculum and programs reflect the diversity of the world and our community; that our education embraces inclusive teaching and learning styles; that ongoing efforts are made to create a multicultural environment throughout the campus; that we include diverse perspectives in all conversations concerning the advancement of the university and our society; and that our recruitment, hiring and administrative practices place high value on all aspects of diverse identities.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
UNC ASHEVILLE’S STRATEGIC PLAN
INNOVATION In today’s evolving and competitive higher education environment, successful institutions make innovation a core competency. UNC Asheville recognizes that a commitment to innovation requires openness to change and a willingness to do things differently. Innovation enriches the quality of education and strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission. Innovation drives thoughtful, intentional change that will help us enhance our educational programs, enrich the student experience, and engage more fully with our communities. Innovative partnerships strengthen our ability to fulfill our mission and contribute to student success. Innovative approaches to organization also lead to increased operational efficiency and effectiveness. Developing creative new policies, procedures, and practices that save time and money and lead to positive, measurable outcomes can have a major impact on the entire institution. SUSTAINABILITY We must continue our commitment to sustainability and support of the natural environment, human communities, and the financial health of the institution.
Our commitment to sustainability includes building and strengthening alliances on campus and beyond by encouraging active participation with community organizations and partners, promoting enduring alumni engagement, and facilitating inclusive discussions about a sustainable future. We must sustain affordable higher education and continue to identify new sources of support while also operating effectively and efficiently. We educate students about all dimensions of sustainability by integrating environmental literacy throughout the curriculum and by modeling sustainable campus practices. We will continue to build our students’ capacities to strengthen the health and resilience of our community and environment, at the local and global levels, by providing high quality instructional expertise and by supporting sustainability-related learning opportunities. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS Each core value extends into all we do at UNC Asheville, from the academic rigor at the heart of our education to the extracurricular experiences and community engagement that enrich modern scholars.
Green University of the Year WNC Chapter of the Sierra Club, 2016
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UNC ASHEVILLE’S STRATEGIC PLAN
To fulfill our mission and achieve our vision, UNC Asheville will focus on four interconnected strategic directions, each supported by specific strategies and actions to bring our plan to life. STRATEGIC DIRECTION 1: ACADEMIC RIGOR Provide an academically rigorous, transformative public liberal arts education that has at its core a diverse curriculum, innovative delivery methods, and high-impact programs that prepare students for a rapidly changing global society. STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2: STUDENT SUCCESS Offer an increasingly diverse student body a rich and comprehensive experience that integrates academic and co-curricular activities and prepares graduates for productive and engaged lives in a continuously evolving society. STRATEGIC DIRECTION 3: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Strengthen UNC Asheville’s impact on the community through civic and cultural engagement, sustained partnerships, and a focus on economic vibrancy. STRATEGIC DIRECTION 4: ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY Guided by our core values of diversity, innovation, and sustainability, continuously improve our organizational capacity and position UNC Asheville to thrive in an increasingly competitive higher education environment. As North Carolina’s public liberal arts university, our mission is strong and clear. This plan secures our foundation, builds on the good work of our predecessors and is our road map to the future. The strategies developed in the strategic plan serve as a starting point. To bring this plan to life, specific action areas and plans will be required across the institution and additional action areas will be developed as the plan is implemented. More information about the Strategic Plan and its benchmark data can be found at strategicplan.unca.edu.
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UNC ASHEVILLE’S STRATEGIC PLAN
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN UNC Asheville’s recently completed Strategic Plan—Inspire, Innovate, Engage—outlines a set of core values, strategic directions, and strategies for the university to achieve its mission and to “provide our students with the highest quality public liberal arts education that enables them to lead productive and fully engaged lives.” Strategic Direction 4: Organizational Capacity of the plan calls for the university to: “Create a master plan that takes into account future programmatic needs, evolving student requirements, university and community partnerships, athletics, and the dynamic technological environment.” As a result, the university has established an 18-member Master Planning Steering Committee that will be co-chaired by Dr. Jill Moffitt, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Dr. Brian Butler, Thomas Howerton Distinguished Professor of Humanities and member of the Department of Philosophy. The membership of the committee will be broadbased and includes representatives from the faculty, student government, the Chancellor’s Staff Advisory Committee, Admissions, the Office of the Deans, Administration and Finance, the Chancellor’s Senior Staff, and UNC Asheville’s
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Board of Trustees and Foundation Board. The Master Planning Steering Committee will convene in January 2018 and immediately begin working to craft a request for proposals for an external design consultant to help facilitate the planning process and creation of the plan. The Committee will also initiate a “homework” exercise for the campus community to engage in while the consultant is being selected. The product of this homework is intended to bring together a collective thinking of the campus about where we are and how, as a community, we create an environment focused on teaching and learning that will then be shared with the external consultant and operationalized during the master planning process to develop a plan that will advance the strategic vision of the institution. The proposed timeline for master planning has the process formally starting in January 2018 and a final master plan being completed in May 2019. Taskforces that will complete the homework will be formed and begin their work in January 2018 and hopefully have information to share with the consultant and the Steering Committee by the end of the 2017-18 academic year. A first draft of the master plan is targeted for March 2019.
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OUR CAMPUS
THE OPERATIONAL BUDGET AND ENDOWMENTS The university has a total operating budget of $97 million. This amount comes from the following sources: 41 percent from state appropriations, 25 percent from tuition and fees, 18 percent from auxiliary sources, and 16 percent from gifts/grants/contracts and other sources. Total fundraising as of June 30, 2017 was $5.5 million. Gifts/contracts/grants totaled $15.48 million, which includes student financial aid grants of $8.42 million. The endowment value as of June 30, 2017, was $44.2 million, including both university and foundation funds. More information about the university’s finances can be found at http://www.ncauditor.net/ EPSWeb/Reports/Financial/FIN-2017-6055.pdf. GOVERNANCE UNC Asheville is a member of the University of North Carolina System, comprising 17 institutions across the state. The UNC Board of Governors is the policy-making body charged with “the general determination, control, supervision, management, and governance” of the University of North Carolina. It elects the president, who administers the University. Its 28 voting members are elected by the NC General Assembly for four-year terms. Each of the UNC campuses is headed by a chancellor who is chosen by the Board of Governors on the president’s nomination and is responsible to the president. Each university has a Board of Trustees consisting of eight members elected by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina, four are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the president of the Student
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
OUR CAMPUS
2017-18 average yearly cost In-state: $16,251 out-of-state : $32,974 (includes tuition, fees, housing, and dining services)
Government Association of the University of North Carolina at Asheville who serves ex officio. (The UNC School of the Arts has two additional ex officio members; and the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics has a 27-member board as required by law.) Each Board of Trustees holds extensive powers over academic and other operations of its campus on delegation from the Board of Governors. TUITION AND FEES With small classes, individual attention and rigorous academic experiences, UNC Asheville offers a nationally ranked curriculum for a fraction of the cost of comparable private universities. More than 68 percent of UNC Asheville students receive financial assistance. More than 70 percent
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of students’ financial aid needs are met through scholarships, grants, loans, and other benefits. Almost every major at UNC Asheville offers its own set of scholarships, and the university’s merit-based scholarships range from partial assistance up to full tuition and fees. The average yearly cost for in-state students is $16,251 and for out-of-state students the total is $32,974 including tuition, fees, housing, and dining services for 2017-18. UNC Asheville’s Board of Trustees develops and recommends the tuition and fees plan for the university. The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina system determines the tuition, as well as increases or decreases.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Board of Governors The University of North Carolina President The University of North Carolina
Board of Trustees
Chancellor
Affirmative Action Chief of Staff Communication & Marketing Community Engagement Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) Faculty Athletic Representative Special Assistant to the Chancellor
Academic Affairs
Office of the Deans Humanities Natural Sciences Social Sciences University Programs
––Academic Administration ––Academic Assessment
Administration & Finance ––Budget ––Bursar ––Business Services ––Campus Operations ––Controller ––Design & Construction
Athletics
––University Enterprises
Student Affairs
––Alumni Relations
––Intercultural Center/ Multicultural Student Programs
––Board and Council Relations
––Student Affairs Planning & Assessment ––Public Safety ––Student Life
––Human Resources
––Student Health & Counseling
––Academic Budgeting ––Admissions & Financial Aid
––Payroll ––Sustainability
––Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Planning ––Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) ––Ramsey Library ––School and Community Outreach Programs ––Sponsored Programs
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University Advancement
––Dean of Students
––Grants/Contracts ––Information Technology Services
––Asheville Graduate Center
General Counsel Internal Audit
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
––Community Enrichment Programs ––Operations and Administration ––Resource Development ––University Events
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
ACADEMIC PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
HUMANITIES PROGRAM
Several special initiatives enrich the UNC Asheville academic offerings and illustrate the vitality of the educational programs:
UNC Asheville’s Humanities Program will celebrate 55 years in 2018-19 and provides every undergraduate with a common academic experience from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The program’s four courses explore the human experience to establish a strong historical and cultural context within which students can refine and articulate their own values in a critical and informed manner.
LIBERAL ARTS CORE The Liberal Arts Core curriculum consists of the university’s academic hallmarks—the interdisciplinary approach, the Humanities Program, and intensive instruction in certain areas—while giving students flexibility in course selection so they can explore diverse topics and still graduate in four years. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH More than 60 percent of students complete original research in their field of study. The university’s nationally recognized Undergraduate Research Program supports research endeavors of student projects through funding research and travel to present their best work. Founded on the campus of UNC Asheville, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research celebrated its 30-year anniversary at the university in April 2016. NCUR 30 drew approximately 3,700 student scholars from 900 colleges, universities and associations, and marked the fifth time UNC Asheville hosted the national conference, which has grown tenfold in size since its founding. HONORS PROGRAM The Honors Program at UNC Asheville provides a rich curriculum for motivated students who seek to understand themselves and make a difference in the world. Together, students and faculty form a community of caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic scholars. Opportunities available to honors students include travel in the United States and abroad, meeting distinguished campus visitors, receiving tickets to concerts and cultural events, attending lectures and informal gatherings, and forging strong relationships with talented professors. Approximately 10 percent of students participate in the program, with the opportunity to graduate with Distinction as a University Scholar.
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STEM EDUCATION UNC Asheville boasts several strong programs in science, technology, engineering and math, including one of two accredited mechatronics programs in the nation. Chemistry graduates who apply to graduate schools, medical, veterinary or dentistry programs have had a 95 percent acceptance rate since 2001, and UNC Asheville graduates a higher percentage of math majors than any other UNC-system school. INQUIRY ARC UNC Asheville’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), Inquiry ARC, centers on improving critical thinking through activities of inquiry, application, reflection and communication. The concept began as part of the university’s SACS accreditation review in 2010, earning high praise from the committee. STUDY ABROAD AND STUDY AWAY Approximately 15 percent of the Class of 2017 participated in Study Abroad, taking advantage of learning opportunities in other countries while enrolled at UNC Asheville. Some programs last a year or a semester, and there are short-term options such as spring, winter or summer break programs that bring students to other regions of the country as well as abroad, through exchange, direct enrollment or faculty-led opportunities. SERVICE LEARNING The Adelaide Worth Daniels Key Center for Community Engaged Learning is the hub of service on campus and
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
works to connect students, faculty, staff and community partners in meaningful relationships. Students have the opportunity to participate in curricular offerings, days of service and alternative service experiences during university breaks. The Community Engaged Scholar honor is one of five academic recognitions given to graduating students at UNC Asheville. ACADEMIC AFFAIRS The Office of Academic Affairs provides support for faculty promotion and tenure by offering and advocating faculty development opportunities. Academic Affairs fosters faculty innovation, achievement and recognition for teaching, scholarship/ creative activity and service. Current work revolves around leadership for academic priorities; support for excellence in faculty teaching, scholarship/creative activity and service; and development and delivery of a student- centered curriculum that prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. THE CAMPUS EXPERIENCE UNC Asheville offers a lively campus community that is enriched by the attractions of the city and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Student clubs and organizations, and a vigorous Campus Recreation program provide diverse opportunities to expand horizons through personal growth, social interactions and environmental understanding. Honor and service societies, sororities and fraternities, drama and musical groups, a Student Environmental Center, nine club teams and 16 NCAA Division I teams, a strong Student Government Association, the student newspaper, and an arts journal are all part of the university’s co-curricular fabric. The area’s natural laboratories and recreational sites are used by UNC Asheville for both work and play. HIGHSMITH STUDENT UNION Highsmith Student Union, the university’s student engagement department, offers many programs, activities and services that provide the opportunity to get involved and connect with other students who have similar interests. Students have access to more than 60 student organizations; participate in leadership skills activities; coordinate service projects; attend programs that invite creative expression; plan educational seminars that provide multidimensional perspectives of the human condition; and become
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS actively engaged through leadership roles in Greek Life, Student Government Association and Underdog Productions.
memberships, ticket sales, game guarantees, special events and NCAA Funds.
THE ON-CAMPUS ADVANTAGE
CAMPUS RECREATION AND OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
Each residence hall at UNC Asheville provides a unique on-campus living experience, and 38 percent of students choose to live on campus. Numerous programs and activities are presented throughout the semester by the residential education staff. In addition, the Resident Student Association, together with the Hall Councils provide leadership and involvement opportunities—as well as programs and activities for all residential students. All firstyear students (including transfer and early college students) who are under 21 and have completed less than one full academic year of post-secondary education are required to live on campus. UNC Asheville’s first apartment-style student residences will be completed in fall 2018 and will increase on-campus living options by almost 300 beds.
The UNC Asheville Campus Recreation Department is built upon a foundation of programming excellence in intramural sports, fitness and wellness, outdoor recreation, aquatics and sport clubs.
BULLDOG ATHLETICS With over 200 student-athletes, UNC Asheville athletics is a perennial competitor in 16 NCAA Division I teams and competes as a member of the Big South Conference and Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association. In 2016 and 2017 the university earned national attention as both the men’s and women’s basketball teams earned Big South Championship titles. The Bulldogs have won 13 Big South regular season championships, 17 tournament championships, 10 post-season appearances, and one NAIA national championship. Annually more than 60 percent of UNC Asheville student-athletes earn Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll recognition. Last year, the Bulldogs had an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher and several teams received national recognition for NCAA Academic Progress Rates of 1,000. In addition, studentathletes, coaches and staff performed more than 2,000 hours of community service. North Carolina state funds cannot be used for athletics, so scholarships, operating budgets, salaries, and other program expenses are funded through private donations, corporate sponsorships, Bulldog Athletic Association
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CAMPUS FACILITIES AND ACREAGE The campus at UNC Asheville includes 35 campus buildings and residence halls and more than 14 outdoor spaces. Current and upcoming construction projects on campus include constructing apartment-style student residences, renovating two of the university’s oldest academic buildings, and expanding spaces for the student experience and community engagement. Other major building projects within the past decade have included the Whitesides Hall classroom building, Sam Millar Facilities Management Complex, the Zeis Science and Multimedia Building, and Lookout Observatory. Major renovations were made to Rhoades Hall in 2012, and the building is now LEED® Gold certified. Overlook Residence Hall, one of the “greenest” buildings on campus, has cutting-edge sustainability features including geothermal heating and cooling. These efforts, combined with countless others across campus, have earned the university repeated recognition as a model of sustainability among UNC institutions and across the state. STEAM Studio (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) opened in December 2016 and is located less than a mile from campus at the RAMP (River Arts Makers Place). This educational makerspace features state-of-the-art equipment for design and fabrication, facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between students, faculty and staff, and connects campus to the creative community of Asheville. UNC Asheville owns 46 acres of pristine land in northern Hendersonville as a result of an estate gift from the late Kathryn Arnold Kellogg. With 8,100 square feet in existing buildings on the Kellogg Center property, UNC Asheville’s
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Center for Craft, Creativity and Design was located on the premises prior to its relocation to downtown Asheville in 2013. CHANCELLOR’S RESIDENCE In 2010, the university opened the Janice W. Brumit Pisgah House, which serves as a location for university-sponsored events, meetings receptions and dinners, and also is the chancellor’s residence. The $2.9-million multi-purpose building, required of all UNC campuses, was funded by private donations. WILMA M. SHERRILL CENTER In 2011, UNC Asheville celebrated the dedication of the Wilma M. Sherrill Center, which houses academic and outreach programs focused on disease prevention and healthy living, as well as the 3,800-seat Kimmel Arena. This $41 million project was funded through a $35-million state appropriation in 2004 and an additional $6 million in private gifts and grants. It is the largest construction project ever undertaken at UNC Asheville.
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In 2016, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams won the Big South Championship
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LAND ACQUISITIONS UNC Asheville and the UNC Asheville Foundation have purchased several properties contiguous to the campus. The 10-acre Rhoades property, acquired in 2008, which was the first major gift/purchase of property for the campus since moving to its current location in 1961. The property now hosts a community garden and residence for the vice chancellor of student affairs, both of which are favorite gathering places for students. Other acquisitions have included 15-acres adjacent to campus on Broadway Avenue and Zillicoa Street which are being developed as part of the campus master planning process, in part to link campus and downtown through Asheville’s greenway system. In 2013, UNC Asheville acquired adjacent acreage and a health facility on W.T. Weaver Boulevard, which houses an expanded Student Health and Counseling Center and the offices for University Advancement and Alumni Relations.
92%
UNC Asheville Athletics’ graduation success rate
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE CHANCELLOR SEARCH
3.25
The combined GPA for UNC Asheville student-athletes in 2016-17
AFFILIATED CENTERS, INSTITUTES AND INITIATIVES
ASHEVILLE GRADUATE CENTER
CENTER FOR JEWISH STUDIES
The Asheville Graduate Center, established in 1984 on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, delivers graduate programs of constituent universities in the University of North Carolina system and other universities, as well as UNC Asheville’s Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences program. Degrees earned through the Asheville Graduate Center are conferred by the universities that bring programs to Asheville. Tuition charges are set by the home campus offering the degree program.
Established in 1982, the Center for Jewish Studies at UNC Asheville brings the people of the university and the larger community together intellectually, artistically and spiritually. Specifically, the CJS coordinates academic course offerings in Jewish Studies, hosts visiting scholars and performing artists, supports the activities of Jewish students at UNC Asheville, and assists with the development and maintenance of archival materials on Jewish life in Western North Carolina. The CJS celebrated its 35th anniversary in March 2017 with a series of special events and performances.
In addition to graduate programs, the Asheville Graduate Center offers professional and continuing education. Students can access test preparation classes for SAT, GRE, and LSAT; Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) and substitute teacher training; test proctoring services; Great Smokies Writing Program courses taught by some of the region’s finest writers, and more. Evening and weekend classes accommodate working professionals, offer scheduling flexibility, and are held in various UNC Asheville classroom buildings and distance learning facilities. CENTER FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP (CCE) The Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (CCE) is a partnership between UNC Asheville and the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design, and is located in The Hive AVL, a shared regional resource center in downtown Asheville. The new center will provide a space for students to have pre-professional experiences, taking concepts and designs from university makerspaces and connecting to professionals for mentoring and real-world support. CENTER FOR DIVERSITY EDUCATION The Center for Diversity Education at UNC Asheville offers exhibits, road shows, a lending library, and staff development opportunities, providing direct and in-direct programming to more than 20,000 students, teachers and citizens throughout Western North Carolina.
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CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING (CTL) The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) was founded as a result of a declaration by the UNC Board of Governors in 1993 that every state university “allocate a portion of its budget for faculty development,” targeting at least some of the funding “for the development of teachers and teaching.” The CTL helps faculty at all career stages reflect on their professional and personal life goals, and to investigate means of attaining these goals. Special emphasis is placed on the teaching, scholarship, service, and administrative dimensions of the academy. COUNCIL OF PUBLIC LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES (COPLAC) UNC Asheville is the headquarters for the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, a 30-member organization of statesupported liberal arts colleges that recognize the importance of liberal arts and sciences education for success in a complex global society. FAMILY BUSINESS FORUM The UNC Asheville Family Business Forum is a resource to help business owners maximize the overall well-being of their business and to transition successfully to the next generation. The Family Business Forum is the only ongoing professional development and awareness-raising environment specifically designed for family-owned and closely held businesses. Guided by its members and supported by its strategic partners the Family Business Forum presents programs and activities that are meaningful
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AFFILIATED CENTERS, INSTITUTES AND INITIATIVES
and relevant to the membership. The programs originate from member feedback, hot topics of the moment, and other scientific methods family businesses put to use. LEADERSHIP ASHEVILLE For more than 30 years, Leadership Asheville has developed, connected and mobilized citizens through intensive programs and events focused on community orientation and leadership development. As a part of UNC Asheville’s community outreach programs, the non-partisan organization works to make a difference in the region, where graduates continue to have an impact long after their program graduation. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MODELING AND ANALYSIS CENTER (NEMAC) UNC Asheville’s National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) conducts applied environmental research to create tools that address the challenges and opportunities of human interaction with the environment. NEMAC integrates data, creates visualizations, facilitates understanding, and provides decision support to address the issues that impact society. NORTH CAROLINA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS
living initiatives that contribute to the prevention of disease and overall well-being among all North Carolinians. NCCHW connects like-minded health and wellness providers, develops tools for assessing and verifying program outcomes, and fosters opportunities for applied research collaborations among university faculty and student researchers and community-based organizations. OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville (formerly the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement) is an award winning, internationally acclaimed learning community dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service, and research. OLLI embraces an unusually comprehensive array of programs in the arts and humanities, the natural world, civic engagement, wellness, life transition and retirement relocation planning, intergenerational co-learning, and research on trends in the reinvention of retirement. Of note is the influence of OLLI. It is well documented that the City of Asheville attracts retirees to the region. OLLI conservatively estimates that it attracts 100 new households a year as a result of their center’s activities. The economic impact of the center alone is around $7.6 million.
The North Carolina Center for Health & Wellness (NCCHW) is a state hub for the coordination and promotion of healthy
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ASHEVILLE AND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
UNC ASHEVILLE IS SITUATED IN ONE OF THE MOST VIBRANT CITIES IN THE SOUTHEAST IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND IS CONSISTENTLY RANKED AT OR NEAR THE TOP OF OUTSTANDING PLACES TO LIVE OR VISIT. WITH A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 250,000, BUNCOMBE COUNTY MAKES UP 57 PERCENT OF THE FOUR-COUNTY ASHEVILLE METRO AREA. IN THE COUNTY, 36 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION AGE 25 OR OLDER HELD EITHER A BACHELOR’S OR GRADUATE DEGREE, COMPARED TO 28.3 PERCENT FOR THE U.S. AS A WHOLE. Asheville offers a dynamic and exciting downtown, worldclass outdoor adventures, a thriving arts community and an array of eclectic dining opportunities. With its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forest areas, Asheville is known for its hiking, biking, paddling, camping and rock climbing opportunities. Cultural activities abound including theatre, concerts, independent bookstores, art and craft galleries and musical venues. Asheville is well known for its assortment of historic architectural styles including the nation’s largest private residence, The Biltmore Estate.
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Asheville’s prime location and the high quality of life make it attractive as a place where lifestyle complements business opportunity. The area has experienced consistent and steady growth guided by economic development organizations and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. With approximately 181,793 households in the four-county Asheville metro area, the 2015 median household income was estimated at $44,826 and median household income is projected to rise to at least $50,632 by 2018. Major employers cover a broad range of business activities, adding to economic diversity. Asheville metro is a $15 billion economy and cultivates specialization in manufacturing, health services, arts, education and tourism-related enterprises. Find out more by visiting the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce or the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau. For accolades and media praise visit http://www. exploreasheville.com/press-room/press-kit/accolades-andmedia-praise/ and http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/ why-food-lovers-are-loving-asheville.
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