Spellings Challenges UNC To Do More Than Educate Elites | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: The author of this post is Kari Travis, who is Associate Editor for the Carolina Journal, John Hood Publisher.

At retreat, incoming system president says higher ed must improve learning for disadvantaged students

    GREENSBORO - Making higher education more affordable while enhancing accountability to North Carolina taxpayers highlighted remarks UNC President-Elect Margaret Spellings gave to the university's Board of Governors at a Feb. 12 retreat.

    During her presentation, the former U.S. secretary of education for the George W. Bush administration pledged to expand diversity across UNC's campuses.

    "Historically in our country we've done a pretty good job of educating elites, and we still do," Spellings said. "It's simply not enough. In the global knowledge economy, we are required to help more people, particularly people of color and those from first-generation and low-income backgrounds, to achieve at much higher levels. We've not done this well in the past, and we continue to fall short now."

    Spellings also turned emotional while discussing the intense faculty and student protests that were sparked by her hiring.

    "I must say that after spending most of my career in service to the public, working on behalf of all students and with people of all points of view, I've been surprised at the intensity of the reaction," Spellings said while holding back tears.

    Protesters have accused Spellings of supporting "corporatization" of higher education, calling for her immediate firing. A group of student activists disrupted the board's most recent meeting, occupying seats at the board table, chanting, cursing, and even resisting police.

    Despite the chilly welcome, Spellings says she is up to the challenge of building bridges with those who are against her.

    "I look forward to meeting with, talking to, and learning from those who have questions about my record and my intentions," she said. "When you get to know me, you'll see that I am driven to provide education and opportunity for all."

    Spellings will spend her first few months as president visiting every campus in the system to meet with students and faculty members of all viewpoints.

    "I've got a lot of listening and learning to do," she said.

    The Board of Governors will meet again March 4 at the Fayetteville State University campus, where Spellings will preside officially for the first time.