Seventy-five members of the University staff attended the chancellor search

forum Wednesday, voicing concerns about the qualities they wish to see in

the next chancellor. Integrity, support of diversity, long-term vision

and accessibility were some of the key attributes discussed by staff members. 

Steve Carlton, Staff Senate Chairperson and the staff representative on

the Chancellor Search Committee, said the Search Committee has identified

three main qualities they will be looking for while conducting interviews.

“The next chancellor needs to understand and utilize the value of North

Carolina State University to the state of North Carolina,” said Carlton.

“We will also be looking for a person that displays honesty and integrity

and will use transparency in his or her work. The students, faculty and

staff of the University need to be informed of what is going on at the top

level.”

At the staff forum, the Chancellor Search Committee heard many other

concerns. Making the campus more environmentally sustainable for the

future was important to many staff members. Others hoped that the new chancellor

would place an emphasis on supporting diversity in the classroom and

workplace.  Collaboration, research and community

involvement were all issues discussed. Other University staff said they

desired a chancellor with management and budgeting skills,

resourcefulness and the ability to think and act quickly.

Eileen Marin, Assistant Director of Student Government Advising, advised

the committee to search for a candidate who was “student-centered, a

person who recognizes the importance of student experiences outside of the

classroom.”

Cody Williams, the Assistant Director of Marketing and Business

Relations, had many qualities he looked for in the next leader of the

University. “The chancellor needs to be accessible and visible,”

Williams said. “He or she needs to schedule time to talk to faculty, staff and

students, and preferably come from a diverse background of experiences.”

Many staff members were not able to attend the forum. Kathy Wallace, a

campus pharmacist, said she would not be able to get away from her work to

come.

“The pharmacy, as well as most of the University’s medical service

facilities, is understaffed,” said Wallace. Both Wallace and pharmacist

Teri Luehrs said the top quality they are looking for in the next

chancellor is honesty. “The University’s reputation went down this

summer,” said Luehrs. “The new chancellor needs to raise the morale of

students, faculty and staff.  He or she needs to be a person of good

character.”

Carlton said he expects many people affiliated with the University will

share similar concerns, but that the Chancellor Search Committee is always

open to new ideas. He advises any staff members who could not attend the

forum but want to give recommendations to the committee to visit the

Chancellor Search Web site or email him at [email protected].