Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Since we last spoke, we've weathered another round of winter precipitation. And thanks to Punxsutawney Phil, it looks like we're in for another six weeks of winter. We will wait patiently for spring, and I will spend time practicing my putting. In other news...
- With the announced retirement of Judy Rose at the conclusion of this academic year, we are actively searching for the next Athletics Director. This search is a very important one, so we have retained a firm to help us find the right person for the job. We are moving forward at an accelerated pace to fill what will be some pretty big shoes. The consultant leading our search will be on campus this week talking with key stakeholders and mapping out a plan for a speedy and successful search.
- Part of my time next week will be spent in Chapel Hill in meetings with UNC System President Margaret Spellings and the chancellors of the 16 other institutions in the UNC System. The President has been exceptionally interested in securing input from the chancellors on current issues affecting the UNC System, and we appreciate the opportunity to be heard.
- Next Wednesday (Feb. 14) we'll be dedicating the Sue M. Daughtridge Softball Stadium. I'm looking forward to a great 2018 softball and baseball season whenever Punxsutawney Phil allows the grass to grow.
- On Monday, Feb. 19, Student Body President Tracey Allsbook and I will be meeting with students in an open forum in the Popp Martin Student Union (Room 200) at 11:30 a.m. We'll have refreshments on hand and will look forward to sharing dialogue on issues that are important to our student body. I had an opportunity on Feb. 1 to meet with the Student Government Association to brief them on current issues and to answer their questions.
- Over the next two weeks, UNC Charlotte will celebrate the lives of three gentlemen whose dedicated leadership helped shape UNC Charlotte. Retired faculty member and founding director of the Charlotte Visualization Center Bill Ribarsky will be celebrated in a memorial service next weekend. A few days later, we'll honor former executive-in-residence Dennis Rash with a celebration at Center City, which includes the dedication of a bench installed in his memory. And then a memorial service will be held the following weekend for former coach, athletics director and Kinesiology Department chair Harvey Murphy, whose career at UNC Charlotte spanned more than three decades. All three were visionaries, all leave an amazing legacy, and all were cherished colleagues and friends.
Go Niners!
Phil Dubois, Chancellor