>> QUALITY PUBLIC TELEVISION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF VIEWERS LIKE YOU WHO INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM IN SUPPORTING PBSNC.

[PIANO INTRO] [STATELY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] ♪ >> CHAIR: ALL RIGHT, GOOD MORNING.

BEFORE WE BEGIN THE BUSINESS FOR TODAY, I WANT TO PRESENT OUR EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT AND LET YOU KNOW WE WON'T BE MEETING IN DECEMBER.

WE ARE ALSO FINALIZING THE '26-'27 MEETING SCHEDULE AND WE'LL SHARE IT IN THE COMING DAYS.

I'LL NOW CALL ON MR.

HOLTON TO GIVE THE INVOCATION.

>> LET US PRAY.

GRACIOUS GOD, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT UNIVERSITY AND THE PRIVILEGE WE SHARE ON THIS BOARD TO CONTRIBUTE.

IN THIS MOMENT OF SHARED PURPOSES, REMIND US THAT WE GATHER AS STEWARDS OF A PUBLIC TRUST, A UNIVERSITY THAT BELONGS NOT JUST TO US ALONE BUT TO THE STUDENTS THAT ARRIVE WITH HOPES, AMBITIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES.

TO THE FACULTY WHO PUSH OUR STUDENTS EVERYDAY.

TO THE STAFF THAT KEEP THE ENGINES OF LEARNING RUNNING AND TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE THAT INVEST IN OUR WORK.

ENABLE US TO SPEAK WITH CLARITY, LISTEN WITH RESPECT AND DECIDE WITH COURAGE.

LET WISDOM GUIDE OUR DELIBERATIONS, LET INTEGRITY ANCHOR OUR CHOICES AND LET THE PUBLIC GOOD REMAIN OUR NORTH STAR.

OH, GOD, PLEASE CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR GREAT UNIVERSITY.

AMEN.

>> SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD, WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL?

>> SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD: GOOD MORNING.

[CALLING ROLL ] >> MR.

BRADLEY.

>> HERE.

>> MR.

BROWN?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

BYERS.

>> HERE.

>> MR.

CHAT JI.

>> HERE.

>> MR.

CLARK?

>> HERE.

MRS.

COWARD?

>> HERE.

MR.

DAVIS?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

FORD?

>> PRESENT.

>> MR.

FRALEY.

>> HERE.

>> MRS.

GREELEY.

>> HERE.

MR.

HOLLY?

MR.

HOLTON.

MR.

HUTCHENS.

MR.

LIMON.

MR.

MITCHELL?

MR.

MITCHELL?

MRS.

NICHOLS?

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> MR.

POPE?

>> PRESENT.

>> MR.

RAMSEY.

>> PRESENT.

>> MR.

WHITE?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

WILLIFORD.

>> MADAM CHAIR, YOU HAVE A QUORUM.

>> CHAIR: THANK YOU.

OKAY, LOOKING AT TODAY'S AGENDA, DOES ANYONE HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR INTEREST THAT WOULD APPEAR AS A CONFLICT UNDER THE STATE ETHIC'S ACT?

IF SO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW NOW.

ALL RIGHT, I'M GOING TO MOVE INTO MY REPORT.

I HATE TO ASK EVERYBODY TO DO THIS, BUT IF YOU WILL, PLEASE THINK BACK TO THE WINTER OF 2021.

DON'T WORRY, IT WILL GET BETTER.

THE REPORT WILL GET BETTER.

THE PANDEMIC WAS STILL WITH US AND THE INSTITUTIONS WERE DOING ALL THEY COULD TO SERVE STUDENTS THROUGH ONLINE PROTOCOLS.

AN INCREDIBLE STUDENT NAMED MCKENZIE THOMPSON RETHOUGHT HER DECISION TO MOVE HOURS FROM HOME AND PURSUE A NURSING DEGREE AT APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY.

AFTER GROWING UP IN I INME NORTH CAROLINA, MCKENZIE THOUGHT HER PATH WAS SET.

WHEN CLASSES SHIFTED ONLINE DURING COVID, SHE FOUND HERSELF BATTLING LONELINESS AND ISOLATION.

ALONE IN THE DORM ROOM, SHE MADE HER DECISION TO WITHDRAW AND RETURN HOME TO EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

IT WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR HER BUT LEFT HER FEELING ADRIFT.

IN HIGH SCHOOL THE PLAN WAS CLEAR, GO TO COLLEGE, PICK A MAJOR AND STICK WITH IT.

WHEN THAT PLAN SEEMED TO FALL APART, SHE REALIZED SOMETHING IMPORTANT.

THERE ISN'T JUST ONE ROAD TO SUCCESS.

THERE ARE MANY.

SOME OF WHICH WE ONLY DISCOVER ALONG THE WAY.

MCKENZIE ENROLLED AT LENORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN 2022 AND GRADUATED MAY 2024 WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN RADIOGRAPHY.

SHE RETURNED IN AUGUST TO STUDY FOR HER CT LICENSE SHE OBTAINED IN THE SPRING OF 2025.

TODAY SHE WORKS FULL TIME IN CT IMAGING UNC HEALTH LENORE.

AS MCKENZIE'S CAREER GREW, SO DID HER DESIRE TO KEEP LEARNING.

THAT'S WHEN SHE DISCOVERED A NEW PROGRAM AT APPALACHIAN STATE.

IT WAS FLEXIBLE, AFFORDABLE, ONLINE AND BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS LIKE HER.

THE CLASSES FIT AROUND HER WORK SCHEDULE AND SHE WAS ABLE TO TRANSFER CREDITS SHE EARNED AT APP STATE YEARS EARLIER.

TODAY SHE IS THRIVING AND WILL GRADUATE IN MAY.

MCKENZIE IS HERE WITH US TODAY.

WILL YOU PLEASE STAND SO WE CAN RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE YOUR HARD WORK?

[APPLAUSE] >> CHAIR: I TELL YOU THIS STORY NOT JUST BECAUSE IT INSPIRES US, BUT IT'S WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO.

OUR STUDENTS COME TO US FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE.

STORIES LIKE MCKENZIE'S SHOW US HIGHER EDUCATION MUST BE SEEN AS A LIFELONG RESOURCE, NOT A ONE TIME OPPORTUNITY.

IT'S EASY TO TALK ABOUT FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS AND TRANSFER PATHWAYS.

THE HARDER WORK IS ENSURING THE POLICIES TRANSLATE TO REAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MEET STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE.

OUR UNIVERSITIES ARE MAKING PROGRESS AND THE NUMBERS PROVE IT.

THIS YEAR WE WELCOMED 18,719 TRANSFER STUDENTS ACROSS THE SYSTEM, A RECORD HIGH.

MORE THAN HALF CAME FROM COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

WE ENROLLED MORE THAN 23,000 MILITARY AFFILIATED STUDENTS, ANOTHER RECORD.

PROJECT KITTY HAWK ONLINE EDUCATION START UP HAS BROUGHT THOUSANDS OF ADULTS TO OUR UNIVERSITY BY WAY OF RE-ENROLLMENT EFFORTS AND NEW ONLINE PROGRAMS.

TODAY WE SEE MORE STUDENTS OVER THE AGE OF 25 PURSUING AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AT OUR INSTITUTIONS.

THAT SUCCESS IS DUE TO THE HARD WORK OF OUR UNIVERSITIES AND TO THE LEADERSHIP OF PRESIDENT HANS, THE SYSTEM OFFICE AND THIS BOARD AS WE CONTINUE TO ADVANCE OUR STRATEGIC GOALS FOR REACHING ADULT AND MILITARY LEARNERS.

MOVING FORWARD, I IMAGINE A NORTH CAROLINA WHERE HIGHER EDUCATION IS VIEWED NOT AS A FOUR YEAR BRIDGE BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND REAL LIFE, BUT AS A LIFELONG NETWORK OF ROADS THAT ALL LEAD HOME, WHERE EVERY PROGRAM MEETS PEOPLE EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE NO MATTER WHICH ROAD THEY TAKE TO REACH US.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE, I THINK AGAIN ABOUT MCKENZIE.

HER STORY REMINDS US THAT EDUCATION IS NOT ONE SINGLE MOMENT IN TIME.

LIFE NEVER STOPS TEACHING, AND THE JOY OF LIFE AND THE WORK WE SHARE IS IN OUR ABILITY TO STAY CURIOUS, LEARN AND GROW BEYOND OUR OWN EXPECTATIONS.

OUR CHARGE AS THIS BOARD AND AS THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM IS SIMPLE.

KEEP THE DOOR TO LEARNING OPEN FOR EVERYONE.

THE MORE WE LIVE THAT PROMISE, THE STRONGER OUR STATE WILL BE.

THANK YOU.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> WELL SAID.

>> THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> >> CHAIR: I BELIEVE PRESIDENT HANS WILL NOT GIVE A REPORT RIGHT NOW.

HE WILL SPEAK DURING THE REPORT ON PERSONNEL.

I'LL MOVE TO THE CONSENT AGENDA.

THIS CONSENT AGENDA ITEM LISTS AS ITEM 5.

ARE THERE ANY ITEMS THE BOARD WISHES TO REMOVE FOR DISCUSSION?

HEARING NONE, I ASK FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS.

>> SO MOVED.

>> FURTHER DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

MOVE TO THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND FINANCE FROM MR.

BRADLEY.

>> CHAIR BRADLEY: DURING THE MEETING YESTERDAY, THERE WAS A ROBUST DISCUSSION ABOUT THE PENALTY LANGUAGE 70.1.3 OF THE UNC POLICY MANUAL NONRESIDENT UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT.

THE FEEDBACK WILL BE USED TO INFORM CHANGES TO THE POLICY COMING TO THE COMMITTEE AT THE JANUARY MEETING.

THE COMMITTEE APPROVED TWO TRANSACTION ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA THAT THE BOARD APPROVED, FIRST, 2025-26 MAINTENANCE R & R PROJECTS, INCLUDING UNASSIGNED CONTINGENCY RESERVED FUNDS AND APPROVE PROJECTS UPON REQUEST TO THE INSTITUTION.

SECONDLY, THE AUTHORIZATION OF EIGHT INCREASED AUTHORIZATIONS AT EIGHT INSTITUTIONS AND APPROVE NON-APPROPRIATE FUNDING TO REPLACE BOND FUNDS FOR TWO PROJECTS AT TWO INSTITUTIONS.

THE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS INCLUDED FACULTY ALIGNMENT REPORT.

THANK YOU, CHAIR MURPHY.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> AN UPDATE FROM DR.

ENGLISH AND FOR MR.

DAN HARRISON ON THE COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

KATY O'CONNER PRESENTED THE UNC SYSTEM FALL ENROLLMENT REPORT.

THAT WAS AN OUTSTANDING REPORT.

FOR THE FIRST TIME OVER 250,000 STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

SHE ALSO PROPOSED ACTIONS PURSUANT TO 700.1.3 OF THE UNC POLICY MANUAL, NONGRADUATE ENROLLMENT.

THE PROFESSOR ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND REPORT TO JOINT EDUCATION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.

NEXT, SEVEN DEGREE PROGRAMS WERE ESTABLISHED AND ONE PROGRAM WAS DISCONTINUED.

THOSE WERE CONSIDERED ALL OF WHICH WERE APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE AND APPROVED EARLIER BY THE FULL BOARD THROUGH THE CONSENT AGENDA.

VERY EXCITING PROGRAMS FORMED YESTERDAY.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND LASTLY WE RECEIVED THE REPORT FOR CLEMONS.

THERE IS ONE ITEM FOR CLOSED SESSION.

I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE WADE MAKI FOR THE REPORT FROM THE UNC FACULTY ASSEMBLY.

I WANT TO MENTION MR.

MAKI WAS KIND AND INVITED GOVERNOR BRADLEY AND I TO COME AND ANSWER QUESTIONS BEFORE THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY PROBABLY A MONTH AGO.

IT WAS -- I THINK WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME ENJOYED ENGAGING.

IT WAS A WONDERFUL TIME TO HEAR FROM THE FACULTY AND FACULTY TO HEAR FROM US.

I TURN IT OVER TO YOU.

>> IT WAS, AND GOOD MORNING.

CHAIR MURPHY, AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING AFTER THE STAFF ASSEMBLY CHAIR'S REMARKS, YOU SAID, MR.

MAKI IS GOING TO HAVE TO UP HIS GAME.

MADAM CHAIR, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED AND I BROUGHT MY DANCING SHOES TODAY.

THIS IS THE FIRST OF THREE REMAINING UPDATES TO PROVIDE YOU IN THIS ROLL,EN, AND I HOPE TO MAINTAIN BRIDGES BUILT THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

TODAY'S TOPIC.

, THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS AND GODS OF OLYMPUS BRIDGING THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

SOCRATES USES THE MYTH OF THE MEDALS BRONZE SOULS SIGNIFIED APTITUDE FOR FARMING OR CRAFTING.

GOLD FOR THE WISEST -- THE RULERS, THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS.

THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS WERE TRAINED THEIR ENTIRE LIVES FOR THE ROLE.

PLATO'S REPUBLIC IS THE ONLY TIME PHILOSOPHER KINGS WERE IN CHARGE OF ANYTHING.

IMAGINE A LIFETIME OF PROVING THEIR EXPERTISE IF THEY ARE TOLD YOU ARE NOT REALLY IN CHARGE OF THE PUBLIC, THAT ROLE FALLS TO THE GODS OF OLYMPUS.

WHO ARE THEY?

WHY DO THEY HAVE POWER OVER OUR LIVES?

THEY REPRESENTED INFLUENTIAL BEINGS, OPERATING IN PLACES FAR FROM MORTALS.

THE OLYMPIANS REFLECTED THE SAME ISSUES AND VICES AS THE HUMANS THEY RULED OVER.

IN MANY WAYS, THE FACULTY RESEMBLED THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS.

FACULTY REFLECT THE INTELLECTUALS, SPECIALISTS, WISEST AMONG US ON MANY SUBJECTS.

MOST WENT TO COLLEGE AND NEVER LEFT.

THEY EARNED MULTIPLE DEGREES AND RANKS AND WERE TOLD THEY WERE THE SMARTEST AND ELITE IN SOCIETY.

THE ULTIMATE STATUS IS THE TENURED FULL PROFESSOR WHO HAS PROVEN EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP AND CREATIVITY ACTIVITY IN AT LEAST ONE AREA.

NOTE, THESE ARE NOT PATHWAYS TO TENURE.

IF FACULTY ARE THE PHILOSOPHY KINGS, THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS ARE THE GODS OF OLYMPUS.

YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS AND BUILDING STRONG SOCIAL NETWORKS.

MANY ARE FORMER STATE SENATORS OR HOUSE MEMBERS.

MOST ATTENDED COLLEGE, MANY HAVE ADVANCED DEGREES FEW WORKED IN UNIVERSITY AND NONE HAVE EARNED TENNESSEE URE.

TENURE.

IMAGINE LEADING TO TENURED PROFESSOR ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT YOU DON'T RUN THE COUNTRY, YOU DON'T EVEN RUN THE CAMPUS.

YOUR SALARY DOESN'T MATCH THOSE THAT LEFT WITH BACHELOR DEGREE AND THOSE ON CAMPUS NEVER WORKED THEIR WAY UP THE LADDER AS YOU DID.

IMAGINE BEING SUCCESSFUL IN BUSINESS, POLITICS AND PEOPLE, BEING APPOINTED TO RUN THE INSTITUTIONS, POPULATED BY PEOPLE THAT THINK THEY KNOW BETTER THAN YOU AND THEY SHOULD BE IN CHARGE.

IMAGINE BOTH GROUPS RARELY INTERACT, UNDERSTAND WHAT THE OTHER IS DOING OR WHY ACCEPT FOR A PONY TAILED PHILOSOPHER AT YOUR MEETING OR OCCASIONAL GREETING AT THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY MEETING IN SEPTEMBER.

MY FOUR YEAR MISSION -- HAS BEEN TO BOLDLY BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO GROUPS.

MY CONSTITUENTS ON ONE SIDE, LIKE THE FACULTY TO THE LEFT, GOVERNORS TO THE RIGHT.

YOU KNOW THE SONG.

PERHAPS NO ISSUE BETTER REFLECTS THE DIVIDE THAN THAT OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM.

IT IS A CORE VALUE FOR FACULTY, RARE POINT OF AGREEMENT THAT HAS NO WORLD IN THE BUSINESS OF POLITICS.

IT IS IN THE CODE BUT LARGELY UNDEFINED.

SOME APPRECIATE THE VAGUE LANGUAGE.

AS FOR FACULTY, WE CAN CLAIM ANYTHING AS A VIOLATION OF IT.

THIS COMES AT A COST OF TIME AND EFFORT MISSPENT FIGHTING OVER THE VAGUENESS WHEN ALL WOULD BENEFIT FROM CLARITY AND SOMETHING TO POINT TO SHOWING WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT ACADEMIC FREEDOM.

A MORE PRECISE DEFINITION IS INEFFICIENCY.

SOME WILL HEAR TALK ABOUT ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND THINK IT MEANS FACULTY HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO WHAT THEY WANT AS IF IT ENTITLED ME TO PUT ON MY M.C.

HAMMER PANTS AND DANCE TO "YOU CAN'T TOUCH THIS."

THIS HAS NEVER BEEN TRUE.

UNC SYSTEM CODE ALREADY INCLUDES ACADEMIC FREEDOM IS LIMITED BY LAW AND POLICY.

SO, FOLLOWING A CONVERSATION WITH ANDREW TRIPP A YEAR AGO, THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY EMBARKED ON A CONSENSUS DEFINITION OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM, ALL STAKEHOLDERS, NOT JUST US.

WE CONSULTED DOCUMENTS, PROVOST, GENERAL COUNSEL AND THIS OCTOBER ADVANCED THIS D DEFINITION.

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES, SERVICE AND SCHOLARLY INQUIRY WITHOUT UNDUE INFLUENCE, PURSUE KNOWLEDGE, DISCUSS AND DEBATE IDEAS AND UNDERSTANDING RELATED TO AREAS OF EXPERTISE.

ADDITIONALLY, THE FACULTY ASSEMBLY ENDORSED THE FOLLOWING DETAILS TO REINFORCE THE CONSENSUS INVOLVING AREAS OF CLASSROOM PRACTICE, RESEARCH CREATIVE ACTIVITIES AND SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY.

WE ARE ADDING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND EXPERTISE AS GUARDRAILS ALONG LONG AND POLICY ALREADY EXISTING IN CURRENT CODE.

WE TALK RESPONSIBILITY, NOT RIGHT.

EVERY CATEGORY IS CONSISTENT WITH CODE.

WE ARE PROVIDING CLARITY AND DETAIL TO EXISTING ONES SO ALL STAKEHOLDERS CAN HAVE MORE CLARITY.

YOU MIGHT ASK, WHAT DETERMINES FACULTY EXPERTISE?

FACULTY EXPERTISE IS ACADEMIC WORK OR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.

YOU MIGHT ASK, DO STUDENTS HAVE ACADEMIC FREEDOM?

YES.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM ALSO APPLIES TO STUDENTS AND FACULTY RECOMMENDED THE COMPANION STUDENT FOCUSED DEFINITION BE DEVELOPEDDED.

OFFICE AND STUDENT GOVERNOR LIMON ARE WORKING ON THIS.

THE BIG QUESTION, WHAT LIMITS ACADEMIC FREEDOM?

LAW, POLICY, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND EXPERTISE.

WE MIGHT VISUALIZE IT THIS WAY -- WHERE ACADEMIC FREEDOM IS LIMITED AND PROTECTED BY LAW, POLICY, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND EXPERTISE.

AS LONG AS YOU ARE STAYING IN THE BOX, YOU ARE FREE TO USE YOUR EXPERTISE.

IF YOU GET CLOSE TO ONE OF THE LINES, INTERVENTION IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

IF YOU GET TOO CLOSE TO THE LAW, GENERAL COUNSEL STEPS IN.

OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, DEPARTMENT CHAIR, DEAN OR PROVOST STEPS IN.

OUTSIDE OF THE AREA, ACADEMIC FREEDOM DOESN'T APPLY, FREE SPEECH WOULD.

FOR INTERVENTIONS FOR THESE REASONS ARE APPROPRIATE AND INTERVENTION NOT CONNECTED TO THE LIMITS IS NOT APPROPRIATE.

SO, WHEN WE DO THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM DANCE, WE DON'T DO SO ALONE.

WE DO IT WITH LAW, POLICY AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS.

WHY IS ACADEMIC FREEDOM IMPORTANT TO ME?

FIRST, ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO, JOHN ALLISON STUDIED THE MORAL FOUNDATION OF CAPITALISM.

I STUDIED CAPITALISM, MARKETS AND MORALITY PROVIDING GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE STUDENTS.

THE ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES FUNDED BY THE CHARLES COAT FOUNDATION AND OTHERS, ATTRACTED A COALITION OF OUTSIDE GROUPS, STUDENTS AND SOME FACULTY.

THEY PRESSED ADMINISTRATORS TO STOP THE FUNDING TO CUT THE WORK.

THEY FAILED BECAUSE OF A CULTURE OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM SUPPORTED MY MINISTERS.

THIS IS WHY CLARITY AND FIRMNESS IS IMPORTANT.

SECOND, I TEACH PHILOSOPHY TO LARGE CLASSES.

THAT MEANS I ASK QUESTIONS IN AN OPEN-ENDED WAY AND PLAYOFF THE ANSWERS IN REALTIME TO SEE WHERE THE ARGUMENT LEADS.

IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT I CAN'T ENGAGE YOU HERE IN THAT WAY AS WE WOULD HAVE INSIGHTFUL CONVERSATIONS.

SOMEONE MAY SAY SOMETHING OBJECTIONABLE ON LIVE TV, SO I STAY RESTRI RESTRICTED TO THIS PRESENTATION.

GIVEN THE CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS AND LARGE CLASSES I TEACH, EVERY NOW AND THEN SOMEONE IS UNHAPPY AT SOMETHING I HAVE SAID.

TO BE INNOVATED AND ENGAGE ACTIVITIES TO THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS IN AND OUT OF CLASS, I DEPEND ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM.

MY JOB IS SAFE AS LONG AS I AM COMPLIANT WITH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND IN MY AREA OF EXPERTISE THE COU THEOMED DETERMINED BY MY ADMINISTRATION.

THIS BOARD DESERVES CREDIT FOR ENABLING ME TO INNOVATE FOR THE HIGH PROFILE PRESENTATIONS.

WHY?

I KNOW THE GODS OF OLYMPUS THIS PHILOSOPHER PRESENTS TO BELIEVE IN FREE SPEECH AND TRUST ME TO REPRESENT THE FACULTY IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY, ALLOWING ME TO PRESENT TO THE BENEFIT OF THE AUDIENCE.

THE ABILITY TO INNOVATE IN AND OUT OF CLASS IS FREEDOM BEYOND STANDARDS AND EXPERTISE.

I HOPE OUR WORK WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON A DEFINITION CAN EARN YOUR SUPPORT, INCLUDE YOUR VOICE AND PROVIDE THE SAME ASSURANCE TO FACULTY TO THE END OF INCREASED INNOVATION.

SO, THIS WILL CONCLUDE MY REPORT.

[MUSIC ] [LAUGHTER ] >> THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> CHAIR: WELL DONE.

I WAS A LITTLE WORRIED, I HAVE TO TELL YOU.

[LAUGHTER ] >> CHAIR: I DIDN'T KNOW IF OUR FACES WERE GOING TO POP UP THERE OR NOT.

THANK YOU.

>> THUS IS MY REPORT, MADAM CHAIR.

>> CHAIR: I WILL NOW CALL ON MR.

RAMSEY FOR THE REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE OF UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE.

>> CHAIR RAMSEY: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT.

I NEVER WANT TO FOLLOW MR.

MAKI AGAIN.

DURING YESTERDAY'S MEETING, THE COMMITTEE VOTED ON THREE APPOINTMENTS TO BE APPROVED BY THE FULL BOARD TODAY.

FIRST, COMMITTEE VOTED ON APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

THE APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD NOW IS TO APPOINT MICHAEL REAGAN TO FILL TERM NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 AND ENDING JUNE 30TH, 2029.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE OF GOVERNANCE, I MOVE TO APPROVE MICHAEL REAGAN TO THE BOARD OF STATE TRUSTEES TO FILL A PARTIAL TERM.

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

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> OPPOSED?

>> NAY.

>> CHAIR: MOTION CARRIES.

THANK YOU.

>> NEXT WAS THE APPOINTMENT OF HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUTH TEES FOR AN INITIAL FIVE YEAR TERM FOR STEVE SPAWNBROOK NOVEMBER 20TH, 2025 ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2030.

AT THIS TIME, I MOVE TO APPOINT THE NOMINATION OF STEVEN SPAWNBROOK TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO FILL THE TERM THAT ENDS FEBRUARY 28TH, 2030.

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

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> OPPOSED?

>> MOTION CARRIES.

>> FINALLY, THE COMMITTEE VOTED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF BOARD DIRECTORS, BEFORE THE FULL BOARD NOW RECOMMENDED BY.

HANS.

TO REAPPOINTMENT HAYDEN KIRBY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025 ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2029.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE I MOVE TO APPOINT THE NOMINATION OF HAYDEN KIRBY TO END OCTOBER 31ST, 2029.

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

ANY DISCUSSION IN ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES.

>> THANK YOU, MR.

CHAIRMAN.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

>> CHAIR: THANK YOU.

MR.

HOLTON, WOULD YOU PLEASE PRESENT THE REPORT ON AUDIT, RISK MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE.

>> THANK YOU, CHAIR MURPHY.

WE RECEIVED THREE REPORTS FROM JENNIFER MYERS SYSTEMS CHIEF AUDIT OFFICER.

SHE SUMMARIZED THE CAMPUS INTERNAL ACTIVITIES FROM JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025.

IN SUMMARY, 250 AUDITS, AND THE AUDITS PRODUCED 207 FINDINGS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO INTERNAL CONTROLS.

APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT RESPONSES AND FOLLOW UP ARE WELL UNDER WAY.

SECOND, JENNIFER SUMMARIZED THE 2026 AUDIT PLANS.

ANNUAL INTERNAL AUDIT PLANS ARE DEVELOPED AT EACH INSTITUTION FROM A RISK-BASED ANALYSIS OF SPECIFIC OPERATIONS.

THE INSTITUTION AUDIT PLANS ARE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE SPECIFIC BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

IN THE UPCOMING YEAR, 350 AUDITS ARE PLANNED.

THE NUMBER CAN CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME BECAUSE OF DIFFERENT DEMANDS.

THAT'S THE CURRENT PLAN.

NEXT, JENNIFER THEN REPORTED ON THE UNIVERSITY'S ASSOCIATED ENTITIES, FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORTS.

AS OF JUNE 30TH, 105 EVENT FIES WERE SUBJECT TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 602.5R.

ONE AUDIT IS IN PROCESS AND ALL OTHERS RECEIVED CLEAN AUDIT OPINIONS, WHICH IS GREAT NEWS.

NEXT, DR.

RAINIER FROM RTI PROVIDED A BRIEFING ON THE BURDENING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNC SYSTEM TO ENHANCE CAMPUS EFF EFFORTS IN RECRUITS AND RETENTION.

THIS HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE FOR AT LEAST THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

THIS BOARD, THE TEAM AT THE SYSTEM AND CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVE WORKED DILIGENTLY OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS TO ADOPT A STRATEGIC PATH TO ADOPT THE CHALLENGES.

WE IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF FINANCIAL ELEMENTS, AND TO BE SURE, THIS IS WORKING.

YOU CAN WALK OUTSIDE AS I DID THIS MORNING TO TALK TO THE FOUR OFFICERS HERE TODAY FROM NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY.

THREE OF THEM ARE UTILIZING THE TUITION BENEFITS.

ONE, OFFICER TIPTON WILL COMPLETE HIS MASTERS IN MAY.

THAT'S TRUE THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM.

THEY ARE BEING USED.

IT IS HELPING.

NEVERTHELESS, THE CHALLENGE REMAINS AS DR.

RAINIER REMINDED US.

IT AFFECTS AGENCIES OF ALL SIZES FROM OUR CAMPUSES TO RURAL TOWNS TO MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREAS.

DR.

RAINIER EXPLAINED HOW LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS EVOLVED AND EXPANDED AND SHE HIGHLIGHTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BETTER COMMUNICATE ROLES FOR SWORN AND NON-SWORN PERSONNEL.

SHE EXPLAINED TO US AND SHOWS RESEARCH ABOUT PROMISE TO ENFORCE LAW ENFORCEMENT RECRUITING FOR BETTER MESSAGING PARTICULARLY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

RTI WILL WORK WITH CAMPUSES AND HOPE TO DEVELOP FUTURE INITIATIVES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FIRST OF ITS KIND BASIC LAW PROGRAM.

MUCH MORE TO COME.

IT'S A HIGH PRIORITY ITEM.

FINALLY, ONE OF THE GREAT PRIVILEGES OF BEING CHAIR OF THIS COMMITTEE IS THE NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES IT ALLOWS TO LEARN FROM THE TEAMS AND PARTICIPATE IN EVENTS WITH THEM, TO GO TO TRAINING SESSIONS, WATCH THEM WORK AT EVENTS, SEE THE JOB THEY DO EVERYDAY AT OUR CAMPUSES.

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RECENT CAMPUS POLICE CHIEF CONFERENCE OCTOBER 28 AND 29.

THERE, WE CONTINUED THE WONDERFUL TRADITION OF HONORING OUTSTANDING EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC SERVANTS.

OUR 2025UNC SYSTEM CAMPUS AWARD WINNERS.

TO BE CLEAR, THOSE AWARDS ARE NOT GIVEN LIGHTLY.

NOMINEES ARE ACCEPTED, A PANEL OF SIX POLICE CHIEFS PLUS FRED SELLERS REACH A CONSENSUS ON WHO HAS EARNED THE AWARD YEAR-TO-YEAR.

IT'S MY HONOR TODAY TO RECOGNIZE THESE EXCEPTIONAL POLICE OFFICERS AND EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE.

JUST TO BE CLEAR, EACH OF YOU HAS THE SUMMARY IN YOUR FOLDER TODAY.

I URGE YOU TO LOOK AT IT.

YOU WILL SEE WHAT THE OFFICERS DID OVER THE PAST YEAR.

YES, THEY EXCELLED THIS YEAR, BUT PLEASE UNDERSTAND, OUR POLICE OFFICERS DO THIS EVERYDAY.

THEY ARE HERE FOR OUR STUDENTS, OUR FACULTY, OUR STAFF, CAMPUSES AND THOSE COMMUNITIES.

THEY ARE ENTITLED TO OUR THANKS.

PLEASE TAKE THAT MOMENT TO THANK THEM.

HERE ARE THE AWARDS FOR THIS YEAR, FIRST, SERGEANT JAMIE J. YOUNG OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD IS FOR LIEUTENANT FROM UNC WILMINGTON.

WE AWARDED EIGHT VALOR AWARDS.

YOU MAY NOTICE A TREND IN A SECOND.

SERGEANT PHILLIP L LOCKLEAR OF UNC PEMBROKE.

OFFICER JOHNNY WALKER, UNC PEMBROKE.

SERGEANT JOHN BRAY BOY, UNC PEM BROOM.

OFFICER WAYNE GAY, UNC PEMBROKE.

FOR TWO SEPARATE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS, THEY ILLUSTRATED THEIR TALENT, SKILL, DEDICATION.

SERGEANT MARY MICHAEL ST.

JOHN NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY AND MASTER POLICE OFFICER ROBBY CRAIG, UNC NASHVILLE, LAST YEAR HE WAS RECOGNIZED OFFICIALLY THIS YEAR FOR HIS HEROIC EFFORTS DURING AND AFTER HURRICANE HELENE.

WE ARE THANKFUL AND HONORED BY THEIR SERVICE.

WITH THAT, CHAIR MURPHY, I CONCLUDE MY REMARKS.

[APPLAUSE] >> CHAIR: THANK YOU.

WE CERTAINLY CAN'T SAY ENOUGH THANK YOUS TO OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

I'M THE DAUGHTER OF A RETIRED NORTH CAROLINA STATE HIGHWAY TROOPER.

I THINK IT'S WONDERFUL THAT YOU WERE ABLE -- I'M SORRY YOU DIDN'T HAVE TIME IN YOUR COMMITTEE MEETING YESTERDAY TO DO THIS.

I THINK IT WAS BETTER DONE AT THE FULL BOARD MEETING.

THANK YOU, MARK.

WE'LL NOW HEAR FROM MR.

FORD FOR THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STRATEGIC INITIATIVES.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

YESTERDAY THE COMMITTEE MET TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON OUR EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS.

UNC SYSTEM EFFORT TO EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND THE GREAT WORK OF THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH IN OUR CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON ACHIEVEMENT CULTURE.

FIRST, DR.

CLEMONS PROVIDED KEY UPDATES ON STATE RUN PROGRAMS TO GROW THE EDUCATION PIPELINE WITH KEY INITIATIVES TO TEACH EXCELLENCY AT OUR INSTITUTIONS.

FIRST, WE HEARD ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA TEACHING FELLOWS PROGRAM, EXPERIENCING A THREEFOLD INCREASE IN STUDENT ENROLLMENT.

ADDITIONALLY, THE NORTH CAROLINA PRINCIPLE FELLOWS PROGRAM GRADUATED ALMOST 500 PRINCIPLE FELLOWS WITH 3/4S OF THEM SERVING IN HIGH NEED SCHOOLS IN OUR STATE.

NEXT, DR.

CLEMONS PROVIDED AN UPDATE ON CONTINUED WORK OF SCIENCE READING AND EARLY LITTY PROGRAMS INCLUDING THE CREATION OF LITERACY HUB FOR K-12 EDUCATORS DEVELOPED BY OUR DISTINGUISHED PROFESSORS.

FINALLY, NEWLY LAUNCHED EFFORTS TO DEVELOP A MATH INSTRUCTIONAL FRAMEWORK TO BE USED ACROSS OUR SYSTEM.

NEXT, THE COMMITTEE HEARD FROM DR.

SUZY BAKER ON EDUCATION.

WHILE THE UNC SYSTEM HAS TAKEN A WIDE SWATH OF HIGHER ED INSTITUTIONS OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, THE LAST 18 MONTHS HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON TARGETING STUDENTS EARLIER IN THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY WORKING WITH K-12.

WE HEARD ABOUT YOUTH, HEALTH, FIRST AID TRAINING TO THE PRINCIPLE FELLOWS AND LAB SCHOOL EDUCATORS.

ADDITIONALLY, THE SYSTEM LAUNCHED TRAINING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONTINUED WORK OF DR.

BAKER AND HER TEAM TO STRENGTHEN MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS ACROSS THE EDUCATION CONTINUING.

FINALLY, MADAM CHAIR, THE COMMITTEE HEARD FROM MISS NEWMAN, DEAN OF COUNSELING AT THE NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH ON BETH PRACTICES THE SCHOOL DEPLOYS TO BALANCE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WITH THE SCHOOL OF MATH AND SCIENCE RANK TD AS THE NUMBER ONE IN AMERICA TO THE HOME OF MANY HIGH ACHIEVING STUDENTS, THE SCHOOL HAS APPLIED INITIATIVES TO SUSTAIN ACHIEVEMENT PRACTICES.

SOME WHICH INCLUDE THE ELIMINATION OF CLASS RANK AND VALEDICTORIANS, REQUIRING STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT AND DEVELOP A CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND MANDATING SERVICE LEARNING AND ACTIVITIES TO NURTURE STUDENT WELL BEING.

FINALLY, MISS NEWMAN PROVIDED AN OVERVIEW OF RESILIENCY EDUCATION.

IT WAS A PLEASURE TO SEE HOW THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH AND DEDICATED EDUCATORS AND STAFF ARE FOCUSED ON FOSTERING HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

>> CHAIR: I'LL ADD STRATEGIC INITIATIVES YESTERDAY WAS A GREAT MEETING.

WE ARE MOVING THE NEEDLE TEACHER PREPARATION WHICH YOU ALL KNOW.

THAT'S NOT A SECRET EITHER.

IT'S NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND THE COMMITTEE MEETING NEXT TIME IN JANUARY.

A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION COMES OUT OF THAT COMMITTEE.

WITH THAT REPORT BEING OVER, THANK YOU, MR.

FORD.

I'LL ASK SECRETARY BURRIS-FLOYD FOR THE CLOSED SERVICE MEASURE.

>> I MOVE WE GO INTO CLOSED SESSION UNDER CHAPTER 143 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES AS STATED IN THE PUBLICLY WRITTEN MOTION.

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

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION?

IS THERE A SECOND?

GOT TO HAVE A SECOND, SORRY.

WAKE UP OUT THERE.

WAKE UP.

ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE.

>> AYE.

>> OPPOSED?

WE'LL NOW MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION.

(LAUGHS) >> OKAY.

ALL RIGHT, WE ARE NOW, WE'RE IN OPEN SESSION, AND I'D LIKE TO CALL ON MRS.

COWARD FOR THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

THE COMMITTEE VOTED TO APPROVE AND PRESENT TO THE FULL BOARD REVISIONS TO SECTIONS 300.2.14 AND 300.2.22 OF THE POLICY MANUAL.

THESE CHANGES ARE DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN YOUR BOARD MATERIALS.

THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE POLICY MANUAL, EXCUSE ME, WILL BE VOTED ON THROUGH THE JANUARY CONSENT AGENDA.

IN CLOSED SESSION, PRESIDENT HANS PRESENTED HIS NOMINEE FOR THE NEXT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT THE UNC HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL VOTED TO ACCEPT THE PRESIDENT'S RECOMMENDATION AND ACCEPT THE NOMINEE AND APPOINTMENT TO THE FULL BOARD TODAY.

I'LL NOW ASK PRESIDENT HANS TO PRESENT THE CANDIDATE FOR AN OPEN SESSION VOTE.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

UNC SYSTEM IS BEST KNOWN FOR PROVIDING QUALITY, AFFORDABLE EDUCATION TO NORTH CAROLINIANS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS.

THE MISSION IS MATCHED IN SO MANY WAYS BY OUR CRUCIAL ROLE IN PROVIDING QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE TO NORTH CAROLINIANS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS.

THROUGH UNC HEALTH AND EN THRKS NC HEALTH, WE ARE AMONG THE LARGEST PROVIDERS IN THE STATE AND CARE SIGNIFICANT ENSURING BROAD ACCESS TO CARE ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA.

WHEN UNC HEALTH WAS FORMED IN 1998, IT REFLECTED A RECOGNITION THAT NORTH CAROLINA NEEDED NOT JUST A TOP-TIER MEDICAL SCHOOL AND WORLD CLASS HOSPITAL TO MEET PATIENT NEEDS AND TR SERVE AS A TRAINING GROUND FOR PHYSICIANS BUT NEEDED AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF CARE TO BRING MEDICINE TO EVERY PART OF THE STATE REACHING COMMUNITIES AND PEOPLE THAT OTHERWISE WOULDN'T HAVE ACCESS TO STANDARD-SETTING MEDICAL CARE.

CREATING UNC HEALTH HARKENED BACK TO THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 1951.

THE COMBINATION THEN, RURAL CAROLYNIANS, WORKING CLASS, TAX PAYING, MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA, DESERVED TO BENEFIT DIRECTLY FROM THE PROGRESS BEING MADE IN MEDICAL SCIENCE.

THAT VISION HAS NOT ONLY BUILT ONE OF THE LEADING RESEARCH HUBS ON THE PLANET HERE IN THE TRIANGLE, BUT EXTENDED CARE TO CLINICS AND HOSPITALS FROM JACKSONVILLE TO HENDERSONVILLE AND PLACES IN BETWEEN.

I GREW UP IN SMALL TOWN NORTH CAROLINA AND IT MATTERS TO HAVE LIFE SAVING CARE CLOSE TO HOME.

I KNOW HOW MUCH NORTH CAROLINA HAS LINKED CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH TO REAL WORLD APPLICATION HARNESSING AMBITIONS TO THE WELL BEING OF FELLOW CITIZENS.

I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR UNC HEALTHCARE TO CONTINUE THE TRADITION OF A LEADER WHO SHARES DEEP COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE.

THAT IS WHY I'M SO PROUD TO NOMINATE DR.

PAIGE AS THE NEXT CEO OF UNC HEALTH.

IN THIS ROLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE BOARD OF UNC HEALTH ITSELF, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND CHANCELLOR ROBERTS, SERVE AS DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, VICE CHANCELLOR FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS AT UNC-CHAPEL HILL.

HER ENTIRE CAREER DR.

PAIGE HAS BEEN AN ADMIRED LEADER AND ADVOCATE FOR HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF THE STATE.

SHE IS A NATIVE OF WILMINGTON.

SHE CHOSE TO STUDY FAMILY MEDICINE AND COMPLETE A MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH ON THE WAY TO EARNING HER MD.

I THINK THAT BACKGROUND HELPED DRIVE HOME HER INSTINCT FOR TAKING THE BROAD HOLISTIC VIEW OF HEALTHCARE AND PATIENT SERVICE.

SEEING THE WHOLE SWEEP OF SOMEONE'S HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THE WAY POLICIES AND INSTITUTIONS CAN HELP OR HINDER BROADER HEALTH GOALS, THE SWEEPING VISION OF CARE IS EVIDENT AT EVERY STEP OF HER CAREER, DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, RESEARCH FUNDING AND IMPACT.

SHE HAS BEEN CRITICAL IN FORGING PARTNERSHIPS WITH HEALTH PROVIDERS ACROSS THE STATE TO EXPAND THE REACH AND BENEFITS OF UNC EXPERTISE.

SHE HAS BEEN A CHAMPION FOR IMPROVING RURAL HEALTH ACCESS.

PERHAPS THE MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE FOR OUR STATE.

HER PUBLISHED WORK FOCUSED ON RURAL HEALTHCARE AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT EXPLORING INNOVATIVE WAYS TO GET MORE FAMILY HEALTH PRACTITIONERS INTO SMALL TOWNS AND RURAL COUNTIES.

AS A DEPARTMENT CHAIR AND EXECUTIVE DEAN, SHE DROVE THE EXPANSION OF RESIDENCY PROGRAMS AND BRANCH CAMPUSES ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA.

ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO MAXIMIZE STATE-WIDE IMPACT.

SHE FOUNDED THE WORLD GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION CENTER, A NATIONAL C CONSORTIUM FOCUSED ON NEW PATHWAYS IN HIGH-NEED HEALTH FIELDS.

IN EVERY ROLE SHE HAS HELPED, PHYSICIAN, EDUCATOR, INNOVATOR AND MENTOR.

DR.

PAIGE HAS LED WITH CONFIDENCE AND A CLEAR SENSE OF PURPOSE.

SHE'S THE KIND OF LEADER WHO BUILDS TRUST BY EARNING IT AND REMIND US THAT THE HEART OF HEALTHCARE IS SERVICE TO OTHERS.

I HAVE BEEN DEEPLY IMPRESSED NOT JUST BY HER COMMITMENT BUT HER CONSIDERATION OF HEATING THE MEETING THE NEEDS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

WE COULDN'T HAVE FOR A BETTER STEWARD OF THE MISSION.

WE STAND AT A TRANSFORMATIVE MOMENT IN HEALTHCARE, A SCIENTIFIC PROCESS BUT MOUNTING PRESSURE ON HOSPITALS AND CLINICIANS.

NORTH CAROLINA IS GROWING RAPIDLY AND THE RURAL COMMUNITIES STILL STRUGGLE WITH ACCESS TO CARE, MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS HAVE DEEPENED AND THE DEMANDS ON OUR WORKFORCE ARE OFTEN INTENSE AND UNDER THE DUAL ROLE AT UNC HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCHOOL, IT WILL BE DR.

PAGE'S JOB BOTH TO ANSWER THE NEEDS OF TODAY AND PREPARE FOR THE CHALLENGES OF TOMORROW, EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PHYSICIANS AND HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, AND ENSURING THEY HAVE THE RESOURCES TO PRACTICE WITH INTEGRITY.

DR.

PAIGE BRINGS BOTH VISION AND PRAGMATISM TO THE CHALLENGES.

SHE KNOWS THE STRENGTHS OF UNC HEALTH LIES WITH ITS PEOPLE.

THE CLINICIANS THAT COMFORT A PATIENT IN CRISIS, THE RESEARCHERS WHO UNCOVER NEW CURES, STUDENTS WHO TAKE THEIR FIRST STEPS TOWARD A LIFETIME OF SERVICE.

SHE UNDERSTANDS THAT DISCOVERY IN PROGRESS MUST BE GUIDED BY COMPASSION AND ANCHORED IN COMMUNITY.

IN THE YEARS AHEAD, UNC HEALTH WILL EXPAND PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS THE STATE, WORKING WITH COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, ECU HEALTH, STATE AND LOCAL LEADERS, AND WITH LOCAL PROVIDERS TO DELIVER CARE CLOSER TO HOME.

IT WILL BUILD ON THE LEGACY OF RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY THAT HAS MADE NORTH CAROLINA A GLOBAL LEADER IN LIFE SCIENCES, AND IT WILL DO ALL OF THIS WITH A RELENTLESS FOCUS ON OUTCOME, AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESS.

THE SAME PUBLIC INTEREST STANDARD THAT GUIDES EVERY INSTITUTION IN OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.

DR.

PAIGE UNDERSTANDS THAT CONNECTION INSTINCTIVELY.

UNDER HER LEADERSHIP, UNC HEALTH WILL REMAIN TRUE TO ITS CALL TO SERVE ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS, REGARDLESS OF WHO THEY ARE, WHERE THEY LIVE, OR WHAT THEY NEED FROM OUR HEALTH SYSTEM.

IT'S BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO WORK ALONGSIDE SOMEONE THAT FEELS THAT COMMITMENT SO DEEPLY.

I'M EXCITED FOR ALL OF THE GREAT WORK WE HAVE AHEAD OF US.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I'M HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.

>> CHAIR: DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

>> MA'AM?

MR.

PRESIDENT, AS YOU WELL KNOW, AND I'LL MAKE THIS BRIEF AND PERSONAL.

FOUR YEARS AGO, HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR RANDY RAMSEY AND YOU AND THIS ANIMAL BESIDE ME, MIKE WILLIFORD, I DIED IN A SMALL HOSPITAL AND FINALLY GOT TO CHAPEL HILL AND STAYED EIGHT AND A HALF WEEKS AND STILL LIVING AND DOING GOOD.

THE DOCTOR SAID I WOULD LIVE 30 MORE YEARS.

Y'ALL HAVE THAT TO DEAL WITH.

>> THAT WAS OUR FAULT.

>> I HAVE MET HER AND TALKED WITH HER AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE, UNC MEDICAL CAN'T DO WRONG IN MY WORLD.

I WOULD BE AT THE FOREST LONG CEMETERY WERE IT NOT FOR YOU FOLKS.

I ENJOYED MEETING HER.

CARRY ON MY FRIEND.

>> THANK YOU, MR.

MYERS.

>> I MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS VOTE TO ELECT DR.

KRISTI PAIGE AS THE NEXT CEO OF THE UNC HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

>> YOU HAVE HEARD THE MOTION.

IS THERE DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR AAYE.

OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES.

I THINK THAT CONCLUDES OUR BUSINESS FOR TODAY.

WE ARE SCHEDULED TO BE BACK HERE ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 29TH, 2026.

I WISH EVERYONE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

WE'LL VISIT IN JANUARY.