Holden Thorp
UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor “weighing” presidency at Michigan State
This is a developing story. Kevin Guskiewicz could soon be the latest UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor to leave the university for a job in another state. Guskiewicz, who’s served as chancellor in Chapel Hill since early 2019, said in a statement released today by the school that he is “weighing” the opportunity to become president of […]
The uncivil origins of the School of Civic Life and Leadership at UNC
Civil discourse in a democratic society must entail more than a polite exchange of views. It must also entail honesty, freedom from coercion, and commitment to rules that all participants understand and agree to, and which are not subject to unilateral change by one party seeking advantage. Ironically, all of these characteristics have largely been […]
Higher ed experts: “Harm can come to our students” in changing accreditation process
A bill that would compel UNC System universities and community colleges to change accreditors flew under the radar in the recent flurry of higher education legislation at the General Assembly. But as Senate Bill 680 clears legislative hurdles on the way to becoming law, the public should pay attention to the “in the weeds” issue […]
Education experts to discuss controversies surrounding university accreditation
When the crossover deadline passed at the North Carolina General Assembly last week, some of the most controversial higher education-related bills filed this legislative session hadn’t yet passed from one chamber to the other, taking them off of the conventional path to becoming law. But Senate Bill 680, which would dramatically change the way universities […]
College and university presidents: Time to speak up
As students, faculty and administrators at North Carolina’s colleges and universities struggle with questions of free speech and academic freedom, veteran leaders in higher education — including a former chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill — are urging them to speak up on difficult issues. Last week Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, cited a a […]
Experts examine the interaction of science and politics in UNC panel
Should scientists stand outside of politics or do they have an obligation to engage in political debates around science? Do evolving social rules and mores threaten the teaching of science? Does the politicization of science, particularly in a global pandemic, threaten the public’s trust in it? Those were some of the lofty topics tackled by a panel of experts at Tuesday’s night’s Abbey Speaker Series panel at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Former university leaders lament GOP’s political push at UNC during online forum
Three former university leaders decried the politicization of the UNC System Wednesday in a discussion with an accreditation expert about university governance and ideological struggles in higher education. The livestreamed panel, organized by the Coalition or Carolina, brought together former UNC-Chapel Hill chancellors James Moeser and Holden Thorp, former UNC Board of Governors and UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees member Paul Fulton and Belle Wheelan...
Former UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Holden Thorp standing up for science in pandemic
If you haven’t been keeping up with former UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Holden Thorp, a profile in last week’s issue of Chemical and Engineering News is worth your time. After leaving Chapel Hill in 2013 Thorp served as provost of Washington University in St. Louis before becoming editor-in-chief of Science magazine last year. Thorp, a chemist, […]