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[room chatter] >> CHAIR: I WAS TRYING TO GET THE PRESIDENT'S ATTENTION.

GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> CHAIR: WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEK IT'S BEEN HERE AT THE MORGANTON CAMPUS.

I WANT TO THANK CHANCELLOR ROBERTS, THE LEADERSHIP TEAM, TRUSTEES, FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS, AND THE COMMUNITY OF MORGANTON THAT WELCOMED US GRACIOUSLY.

EVERY ATTENTION HAS BEEN OVER THE TOP.

WE HAVE HAD A GREAT TIME.

I KNOW IT TAKES A LOT OF PLANNING AND EFFORT TO HOST THIS GROUP.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE LINES YESTERDAY WAS FROM THE VICE-CHAIR.

SHE SAID WHEN THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS COMES, IT'S A LOT.

THAT'S ALL SHE SAID.

IT IS A LOT.

I WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO TELL SOMETHING FUNNY.

WHEN I BECAME CHAIR TWO YEARS AGO -- I'M AT THE END OF MY ROPE, BUT WHEN I BECAME CHAIR -- [LAUGHTER ] >> WE WERE TRADITIONALLY VISITING IN THE SPRING AND FALL AND MEREDITH CALLED ME AND SHE SAID, HAVING TROUBLE FINDING SOMEWHERE TO GO.

I SAID WHAT IN THE WORLD?

WE'LL GO TO FAYETTEVILLE STATE.

CHANCELLOR ALLISON LOVES US.

SHE SAID, THEY ARE DOING CONSTRUCTION.

IT'S NOT A GOOD TIME.

WHAT ABOUT CHANCELLOR DIXON?

SHE'S NEW.

WE HAD SO MANY SEARCHES.

NOBODY WANTED THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

I WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT CHANCELLOR ROBERTS WAS HAPPY TO WELCOME US, AND WE HAVE HAD A GREAT TIME.

I THINK WE HAVE BEHAVED.

[APPLAUSE] THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.

I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME SPECIAL GUESTS FROM UNC ASHEVILLE.

KAREN FROM FAYETTEVILLE STATE AND LAUREN BAKER CAMPBELL FROM THE SCHOOL OF MATH.

THEY ARE ATTENDING THE BOARD MEETING AS PART OF A GOVERNANCE EXCHANGE PROGRAM THAT THE BOARD IS LEADING WITH THE CONSTITUENTS.

[APPLAUSE] ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME THE INCOMING PRESIDENT FOR INCOMING GOVERNMENT.

DID I SAY IT RIGHT?

WELCOME.

HE WILL SERVE AS STUDENT BOARD MEMBER AND BE SWORN IN AT OUR MAY MEETING.

THANK EVERYBODY FOR BEING HERE TODAY.

WE'LL GET STARTED.

GOVERNOR NICHOLS, WILL YOU PLEASE GIVE THE INVOCATION?

>> GOVERNOR NICHOLS: GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

LOOKS REAL PRETTY WHERE YOU ARE.

BEEN WHERE YOU ARE BEFORE IN THAT BAR.

GREAT PLACE TO GET READY FOR GRADUATION AND WHAT HAVE YOU.

AS WE PREPARE TO OPEN IN PRAYER, I WANT TO LEAD THAT I HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED BY GREATER THINGS, INCLUDING THE ARTEMIS TWO MISSION WE SAW EARLIER THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR EDUCATIONAL PLANNING MEETING YESTERDAY WITH CHANCELLOR VA LETTY AND THE THINGS THEY WOULD LIKE TO DO AT UNC WILMINGTON.

I WOULD LIKE TO START WITH HEADS BOWED.

MERCIFUL ALL MIGHTY GOD, AS THE ARTEMIS TWO MISSION REACHES BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT WE THOUGHT POSSIBLE, REMIND US THAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS CALLED YOUR PEOPLE TO LIFT THEIR EYES HIGHER AS YOU INSTRUCTED JOSHUA AND THE ISRAELITES TO BE STRONG AS THEY PREPARED TO MOVE TO THE PROMISE LAND YOU CALLED US TO MOVE TO THE FUTURE YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR US ALL.

FOR THE SYSTEM, THE 17 INSTITUTIONS, LEADERS, FACULTY STAFF AND MOST IMPORTANTLY STUDENTS, IGNITE WITHIN EACH HEART A VISION GREATER, A PURPOSE DEEPER, AND A COURAGE THAT IS UNWAVERING.

EXPAND OUR THINKING, ELEVATE EXPECTATIONS AND STRENGTHEN OUR RESOLVE.

PREPARE OUR CAMPUSES TO BE PLACES WHERE POSSIBILITY IS NURTURE, IDEAS ARE CULTIVATED AND EVERY STUDENT IS EQUIPPED TO PURSUE THE CALLING YOU HAVE PLACED WITHIN THEM.

LET OUR EDUCATORS TEACH WITH PASSION AND LEAD WITH VISION.

LET OUR STAFF SERVE WITH EXCELLENCE AND PURPOSE AND LET OUR LEADERS GOVERN WITH UNITY WISDOM AND BOLDNESS.

INSTILL IN ALL OF US THE SPIRIT YOU SPOKE TO JOSHUA THAT WE WOULD NOT BE DISCOURAGED WITH CONFIDENCE THAT YOU GO BEFORE US AND WITH US WHEREVER WE GO.

GROUNDED IN FAITH, AND BELIEVING IN YOU, WE REACH TOWARD THE FUTURE YOU HAVE BEFORE US.

GRANT US THE COURAGE TO STEP FORWARD, THE FAITH TO TRUST YOU FULLY AND THE UNITY TO TRUST ONE ANOTHER AS WE GO.

IN YOU ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY, AMEN.

>> CHAIR: WILL YOU CALL THE ROLL?

>> MAY I HAVE A MOMENT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE FIRST?

>> CHAIR: YES.

>> GOOD MORNING.

I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT AND THANK EVERYONE FOR THE AMAZING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST.

YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH PEOPLE MEAN TO YOU.

I KNOW THAT YOU MEAN A LOT TO ME, AND HOW YOU MADE ME FEEL IS A FEELING THAT I WILL REMEMBER FOREVER.

I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO THANK MEREDITH AND HER TEAM BECAUSE THEY KEPT IT A SECRET FROM ME, AND I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONE THAT KNEW ALL OF THE SECRETS, BUT MEREDITH, THANK YOU.

I'M READY FOR THE ROLL.

>> CHAIR MURPHY?

>> HERE.

>> VICE-CHAIR BLEW?

BLUE?

>> HERE.

>> DR.

BARNS?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

BRADLEY?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

BROWN SPHS ?> HERE.

>> MRS.

COWARD?

>> HERE.

MR.

DAVIS?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

FORD?

>> PRESENT.

>> MR.

FRALEY?

>> HERE.

>> MRS.

GREELEY?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

HOLLY?

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> MR.

HOLTON?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

HUTCHENS?

>> MR.

LIMON?

>> HERE.

>> MRS.

MIT MITCHELL?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

POPE?

>> HERE.

>> MR.

RAMSEY?

>> PRESENT.

>> MR.

WHITE?

>> AND MR.

WILLIFORD?

>> HERE.

>> MADAM CHAIR, YOU HAVE A QUORUM?

>> LOOKING AT TODAY'S AGENDA, DOES ANYONE HAVE A CONFLICT OR APPEARANCE OF CONFLICT UNDER THE STATE ETHICS ACT?

IF SO, LET ME KNOW NOW.

I'LL NOW INVITE CHANCELLOR ROBERTS FOR A V VIDEO PRESENTATION.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE TIME AND EVERYONE FOR VISITING MORGANTON.

IT IS FANTASTIC WHEN YOU GET TO THE CAMPUSES AND ARE ABLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS DAY IN AND DAY OUT WITH OUR AMAZING FACULTY AND STAFF AND STUDENTS ON CAMPUS.

TRUE, IT IS A LOT, BUT IT IS, I THINK WORTH IT FOR EVERYONE HERE TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON, ON OUR CAMPUSES, AND I WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK MEREDITH AND HER TEAM AND FRED SELLERS.

IT'S A LOT FOR THEM TOO TO GO ON THE ROAD.

WE APPRECIATE THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT.

I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK THE TEAM HERE AT SCSSM, THE NAMES HAVE BEEN MENTIONED.

I WANT TO SAY THEM AGAIN.

THE VICE-CHAIR SPENDING THE LAST FEW DAYS WITH US.

CHAD, IF YOU SEE HIM, LITERALLY GETTING THE CAMPUS READY UNTIL THE LAST HOUR.

OUR SAFETY TEAM, OUR TECH TEAM.

ALL OF THE FOLKS HAVE DONE SO MUCH, AND THE SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR, LINDSEY HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR A LOT OF THIS.

I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THEM, AND HERE FOR WHAT SCM HAD TO SAY.

WE WANTED TO DO A SPECIAL VIDEO.

WE MENTIONED THE ARTEMIS 2 MISSION.

AS WE MENTIONED YESTERDAY, CHRISTINA COOK IS AN AN ALUMNA AND TWO TIME NC STATE EARNING HER MASTERS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING.

SHE, AS YOU KNOW IS AN ASTRONAUT.

THAT WAS HER DREAM AS A LITTLE GIRL GROWING UP IN JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA.

WHAT I THINK THE VIDEO IS MEANT TO SHARE IS HOW THIS UNIVERSITY SYSTEM PREPARES THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS EVERY SINGLE YEAR TO BE PREPARED FOR THEIR CAREER TO GET A GREAT EDUCATION AND MORE IMPORTANTLY TO MAKE THEIR DREAMS COME TRUE LIKE IT HAPPENED FOR CHRISTINA.

WHERE HE TRIED TO GET HER TO ZOOM INTO THE MEETING, BUT WORK GOT IN THE WAY.

WE COULDN'T DO THAT, BUT WE WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE A VIDEO FROM HER AS SHE GOT BACK FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION WHERE SHE SPENT THE MOST TIME IN SPACE, WHERE SHE TALKED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF IT ON HER LIFE AND REFLECTS THE INSTITUTIONS THAT WE HAVE ON STUDENTS EVERY SINGLE DAY.

PLEASE, ENJOY THIS.

WE HAVE A LITTLE MOMENTO FOR YOU AT YOUR TABLE.

THIS WAS THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HAD WATCH PARTIES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND DESIGNED ARTEMIS 2 TEE SHIRTS.

ALL THEY MADE WERE LARGES AND EXTRA LARGES.

IT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING WHAT YOU GOT.

[LAUGHTER ] >> I WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT.

ANYWAY, PLEASE ENJOY WATCHING THIS VIDEO OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM PUT TOGETHER WITH THE HELP OF CH CHRISTINA.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BEING HERE.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

[VIDEO ] >> THE HATCH IS OPEN.

CHRISTCHRISTINA, EGRESS THE AIR LOCK.

>> THIS HISTORIC MOMENT, FIRST TIME TWO WOMEN HAVE DONE A SPACEWALK TOGETHER.

CHRISTINA COOK THE FIRST TO COME OUT OF THE QUEST AIR LOCK.

>> PEOPLE ASK ME WERE YOU SCARED WHEN YOU DID THE SPACEWALK?

I TALK ABOUT RECHANNELING FEAR INTO FOCUS.

I THINK THAT I FIRST LEARNED THAT AND DISCOVERED THAT WAS SOMETHING I COULD DO AT SCIENCE AND MATH.

YOU WORKED SO BUSY ALL THE TIME THERE.

I REMEMBER LOOKING AT THE MOUNTAIN OF HOMEWORK AND THINKING HOW WILL THIS GET DONE IN ONE NIGHT.

TO HAVE PEOPLE THAT SAT ME DOWN AND PUSHED ME HARDER THAN I WOULD HAVE PUSHED MYSELF WAS INSTRUMENTAL.

MY WHOLE WORLD OPENED UP TO ME.

I WAS FROM JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA.

THEN I WENT TO SSM WHERE THERE WERE PEOPLE FROM RALEIGH AND CHARLOTTE AND THESE BIG CITIES I HEARD ABOUT.

THEY HAD BIG OPINIONS AND HAD SEEN SO MUCH MORE THAN I HAD SEEN.

TO REALIZE THERE WAS SO MUCH MORE TO LEARN, AND THE AMOUNT MY MIND OPENED DURING THAT TIME CAN'T BE UNDER STATED.

>> I'M CHRISTINA COOK FOR ARTEMIS 2 MISSION AROUND THE MOON.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON.

FOUR ASTRONAUTS ARE ABOUT TO SUIT UP FOR THE BOLDEST TEST FLIGHT IN A GENERATION.

>> THE QUESTION ISN'T GO OR NOT GO, IT'S ARE YOU GOING TO LEAD OR FOLLOW?

>> THIS CREW COULD BE THE FIRST HUMANS TO JOURNEY AROUND THE MOON IN MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY.

>> ARTEMIS 2 CREW IS GO FOR LAUNCH.

SET.

>> LET'S GO.

>> THREE, TWO, ONE.

LIFT OFF.

THE CREW OF ARTEMIS 2-POBOUND FOR THE MOON.

HUMANITY'S NEXT GREAT VOYAGE BEGINS.

>> COPY, CHRISTINA, WE ARE ONBOARD WITH YOU.

THANK YOU.

>> CAPTAIN OF INTEGRITY HERE AS WE TRAVEL THE DISTANCE HUMANS HAVE TRAVELED FROM EARTH.

WE DO SO IN THE FEAT OF OUR PREDECESSORS.

WE'LL CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY INTO SPACE BEFORE MOTHER EARTH SUCCEEDS IN PULLING US BACK TO EVERYTHING WE HOLD DEAR.

>> WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE MOON, SOMETHING I HAVE NEVER SEEN IN PHOTOGRAPHS BEFORE WHICH IS APPARENT, ALL OF THE REALLY BRIGHT NEW CRATERS.

SOME ARE SUPER TINY.

MOST OF THEM ARE PRETTY SMALL.

THERE ARE A COUPLE THAT STAND OUT, OBVIOUSLY.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IS A LAMP SHADE WITH TINY PRICK HOLES AND LIGHT SHINING THROUGH.

THEY ARE SO BRIGHT COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE MOON.

>> PASSING THROUGH 10,000 FEET.

MAIN CHUTE DEPLOYED.

SPLASH DOWN CONFIRMED.

>> COPY SPLASH DOWN.

>> CONFIRMED AT 7:07 P.M.

CENTRAL.

5:07 P.M.

PACIFIC TIME.

A NEW CHAPTER OF THE EXPLORATION OF OUR MISSION IS COMPLETE.

INTEGRITIES ASTRONAUTS, BACK ON EARTH.

JUBILATION HERE IN THE FLIGHT CONTROL ROOM.

THE FIRST CREW MEMBER IS OUT OF INTEGRITY.

>> WE SEE CHRISTINA THERE, SMILING AND WAVING AT THE CAMERAS.

HELLO TO YOU TOO, CHRISTINA.

WELCOME BACK.

WELCOME HOME.

[APPLAUSE] >> I WAS TALKING -- THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I WAS TALKING TO CHANCELLOR ROBERTS TUESDAY NIGHT AT THE RECEPTION AND TALKED ABOUT HOW THIS EVENT WAS SO REMARKABLE.

WE HAD A DINNER PARTY AT OUR HOUSE.

I LOOKED AT EVERYBODY AND SAID WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO WATCH THE SPLASH DOWN?

EVERYBODY SAID YES.

AT A TIME THINGS ARE SO DIVISIVE, TO SEE SOMETHING THAT BROUGHT EVERYONE TOGETHER AND IT'S CONNECTED TO SCIENCE AND MATH AT NC STATE IS WONDERFUL.

BEFORE YIELDING BACK MY TIME I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ABOUT CHANCELLOR ROBERTS, YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB THANKING EVERYBODY ELSE AND TELLING THEM WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, BUT YOUR LEADERSHIP AS A SERVANT LEADER MAKING A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE A GIFT TO OUR STATE AND WORLD AS EXHIBITED BY ARTEMIS 2 IS REMARKABLE.

I THINK WE SHOULD RECOGNIZE HIM FOR THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH AND OUR SYSTEM.

[APPLAUSE] >> THAT WAS A WONDERFUL VIDEO.

IT WOULD BE GOOD IF WE COULD GO HOME NOW.

WE HAVE A BIT OF WORK TO DO, SO WE'LL CARRY ON.

THAT WAS AWESOME.

SO, IT IS GOOD TO BE BACK ON CAMPUS, AND IT IS VALUABLE FOR THE BOARD TO BE ON A CAMPUS WITH THE CHANCELLOR AND TEAM AND STUDENTS, AND IT REMINDS US OF WHY WE ARE DOING WHAT WE ARE DOING.

ESPECIALLY GOOD TO BE ON CAMPUS AS EXTRAORDINARY AS SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH.

IT'S BEEN A BLESSING TO MEET SOME OF THE STUDENTS AND HEAR FROM THE FACULTY WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL.

I AM DRAWN TO THE MOTTO, I ACCEPT THE GREATER CHALLENGE, CAUSING STUDENTS TO PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH.

FOR DECADES WE HAVE SEEN HOW THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH INSTILLS THE SPIRIT IN YOUNG PEOPLE.

TODAY IT IS THE TOP HIGH SCHOOL OF THE NATION AND A PLACE ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO BE CURIOUS, PERSEVERE AND BUILD RESILIENCE LONG AFTER GRADUATION.

IMPORTANTLY, IT HELPS US DEVELOP TALENT THAT STAYS IN NORTH CAROLINA.

WE HEARD IN COMMITTEE YESTERDAY THAT NORTH CAROLINA'S ECONOMY IS GROWING FASTER THAN THE WORKFORCE, MORE JOBS THAN PEOPLE QUALIFIED TO FILL THEM AND NURSING, TEACHING AND ENGINEERING ARE SOME OF THE FASTEST GROWING AND CRITICAL PROFESSIONS IN THE STATE.

TO ME, THAT MEANS THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM IS MORE VALUABLE THAN EVER AS A TOP PRODUCER OF THE STATE'S TALENT.

THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH SERVES AS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE BEFORE THEY REACH COLLEGE, PREPARING THEM EARLY FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS.

YOU HAVE HEARD ME SAY BEFORE MANY TIMES THAT OUR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN PREPARING FUTURE TEACHES.

AS I LOOK AT OUR STATE, AT THE ECONOMIC GROWTH WE ARE EXPERIENCING, I SEE A DEEP NEED FOR STRONG CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.

FOR FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING IN READING, WRITING AND YES, MATH.

EDUCATION TOOLS AND METHODS MATTER, ESPECIALLY AS THE STATE CONTINUES TO SEE STUDENT MATH SCORES THAT ARE BEHIND PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS, AND IF TEACHERS WHO GRADUATE FROM OUR UNIVERSITIES ARE NOT WELL EQUIPPED TO ADDRESS THE LEARNING GAPS, WE HAVE FALLEN SHORT IN OUR WORK.

THAT IS WHY THE UNC SYSTEM HAS NEARLY FINISHED DEVELOPING CLEAR STANDARDS FOR MATT INSTRUCTION ACROSS ITS TEACHING PROGRAMS.

THE STANDARDS IMPROVE AND COORDINATE MATH INSTRUCTION, STRENGTHEN UNDERSTANDING OF DIFFICULT CONCEPTS AND PREPARE TEACHERS TO BETTER SUPPORT STUDENT.

A SYSTEM WIDE MATH FRAMEWORK IS IMPORTANT FOR SEVERAL REASONS, EXCELLENT MATH EDUCATION LIKE READING EDUCATION WILL PREPARE EVERY NORTH CAROLINA CHILD FOR SUCCESS NO MATTER THEIR GOALS.

A YOUNG STUDENT MAY GROW UP AND OPEN A SMALL BUSINESS, BECOME A NURSE, TEACHER OR ENGINEER.

IF THEY GRADUATE FROM THIS HIGH SCHOOL, THEY MAY EVEN BECOME AN ASTRONAUT.

NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO, ONE THING IS CERTAIN, THEY'LL NEED MATH TO SUCCEED.

SECOND, WE KNOW A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF MATH AND READING CAN BUILD CONFIDENCE INTO ADULTHOOD AND ENCOURAGE HIGHER EDUCATION.

WE SEE THIS IN THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH.

A 2020 SURVEY SHOWED 98% OF THE GRADUATES EARNED BACHELOR DEGREES AND 65 EARNED A STEM DEGREE.

THIRD, NORTH CAROLINIANS DESERVE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE STATE'S GROWING LABOR FORCE.

AS THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PEOPLE, IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE PREPARED TO DO SO.

HERE IS WHERE THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH SHINES AS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO IDENTIFY, DEVELOP AND RETAIN TALENT FOR OUR STATE.

MOST GRADUATES OF THIS INSTITUTION STAY IN NORTH CAROLINA, LAND HIGH-PAYING JOBS AND CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES THROUGH MEANINGFUL SERVICE.

MUCH OF THAT RETENTION IS DUE TO A 2022 GUARANTEED EMISSIONS POLICY SET BY THIS BOARD.

TODAY, 75% OF STUDENTS FROM THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH ATTEND A UNC SYSTEM INSTITUTION AFTER GRADUATION.

THEY ALSO RECEIVE FULLY COVERED TUITION UNDER A SEPARATE STATE PROGRAM.

THAT IS A WIN FOR OUR ECONOMY AND OUR SOCIETY, AND IT SHOULD BE CELEBRATED.

BUT THE STATE NEEDS MORE.

AND WHILE THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH IS A COMPETITIVE ONE OF ITS KIND INSTITUTION, IT STANDS AS A LEADER IN PUBLIC EDUCATION SHOWING US WHAT IS POSSIBLE WHEN WE FOCUS OUR ENERGY WHERE IT MATTERS MOST.

I BELIEVE WHAT MATTERS IS STRONGER, CLEARER INSTRUCTION IN KINDERGARTEN AND MIDDLE GRADES, AND THAT MEANS GETTING OUR TEACHERS BACK TO THE BASICS, BACK TO FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING THAT BUILD BUILDS CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS.

THAT LEADS STUDENTS TO SOMEWHERE GREAT LIKE THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATH.

FOR THE UNC SYSTEM AND STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, THAT IS THE GREATER CHALLENGE AND WE ARE RISING TO IT.

THANK YOU.

THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

I WILL NOW CALL ON PRESIDENT HANS FOR HIS REPORT.

>> PRESIDENT HANS: THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

I WOULD LIKE TO GO ON THE RECORD SAYING I THINK WE SHOULD HOLD MORE OF THESE MEETINGS IN A BARN.

WE HAVE A LOVELY BARN QUILT ON THE WALL OVER THERE.

I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AS A DOWN TO EARTH INSTITUTION THAN AN IVORY TOWER, SO THE BARN SUITS US WELL, CHANCELLOR ROBERTS, GAVIN.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FINE FOLKS IN MORGANTON AND DURHAM HOSTING SUCH AN EXTRAORDINARY SCHOOL, MARVELOUS EXAMPLE OF TRANSLATING AMBITIOUS IDEAS INTO EFFECTIVE INSTITUTIONS.

NO ONE TRIED BUILDING A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS BEFORE THE STATE GAVE IT A GO IN 1980.

IT WAS A BOLD EXPERIMENT, IN RESPONSE TO THE URGENT NEEDS OF THE AGE BECAUSE AT THE TIME, NORTH CAROLINA WAS IN THROES OF A PAINFUL TRANSITION, MOVING FROM AN ECONOMY HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON TOBACCO AND TEXTILES AND FURNITURE, TO TECHNOLOGY, FINANCE AND MEDICINE.

WITHIN FARMING AND MANUFACTURING, THE ADVANTAGE WAS SHIFTING TO THOSE THAT COULD USE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING TO MAKE NEW DISCOVERIES AND GROWTH IN FIELDS SUCH AS BIOTECH, AEROSPACE, PHARMACEUTICALS, THE ONGOING TRANSITION.

SOMETIMES BENEFICIAL, SOMETIMES WRENCHING, STILL UNDER WAY TODAY.

YOU SEE IT IN MORGANTON AND ACROSS OUR STATE.

THE PEOPLE WHO ENVISIONED SESSM SAW THE SHIFT COMING AND ACTED ON IT.

THEY UNDERSTOOD THIS WOULD DEPEND ON THE GOD GIVEN TALENT OF OUR PEOPLE RESPONDING TO THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF THE STATE.

THEY WANTED TO KEEP NORTH CAROLINA'S BEST AND BRIGHTEST CLOSEST TO HOME AND THAT IS WHAT THE SCHOOL OF MATH AND SCIENCE HAS DONE.

AMERICA'S BEST HIGH SCHOOL.

THIS WAS BUILT TO BE AN INTELLECTUAL ACCELERATOR FOR SOME OF THE BEST STUDENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA BRINGING THEM TOGETHER AND GIVING THEM A CHANCE TO WORK WITH THE BEST FACULTIES ASSEMBLED.

I CAN ASSURE YOU MY HIGH SCHOOL DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF PHDS OR DOCTORATES IN CHEMISTRY WANDERING THE HALLS AND OVERSEEING WORLD CLASS LAB SPACE.

THIS IS A SPECIAL PLACE HERE.

YOU CAN TELL THAT FROM 90 SECONDS CONVERSATION WITH ANYONE HERE.

IT'S NO SURPRISE THAT SCIENCE AND MATH IS SO EFFECTIVE AT HONING BRILLIANT STUDENTS AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO PURSUE IN NORTH CAROLINA.

WE CONTINUE TO LOOK AROUND THE CORNER TO HELP NORTH CAROLINA MEET THE DEMANDS OF A CHANGING WORLD.

WHILE THE ARTEMIS ASTRONAUTS WERE PEERING AT THE SURFACE OF THE MOON LAST WEEK, WE WERE DOING OUR BEST TO PEER INTO THE FUTURE TO ANTICIPATE WHAT OUR ECONOMY WILL NEED FROM US IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

THE CHAIR HAS SPOKEN CLEARLY ABOUT THAT.

THE WORK-FORCE ALIGNMENT WE SHARED WITH YOU DOCUMENTS SERIOUS GROWTH IN THE FIELD OF ENGINEERS, HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND TEACHERS.

WITH THE STATE GROWING IN OUR WORKFORCE FACING A WAVE OF RETIREMENT THERE IS STRONG NEED FOR THE VITAL PROFESSIONS OUR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES WERE DESIGNED TO FILL.

FOR THE WELL-DESERVED REPUTATION WE HAVE FOR BEING A SLOW MOVING SECTOR, THE HISTORY OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IS ONE OF NEAR CONSTANT REINVENTION, A RESPONSE TO STATE NEEDS, LOOKING NO FURTHER FROM WHERE WE SIT NOW, BOND VOTERS 2016 AFTER IT WAS CLEAR THERE WAS MORE WORK TO BE DONE READYING NORTH CAROLINA'S YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE FUTURE.

IN THIS EPIC PERIOD OF TECHNICAL REVOLUTION, WE MUST NEVER LOSE TRACK OF PREPARING THE MIND AND CHARACTER FOR MUCH MORE.

NOT ONLY ROLES AS FUTURE WORKERS, BUT AS ADAPTABLE LIFELONG LEARNERS, DEEP THINKERS AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.

TO ASK THE QUESTION, WHAT IS A HUMAN BEING?

WHAT MAKES US DISTINCT FROM COMPUTERS AND MACHINES?

A TALENTED YOUNG VIOLINIST FROM LUNCH YESTERDAY INDIRECTLY POSED THAT QUERY TO US, I BELIEVE.

MANY MORE THOUGHTS TO COME ON THIS TOPIC IN THE DAYS AHEAD, BUT THIS UNIVERSITY HAS NEVER BEEN COMPLACENT IN THE FACE OF CHANGE, AND WERE NOT RESTING ON OUR SUCCESSES NOW.

THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF WORK AHEAD OF US IN THE SCIENCE AND MATH SPIRIT OF INNOVATION HERE SHOULD BE A GUIDING LIGHT AS WE TACKLE IT.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

>> CHAIR: THANK YOU.

WE'LL NOW CONSIDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON ITEM 6 OF TODAY'S AGENDA.

ARE THERE ANY ITEMS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WISH TO HAVE REMOVED?

IF NOT, I'LL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ITEMS BY CONSENT.

>> SO MOVED.

>> I HAVE A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON MR.

LIMON.

>> MR.

LIMON: HERE I AM AT MY LAST MEETING OF THE STUDENT BOARD OF GOVERNORS.

AFTER THIS MONTH, NO MORE REPORTS AND IF ALL GOING ACCORDING TO PLAN, NO MORE ASSIGNMENTS TO TURN IN.

AFTER SIX YEARS AND TWO DEGREES, I HAVE TAKEN TIME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME.

I HAVE TO THANK DR.

ENGLISH AND PRESIDENT HANS THAT I READ THE BIOGRAPHY OF BILL FRIDAY.

IT WAS THE FIRST BOOK I PURCHASED BEFORE THE REQUIRED READINGS.

READING THIS BOOK AS A FORMER TRUSTEE AND NOW GOVERNOR WAS NOTHING SHORT OF EYE OPENING.

HE DESCRIBED THE ROLE OF GIVING HIM THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE.

THE MORE I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT LINE, THE MORE IT STUCK WITH ME.

YOU SEE EVERYTHING.

THE SYSTEM, THE CHALLENGES WE FACE, OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD AND DECISIONS THAT ARE MADE BY THE BOARD.

YOU ARE ASKED TO THINK ABOUT NOT ONE CAMPUS BUT 17, NOT JUST TODAY BUT THE FUTURE.

AND FRIDAY UNDERSTOOD THIS.

HE LED IN MOMENTS OF CHALLENGE, TENSION, AND MOMENTS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE UNIVERSITY'S PURPOSE.

MY THOUGHTS WERE IN A STATE OF AWE AT THE LEGACY HE CRAFTED.

I THOUGHT THIS GUY CAN'T CATCH A BREAK.

ARE YOU OKAY?

YOU CAN LEAVE WITH ME.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WHAT STUCK WITH ME IS THE PURPOSE.

IN THE ERA WE FIND OURSELVES IN, WE MUST STAY FOCUSED ON THE MISSION AND PEOPLE WE SERVE ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE.

THOUGH CHALLENGES LOOK DIFFERENT THEY ARE NO LESS COMPLEX.

IT TAKES FOCUS FROM ALL OF US TO FACE THEM.

AS I PREPARE TO END THE JOURNEY, I WANT TO GIVE THANKS TO THE BOARD FOR WELCOMING ME TO THE TEAM A YEAR AGO.

I WANT TO THANK THOSE AT THE SYSTEM OFFICE, PBS AND FACULTY THAT WORK TO MAKE THE SHIP RUN SMOOTHLY.

I WANT TO THANK THOSE THAT HELPED ME PURSUE A CAREER IN LEADERSHIP.

AFTER BOTH OF MY ELECTIONS, YOU WELCOMED ME TO THE ROLE AND OFFERED MUCH-NEEDED ADVICE.

SOMETHING I'LL NEVER FORGET FROM YOU, AT SOME POINT, THEY EACH ASKED ME ONE SIMPLE QUESTION, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

IT WAS A COMFORTING REMINDER THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA IS THE BEATING HEART OF THE STATE ITSELF, THEN THE STUDENTS ARE THE LIFE BLOOD THAT KEEP US GOING.

I ENCOURAGE ALL OF US WITH THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE TO REMEMBER THE FOUNDATION, SEEK THEM OUT AND BRING THEM INTO CONVERSATIONS TO UNDERSTAND THE LIVED EXPERIENCES.

I WOULD LIKE TO ECHO MY GOOD FRIEND, AT HIS LAST BOARD MEETING HE ENCOURAGED EATING WITH STUDENTS, TO FEEL THE ROOMS STUDENTS OCCUPY EACH DAY.

IT'S WHY THE MEETINGS LIKE THIS MATTER BECAUSE IT KEEPS US GROUNDED AND LETS OTHERS GET TO KNOW YOU.

IT CAN BE INTIMIDATING TO WALK INTO A BOARDROOM.

IT HAS BEEN YOUR KINDNESS, SUPPORT AND REASSURED ME I HAVE A PLACE HERE.

I WISH ALL 237,000 STUDENTS COULD KNOW THIS ABOUT YOU, I DON'T KNOW IF THE BARN CAN FIT THEM ALL.

WE'LL BUILD A BIGGER BARN.

I'M EXCITED TO SHARE THAT THIS PAST JANUARY, I WORKED WITH JOHN HOPKINS AND WILL CONTINUE AFTER GRADUATION.

WE ARE A NONPARTISAN BOARD.

LUCKILY, MY ROLE IS REMOTE.

I HOPE TO RUB INTO YOU FROM TIME TO TIME.

TODAY, I'M EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT ELECT AND NEXT MEMBER.

THE PIRATES DID WHAT THE CHIEFS COULDN'T BACK-TO-BACK.

THE PIRATES HAVE GONE THREE YEARS IN A ROW SENDING A CURRENT OR FORMER STUDENT TO THE BOARD OF GOVERNOR.

RASHIL HAS SERVED ON STAFF BOTH DURING MY TIME AND WHILE I WAS STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT.

HE'S ONE OF THE HARDEST WORKERS I HAVE EVER MET AND GIVES 110%.

I KNOW HE WILL INTRODUCE HIMSELF M IN MAY, BUT YOU GOT A GOOD ONE.

I HOPE YOU WILL JOIN ME CONGRATULATING HIM ONE MORE TIME.

[APPLAUSE] >> ONE YEAR AGO I FIRST SAT HERE AND PROMISED TO MAKE MY REMARKS SNAP WII.

PY.

I WANT TO THANK YOU.

I HAVE SEEN THE IMMENSE BEAUTY OF THE STATE.

ONCE I MAKE IT TO THE SHOW THIS MONTH I WILL HAVE BEEN TO ALL 17 CAMPUSES IN THE SYSTEM OVER MY TIME HERE.

WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT HAS BEEN TO BE IN THESE ROLES AND SEE THE WORK ON THE GROUND.

TO ME, MORE THAN THE AWARDS AND PLAQUES OR DEGREES OR TITLES, WHAT I'LL REMEMBER THE MOST IS THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT I HAVE FORMED MAKING ME INTO A BETTER LEADER AND PERSON.

THAT'S THE GREATEST GIFT HIGHER EDUCATION HAS GIVEN ME.

WITH THAT, MADAM CHAIR, I'LL FINALLY YIELD THE FLOOR.

>> CHAIR: THANK YOU, JAVIER.

[APPLAUSE] >> CHAIR: IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU.

I HOPE YOU FEEL IT'S BEEN A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT OF YOUR TIMES.

MAYBE YOU HAVE LEARNED THINGS.

MAYBE SOME YOU DIDN'T NEED TO KNOW.

WE WISH YOU WELL.

DON'T BE A STRANGER.

OKAY, I THEY WE ARE NOW READY FOR THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND FINANCE, MR.

BRADLEY.

>> MR.

BRADLEY: THANK YOU.

DURING THE MEETING YESTERDAY THE COMMITTEE REVIEWED AND APPROVED THE FY SYSTEM DEBT CAPACITY STUDY DETAILING EACH UNC SYSTEM REPORT AND ALLOCATION OF THE REMAINING 2025-26 STATE CAPITAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS, TOTALING $55 MILLION.

BOTH ITEMS INCLUDED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

THERE WERE TWO TRANSACTION ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA JUST APPROVED.

SIX SELF LIQUIDATING DEBT PROJECTS AND 14 INCREASED AUTHORIZATIONS AT SIX INSTITUTIONS.

AUTHORIZATION FOR REVISIONS TO THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED ENGINEERING NORTH CAROLINA FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR NC STATE UNIVERSITY.

FINALLY THE ADDITIONAL MATERIALS INCLUDED THE FULL REPORT OF THE UNC SYSTEM STUDY AND QUARTERLY CAPITAL PROJECT REPORT APRIL, 2026.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> CHAIR: MR.

CHAIRMAN HUTCHENS, WOULD YOU PRESENT THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONAL POLICIES, PLANNING AND PROGRAMS?

>> MR.

HUTCHENS: AT OUR MEETING YESTERDAY, THE COMMITTEE RECOGNIZED JAVIER LIMON FOR-OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR AS PRESIDENT OF STUDENT GOVERNMENT AND ALSO INTRODUCED OUR ASG INCOMING PRESIDENT IN MAY.

HE WILL SERVE FOR THE 2026-27 ACADEMIC YEAR.

NEXT, THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED A PRESENTATION -- THAT'S UNDER STATED, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON REGARDING THE STATE OF HEALTHCARE NEEDS FOR SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE STEPS UNC WILMINGTON HAS TAKEN ADDRESSING THE ISSUE.

A CULMINATION OF EFFORTS IS A PROPOSED STAND ALONE MEDICAL SCHOOL AWARDING THE DOCTOR OF MEDICINE DEGREE.

THIS IS INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THE PRESENTATION INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A PRODUCED OUTLINE, RATIONAL FOR CONSIDERING IT AND PROVIDING CONTEXT FOR THE UNIVERSITY REQUEST.

IT WAS A COMPREHENSIVE PRESENTATION AND MADE A COMPELLING ARGUMENT FOR THE PROJECTED PROGRAM.

NEXT THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED AN ACADEMIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FROM DR.

ENGLISH WITH TWO UPDATES THAT THE COMMITTEE PREVIOUSLY HEARD ABOUT, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REPORT AND CIVIL DISCOURSE INITIATIVES.

NEXT, WE RECEIVED A REPORT FROM MISS KATHRYN MARTIN ON THE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUND INCLUDING A BROADER DISCUSSION OF WORKFORCE NEEDS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE RURAL PIPELINE BY SUPPORTING TRAINING AND PARTNERSHIPS IN HIGH-NEED AREAS OF THE STATE.

LASTLY, WE RECEIVED THE INAUGURAL SYSTEM ALIGNMENT REPORT.

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO MAY 2024 BOARD REVISIONS TO POLICY 400.1 CALLING FOR A REVIEW OF HOW WELL THE ACADEMIC DEGREE PORTFOLIO ALIGNS WITH WORKFORCE NEEDS.

THE PRESENTATION PROVIDED AN OVERVIEW OF WORKFORCE DEMANDS IN NORTH CAROLINA.

THE SUPPLY OF GRADUATES AT EACH LEVEL AND THE UNC SYSTEMS EMERGING MODEL FOR BETTER ALIGNING ACADEMIC PROGRAMS WITH EMPLOYER NEEDS AND REAL WORLD HIRING CONDITIONS.

THANK YOU, MR.

CHAIRMAN.

THAT'S MY REPORT.

>> CHAIR: YESTERDAY WAS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF HOW THE UNIVERSITY ME WORKS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF NORTH CAROLINA.

I WAS PR PROUD WORKING WITH THE DONOR, ELECTED OFFICIALS, I'M EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE.

WE ARE AT THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL.

MRS.

COWARD?

>> MRS.

COWARD: WE'LL HEAR FROM ALAN NC STATE UNIVERSITY.

>> GOOD MORNING, CHAIR MURPHY, GOVERNORS, CHANCELLORS, UNC SYSTEM LEADERS, PRESIDENT HAPPENS, OUR UNC FAMILY.

IT'S EXCITING TO BE HERE AT THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATIC, SEEING THE UNC SYSTEM TO EXPAND AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR SO MANY BUILDING A BIGGER UNC FAMILY IS SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF.

WE CRISSCROSS WITH EVERY COUNTY IN NORTH CAROLINA.

IT'S IMPRESSIVE THAT WE TOUCH THE ENTIRE STATE I IN SOME WAY.

THIS YEAR OUR STAFF ASSEMBLY TURNS 20.

20 YEARS AGO THE STAFF ASSEMBLY WAS CHARTERED TO BE AN ADVISORY BODY TO BRING CANDID, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE.

BEING HERE, SHARING THE LAST STATEMENT AS PART OF THE REPORT TO YOU OUR BOARD OF GOVERNORS IS A RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE APPRECIATE.

WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH ONE OF AN EARLY CHAIR OF THE STAFF ASSEMBLY, I WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY WAS PREVIOUSLY ONLY ALLOWED FOR IMPORTANT ISSUES -- THEY ARE ALL IMPORTANT, I GUESS.

IT'S GRATIFYING TO KNOW THAT THIS BOARD, CHAIR MURPHY, PRESIDENT HANS, THAT YOU SEE STAFF ISSUES IMPORTANT AS INCLUDE THE REPORTS FROM THE ASSEMBLY REGULARLY.

THANK YOU.

TO SHARE THE IMPORTANT ISSUES, THE STAFF ASSEMBLY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET IN PERSON AT ANOTHER LOCATION LAST MONTH, NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY.

WE HAVE THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTIFUL STUDENT UNION AND CHANCELLOR DIXON'S HOSPITALITY, MAKING US FEEL WELCOME AND AT HOME.

THE WARM HOSPITALITY GAVE OUR FAMILY TIME TO RECONNECT AND DISCUSS THE ISSUES THAT MATTER TO OUR STAFF.

YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE ISSUES.

THEY HAVE NOT CHANGED SO MUCH SINCE THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE.

AN INCREASE IN LIVING IN FIVE YEAR,, 25% GROWTH V.

13.6 SALARY INCREASES.

FRUSTRATION OVER RISING COSTS WITH THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN, INCREASED COPAYS, PRESCRIPTION COSTS AND CHALLENGES WITH THE NEW BENEFITS.

THE POINTS OF FRUSTRATION ARE AMPLIFIED AS SOME CONSIDER AN ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN, PICKING UP DUTIES OTHERS HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED FROM OTHER REASONS AND THE VOLUME OF WORK DOESN'T CHANGE.

IT CAN ALL BE STRESSFUL.

THAT STRESS PUTS A STRAIN ON THE ENGINE THAT MOVES US ALL FORWARD.

THESE ARE A FEW OF THE IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT CAME UP AND KEEP COMING UP, SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW UP AND TRY NOT TO SOUND LIKE A BROKEN RECORD BUT TO REITERATE THAT THESE THINGS ARE PRESENT FOR US AS STAFF.

THROUGH ALL OF THAT STRESS, THE ENGINE KEEPS RUNNING AND STAFF KEEP US MOVING.

WE KEEP MOVING BECAUSE THERE ARE THINGS STAFF ARE HOPEFUL FOR LIKE THE POSSIBILITY OF SALARY INCREASES WITH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSING A BUDGET WITH THAT IN PLACE, THE STATE HEALTH PROVIDER, MANAGER TO GET US BETTER PRICES AND MORE CHOICE, EVEN THE RECENT AGREEMENT ARE THINGS WE ARE EXCITED FOR AS WE HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITY.

THAT'S HOPEFUL FOR STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS AND THE FEELING OF FAMILY.

THE VICE-CHAIR OF STAFF ASSEMBLY AND I WERE INVITED TO A MEETING AT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY AND THEY HAD THE STUDENT BODY PRESENT AND CHAIR OF TRUSTEES AS THE SPEAKER.

EACH SPEAKER TOOK A MOMENT TO SHARE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RELATIONSHIPS THEY SHARE AND WHAT THEY ACCOMPLISH WORKING TOGETHER.

SEEING DEMONSTRATED STRONG RELATIONSHIPS LIKE THAT REINFORCES OUR HOPE AND CONFIDENCE THAT WE ARE FAMILY, IN THIS TOGETHER TO RAISE UP OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF AND DRIVE OUR UNC SYSTEM TO SUCCESS.

AS I WRAP UP REMARKS, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK CHRIS, A GREAT EXAMPLE TO THE ASSEMBLY.

WE WISH HIM SUCCESS AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR WORK WITH DR.

WALKER, AND OUR SYSTEM OFFICE PARTNERS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME, FOR MAKING SALARIES AND EL MAR A BUDGET PRIORITY AND YOUR SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT TO OUR STAFF.

[APPLAUSE] >> CHAIR: MR.

MITCHELL, WILL YOU PRESENT THE REPORT ON UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE?

>> MR.

CHAIRMAN MITCHELL.

THANK YOU, THEIR MURPHY.

CHAIR MURPHY.

BUY BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION IS IN EFFECT.

THE APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE FULL BOARD NOW IS TO POINT MISS HOUSTON TO FILL A PARTIAL TERM ENDING JUNE 30TH, 2027.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOMINATION TO SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO FILL A PARTIAL TERM ENDING JUNE 30TH, 2027.

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

DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES.

>> NEXT, THE COMMITTEE VOTED ON APPOINTMENT TO THE MEDICAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

THE APPOINTMENT IS FOR AN INITIAL TERM TO SEAT 11 BEGINNING APRIL 16TH, 2026 ENDING FEBRUARY 28TH, 2030.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE NOMINATION TO ECU HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO FILL A TERM ENDING 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.

>> THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REPORT.

>> CHAIR: THANK YOU.

MR.

CLARK, THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.

>> MR.

CLARK: THANK YOU, CHAIR MURPHY.

THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND FINANCE AND AFFAIRS HELD A MEETING TO REVIEW AND APPROVE THE STATE BUDGET AND LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES.

FOR THE 2026 SHORT SESSION AT THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND 119TH CONGRESS.

MISS JENNIFER HAYGOOD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION PROVIDED THE REVIEW OF THE 2026-27 BUDGET PRIORITIES.

THESE INCLUDED A SET OF SYSTEM WIDE OPERATING AND CAPITAL PRIORITIES, FOCUSED ON NEEDS, ENROLLMENT, FUNDING, BUILDING RESERVES, REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS AND FUNDING FOR THE PREVIOUS AUTHORIZED SCIF NAMED PROJECTS.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE OF BUDGET AND FINANCE AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, I MOVE THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE 2026-27 BUDGET PRIORITIES.

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

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES.

>> NEXT, MISS KATHRYN LYNN PROVIDED A REVIEW OF THE 2026-27 SELF LIQUIDATING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

FIVE CONSTITUENT UNIVERSITIES ARE REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR SIX PROJECTS, REQUIRING A DEBT AUTHORITY OF $637 MILLION.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET AND FINANCE AND COMMITTEE ON EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, I MOVE THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE 2026-27 SELF LIQUIDATING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

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

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES.

>> MR.

CLARK: MR.

GOODSON PROVIDED A REVIEW TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE 2026 SHORT SESSION STATE LEGISLATIVE POLICY CONSIDERATIONS.

THESE CONSIDERATIONS ARE THE NINE BUDGET STATE LEGISLATIVE POLICY CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDING INCREASING THE DOLLAR THRESHOLD FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS, DEFINITION AND FORMAL CAPITAL PROJECTS PROVIDING CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY FOR LOW CAPACITY INSTITUTIONS AND ALIGNING NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE AND MATH RESIDENCY DEFINITION WITH LEGAL RESIDENT FOR TUITION PURPOSES ENABLING RELIANCE ON SERVICES.

ON BEHALF OF BUDGET AND FINANCE AND COMMITTEE OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, I MOVE THE BOARD APPROVE THE 2026 SESSION LEGISLATIVE POLICY CONSIDERATIONS.

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

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES.

>> MR.

CLARK: LASTLY, THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PROVIDED A REVIEW OF THE CONTINUUM FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM AND 119TH CONGRESS.

THE QUEST INCLUDES SAFEGUARDING FUNDING FOR CAMPUS BASED AID PROGRAMS INCLUDING PELL GRANT AND FEDERAL WORK STUDY AS WELL AS FEDERAL RESEARCH.

THE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE AND BUDGET AND FINANCE AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, I MOVE THAT THE BOARD CONTINUE FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM AND FOR THE 119TH CONGRESS.

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

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES.

>> MR.

CLARK: THANK YOU, CHAIR MURPHY.

THIS CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> CHAIR: I WILL NOW ASK SECRET BURRIS-FLOYD FOR THE CLOSED SESSION MOTION.

>> I MOVE WE GO TO CLOSED SESSION FOR CHAPTER 143 GENERAL STATUTE AS STATED IN THE PUBLICLY WRITTEN MOTION.

>> CHAIR: MEMBERS YOU HAVE HEARD THE MOTION.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND?

ANY DISCUSSION?

ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

WE'LL MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION.

>> CHAIR: : MRS.

COWARD, WOULD YOU PRESENT THE REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THE COMMITTEE REVIEWED A REPORT FROM DR.

ENGLISH ON UTILIZATION FUNDING LAST YEAR.

THANKS TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR STATE LEGISLATURE, WE HAVE APPROVED 80 REQUESTS FOR THE RETENTION OF FACULTY MEMBERS ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM.

THE FULL REPORT IS AVAILABLE IN BOARD EFFECTS.

THE COMMITTEE PRESENTED TO THE FULL BOARD REVISIONS TO SECTIONS 300 POINT 1.5 OF THE POLICY MANUAL.

THE CHANGES ARE DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN THE BOARD MATERIALS.

THE PROPOSED REVISIONS WILL BE VOTED ON THROUGH THE MACON SENT AGENDA.

THANK YOU, MADAM CHAIR, THAT CONCLUDES MY REMARKS.

>> CHAIR: BEFORE WE ADJOURN, I WANT TO THANK THE BOARD MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN COMMENCEMENT IN A FEW WEEKS.

YOU WILL RECALL THAT WE HAVE SO MANY COMMENCEMENTS IN DECEMBER AND MAY, WE MADE A CHANGE TO GET A HANDLE ON IT SO WE DON'T SPEAK IN DECEMBER.

WE SPEAK IN MAY.

WE SPEAK AT THE ONE COMMENCEMENT THAT AWARDS THE TEACHING AWARDS, SO -- JUST -- BOARD MEMBERS, PLEASE BE MINDFUL THAT YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE SPEAKING.

BE SHORT AND SWEET AND STICK TO SCRIPT.

ALL RIGHT.

WE ARE -- OUR BUSINESS IS CONCLUDED FOR TODAY.

THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING WILL BE IN RALEIGH, THURSDAY, MAY 2 1S.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE THERE.

WE ARE ADJOURNED.