The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in special session on January 6, 1994, in the Hospitality Room of the Ramsey Regional Activity Center. Appropriate notice of the meeting had been given. The meeting was called to order at l:00 p.m by Chairman Stephen W. Woody.

Members of the Board present were Mr. Allman, Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Haire, Mrs. Key, Mr. Moore, Mr. Pine, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Woody. A quorum was declared present.

Chancellor Coulter and Mrs. Shuler also attended the meeting.

Mr. Pine moved that the Board go into Executive Session, Mr. Haire seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

(Minutes of the executive session are now shown here because of their confidential nature. They are part of the official minutes.)

Following discussion, Mr. Allman moved that the Board go into open session. Mr. Pine seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

At this time Dr. Dowell, Assistant to the Chancellor; Mr. Reed, Director of Public Information; Mr. Rowell, Associate Director of Public Information; Mr. Bob Scott, of the Asheville Citizen-Times; Ms. Deborah Potter of WLOS-TV; and other media personnel joined the meeting.

Chancellor Coulter made the following remarks: The purpose of this meeting was to present to the Board of Trustees my plans for retirement as Chancellor of Western Carolina University. When a chancellor reaches the age of 65, he is expected to retire June 30 of that year. Therefore, I am announcing my retirement effective June 30, 1994. I do this with mixed feelings. I am happy to be serving as Chancellor of Western Carolina University--it has been a wonderful ten years with all those who have worked in support of this University. Having had that great experience certainly gives one pause to make such an announcement.

This is my 42nd year in public education, my 25th year as an administrator, my 19th year as a president or chancellor. I will leave with nothing but the highest regard for the University of North Carolina system and the students studying within this good system to prepare themselves.

I want to issue sincere thanks to all who have been supportive of Western and to our Board members who have been supportive of me. I know you will find an outstanding chancellor in the very near future.

Mr. Woody, on behalf of the trustees, faculty, students, and all the citizens of western North Carolina, thanked Chancellor Coulter for the phenomenal job he has done, saying it will be a hard act to follow. Plans will be developed to render more appropriate thanks at a later date.

Other trustees commended Dr. Coulter for his efforts through the years, and media representatives were givedn time to interview him.

Mr. Woody said that work will start immediately on appointing a search committee, and it is anticipated that the search can begin within 30 days. The search committee's goal will be to find the best possible successor to Chancellor Coulter, and this may be a lengthy process.

With no further business to be transacted, Mr. Allman moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Pine seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.