WCU Stories      July 16, 2018

Patricia B. Kaemmerling and J. Bryant Kinney, co-chairs of the committee conducting the search for Western Carolina University’s next chancellor, have been notified that the finalist who was put forward for approval by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors has withdrawn from consideration for the position.

In addition, Harry Smith, chair of the UNC Board of Governors, has announced that WCU’s chancellor search will be put on hold as the board conducts a review of the process used to search for and hire chancellors at UNC System institutions. The UNC board anticipates having a new search process in place in September.

Alison Morrison-Shetlar will continue to serve as interim chancellor, and Carol Burton will continue to serve as acting provost.

More information about the search for Western Carolina University’s next chancellor will be shared with the university community as it becomes available.

The complete announcement from UNC Board Chair Harry Smith is below:

Today, I announce that the candidate for the position of Western Carolina University (WCU) Chancellor has withdrawn from consideration. President Spellings informed me that Alison Morrison-Shetlar has agreed to her request to continue to serve as interim Chancellor. On behalf of the UNC Board of Governors and President Spellings, I thank Alison for her leadership and service. WCU’s future is strong and bright.

  The Board plans to complete an expedited review of the Chancellor search process in an effort to refine and improve it—and we expect to have the process in place in September.

  The Board is committed to working with the President and the Boards of Trustees to identify the most capable and talented candidates to lead our remarkable institutions—and modifications to the Chancellor search process will do just that. Together, we are working to move our institutions—and the System—forward. Thank you.