The UNC Board of Trustees met Wednesday and Thursday to review some of the new programs that have been developed for the past few years, to say goodbye to one of its members and to say hello to a new one who’s quite a bit younger than the rest.
New and Old Members
Student Body President Elizabeth Adkins was sworn in Thursday morning and sat on the board for her first time.
“I just want to start off by saying I’m so honored to be here today and to be part of this prestigious group,” she said. “My first responsibility on this board is to be a voice for the students. That’s the job of the student body president, and I’m prepared to do it.”
Adkins said that while she’s on the board she’s not going to walk on eggshells. She plans to push for increased resources for sexual assault survivors and to make campus mental health services more accessible to students on and off campus.
Then, the board thanked the current chairperson, Dwight Stone, for his leadership as this was the last meeting he chaired. Stone will remain a trustee and said he’s grateful for the work they’ve done over the past year.
“You’ve shown my kindness, support and the willingness to roll up your sleeves and do the work that needs to be done,” he said. “Thank you all for putting your trust in me as your chair.”
After eight years of service, Don Curtis will be ending his time on the board. He has been made an honorary trustee by the board, and may still attend meetings. Stone bid him a fond farewell, saying he had been a great asset to the board and the UNC community.
“I love being a Tar Heel,” Stone said. “It’s hard to describe to anyone that is not a Tar Heel exactly what being a Tar Heel is. I can only say it’s in your soul, and it’ll always be in mine.”