Re-Centering: High time for permanence in poverty center leadership

A change in leadership for the UNC Center on Poverty Work and Opportunity is just what is needed to ramp up its anti-poverty efforts.

The center has struggled in its three-year existence because of a lack of sustained leadership.

The hiring of UNC law professor Gene Nichol as the new director is a good step forward for the center.

Nichol has said he plans to make a long-term commitment to the center and its goals. That's exactly what's needed.

Nichol as he has said he would should focus on expanding opportunities for students to volunteer at the center.

There's already a strong dedication to public service and social justice at UNC. The center should harness this passion to do work throughout the state.

The center began under the leadership of former Sen. John Edwards in 2005. As a visible figure on the national stage he provided strong early momentum for the center.

But soon his political ambitions took precedent and he focused on a presidential run.

Since then the center lost much of its early momentum and saw another director leave his position.

It needs a strong long-term commitment and dedicated leadership. Hopefully Nichol can provide both and help get more students involved in its anti-poverty efforts.