Winston Crisp was named the next vice chancellor for student affairs during Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Trustees, ending an almost 10-month hiring process to select the primary liaison between students and the University’s administration.
In his new role, Crisp will oversee 360 University employees, more than 28,000 students and a budget of more than $80 million.
He will replace Margaret Jablonski, who announced in March her plans to step down. Her most recent salary was $236,000.
MEET WINSTON CRISP
Time: 5 p.m. Monday
Location: Fish Bowl in the Union
Info: sponsored by the Student Leadership Advisory Committee
Crisp, known for his energetic, hands-on leadership style, will bring a new perspective to one of the most visible administrative positions on campus and have the potential to redefine the job using his extensive administrative experience at UNC.
Crisp, who is currently the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at UNC, was hired by the University in 1992. His most recent annual salary was $117,451.
Working in the Office of the Dean of Students, he dealt with a variety of issues, including student counseling, dispute resolution, Greek affairs and parent relations — expertise that could affect how he takes on his new role.
“Winston is coming from the dean of students’ office, and that’s a different mode of operation,” said Student Body President Jasmin Jones, who works closely with the vice chancellor for student affairs.
“In that job, students feel like they can contact him 24/7. Winston is going to call, e-mail, text — a change from the formal meetings we have with Dr. Jablonski.”
As assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, Crisp took a hands-on approach, traveling to Virginia Tech in the wake of the 2007 shooting there to study the effects of the crisis and how he could apply the lessons learned there to UNC.
He also gave a passionate speech to fraternity recruits this fall, using strong words to demand they “shape up,” and cease the hazing and drinking his office frequently dealt with.
Crisp said it will take time to adjust to his new role and determine what issues he will address first.
“You have to stop and take time to look at the organization’s structure and see if it’ll fit me the same way it fit Dr. Jablonski,” he said.
Jablonski took on the job after it had gone through significant turnover and focused on bringing order to the office, while Crisp will have the opportunity to refine and re-examine the duties of the role.
“I think I’ll have the luxury of maybe being more deliberate about things,” he said.
Crisp will take over on May 16 from Jablonski, who has waited to leave the post until her replacement is hired. She said she is considering professional opportunities in a similar position or taking time to conduct research abroad.
Crisp was selected by a search committee of 16 administrators and students who have met since September to identify candidates for the job, all of whom were from within the University.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
