TO THE EDITOR:
The undersigned represent 40 years of service on the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees and 10 years of service as chairmen of that board.
We have served under three chancellors and have seen countless jobs change hands during the past 15 years.
In our collective opinion, Holden Thorp is a principled, caring and dedicated individual who has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation type leader.
When he was chosen to be chancellor, we all knew his experience had not fully prepared him for the job but that he would grow into it.
We all feel, though, that his superior intellect and leadership qualities have already benefited the University in countless ways.
As an example, UNC has risen to ninth in the nation in research funding at nearly $770 million last year.
In addition, Thorp has begun a visioning process to maximize the relevance of the University in the 21st century. He has also become an excellent fundraiser as the University received pledges of more than $330 million this past fiscal year.
History is full of examples of men and women who faced adversity early in their careers, learned lessons along the way, and became visionary leaders. Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher are but a few.
