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Published: July 1, 2009
Q. With the news coverage of the N.C. State/Mary Easley situation, this question has been discussed: In the university system, what is the difference between a college or university president, chancellor and provost? -- W.P.
A. Different colleges and universities use different terminology for their administrators, but here is a brief description of the positions in the UNC system: The entire 16-campus system is headed by a president. Each individual campus is headed by a chancellor, and a provost is the second-in-command under the chancellor.
Erskine Bowles is the president of the UNC system.
James Oblinger was the chancellor of N.C. State University until he resigned June 8 amid the controversy over Mary Easley. Easley, the wife of former Gov. Mike Easley, was also fired that day after months of questions about her husband's involvement with her hiring. Jim Woodard is now the interim chancellor.
Larry Nielsen was the N.C. State provost until May 14, when he resigned because of the controversy. As provost, he was the official who actually hired Easley.
However, the executive officers such as president and chancellor do not have absolute power in running the universities. The system's board of governors and a university's board of trustees are also involved. More information can be found online at www.northcarolina.edu.
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