The UNC-System Board of Governors has accepted the resignation of UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt, effective January 31. She had previously planned to stay through the end of the academic term in May.

UNC-System interim president Bill Roper will be authorized to name an interim chancellor following Folt’s departure.

This comes a day after Folt’s own letter of resignation to the student body, in which she authorized the removal of the remainder of the Silent Sam monument on UNC’s campus. Crews worked overnight to remove the monument from McCorkle Place in Chapel Hill.

The Board of Governors released a statement yesterday, saying they were “incredibly disappointed” at Folt’s decision to authorize the removal of the monument.

“We are incredibly disappointed at this intentional action. It lacks transparency and it undermines and insults the Board’s goal to operate with class and dignity,” chairman Harry Smith said in a statement issued on Monday by system officials.

Folt responded to the Board of Governors’ decision later in the day.

“While I’m disappointed by the Board of Governors’ timeline,” Folt wrote. “I have truly loved my almost six years at Carolina. Working with our students, faculty and staff has inspired me every day.

“It is their passion and dedication, and the generosity of our alumni community, that drive this great University. I believe that Carolina’s next chancellor will be extremely fortunate, and I will always be proud to be a Tar Heel.”

This post will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

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