Michigan State University officially announced the hiring of UNC chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz as its new president on Friday morning. Guskiewicz had served as Carolina’s chancellor since early 2019 in an interim role before earning the permanent title later that year.
As the news broke of Guskiewicz’s departure, figures from around the UNC community and the state shared their mixed reactions on social media.
That included North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, a UNC alumnus, who took to social media to share his disappointment at the news on Thursday before Guskiewicz’s Michigan State hiring became official.
As the nation’s leading public university, UNC attracts worldwide leaders to the office of chancellor, but meddling from legislative appointees is driving them away. Because the GOP legislature seized University Trustee appointments and installed hard right appointees on the UNC…
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) December 7, 2023
UNC governing boards controlled completely by legislative Republicans with their extreme appointees hurts our universities, economy and reputation and the Chancellor leaving UNC is a prime example. The process of appointing university leaders must change and the answer is here:… pic.twitter.com/VT7fnnDUOs
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) December 8, 2023
UNC System President Peter Hans also shared a statement. He will be tasked with searching for interim and permanent chancellor candidates for UNC, alongside a search committee he’s required to appoint.
UNC System President Peter Hans issues statement on @UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. https://t.co/AcZ0W8njst #UNCSystem #NCHigherEd pic.twitter.com/KpSYcoeMbH
— UNC System (@UNC_System) December 8, 2023
Figures from around the UNC campus — ranging from students, faculty, coaches, and fans — also weighed in.
This part 👇
A present leader who cares about his people by showing up for them, listening, and leading with courage and strength for them.
Grateful for you @KevinGuskiewicz
MSU just got a whole lot better! https://t.co/Huefhg5Yh6
— Courtney Banghart (@CoachBanghart) December 8, 2023
End result of a grimy situation that has been brewing for months: there’s one less person in a position of power who loves Carolina and prioritizes the best interests of the University.
Dean Smith would be sad today. https://t.co/URSV8e1WOq
— Adam Lucas (@jadamlucas) December 8, 2023
Well, I’m disappointed to say the least. https://t.co/rpIIedbZKs
— UNC Humor (@UNC_Humor) December 6, 2023
Carolina’s magic has always been its ability to transform lives in spite of – not because of – its leaders. That’ll still be true, but it’ll be a whole helluva lot harder now that the NCGOP coup is complete. The brightest star of all no longer https://t.co/Zzl7z0Ov19
— Philip Jones (@philgoodstory) December 7, 2023
You have been an incredible leader Kevin and made such a large and positive impact. I am very thankful for all that you have done. Your decision is a huge win for MSU and its entire community and a very big loss for UNC Chapel Hill. You will be sorely missed.
— Jason Kilar (@jasonkilar) December 8, 2023
Good luck in your next endeavor. UNC, Chapel Hill, and all of NC will greatly miss you. It’s a shame the fascists in the NCGOP chased you away. I fear for what the future holds for our priceless gem.
— Son of O'Dell (@SonOfODell) December 8, 2023
Featured image via UNC-Chapel Hill/Johnny Andrews
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