A Final Farewell

The past few weeks have been highly emotional as I’ve said my goodbyes. Your kind sentiments, notes, and words of support mean more than I can say. A huge thanks to all of you!

I'm so proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past five years, and want to take this last opportunity to tell you about some positive developments that have transpired since my announcement on May 22 that I'd be stepping down July 31.

First, in June we received a $5 million pledge from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to expand support for the Kenan Excellence Scholars (a program initiated in 2005) to increase the number of student scholarships awarded from 12 to 20 annually. The program provides in-state tuition, fees, and room and board for four years of study at UNCSA, with a focus on first-generation and minority students. It’s a dream I’ve had since my first year in the role, because the impact of this gift will be enduring and profound.

Also, in late May, we received gifts from Ben C. Sutton Jr. and the Twin City Garden Club that will enable UNCSA to move forward with the Arts Walk, a key component of our Campus Master Plan that will connect the campus with the Strollway and Salem Lake Greenways. Through this project, we will drive creative placemaking to strengthen and enhance our community.

Equally gratifying—and seemingly forever in the making—we’ll soon begin the design process on the school’s first new residence halls in 50 years. They’ll dramatically enhance our living and learning environment and boost our recruitment efforts. I’m thankful to the UNC Board of Governors, to the N.C. General Assembly, and to Gov. Roy Cooper, all of whom approved this self-liquidating project. We foresee construction beginning next summer, aimed toward an opening at the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

I was hopeful that the $42.2 million for the Stevens Center renovation would make it through the legislature this session, but unfortunately that didn’t pan out. The good news is that the project is now widely acknowledged and has gained many supporters in a short time. The Stevens Center remains our top capital priority, and I anticipate that the project will be funded, perhaps in the legislature’s short session, complemented by private donors who realize the critical importance of the facility in the ongoing transformation of downtown Winston-Salem.

These and many other initiatives will be a lot to take on, but I have the utmost confidence in our interim leadership and our experienced Cabinet. I’m thrilled that Interim President Bill Roper named Brian Cole Interim Chancellor, and know that you will give him your complete support. Brian and Interim Provost Karin Peterson will work well together to move UNCSA forward. They won't be satisfied by maintaining the status quo. And that’s as it should be.

My time here has been immensely rewarding. I’ll truly miss working with and for you on behalf of all of our talented students, who instill us all with such pride.

Remember, I’m not going that far away—UNC-TV is fewer than two hours from here—and I look forward to continuing and expanding the longtime collaborative relationship between these two UNC institutions. And I’m excited to continue to work for the UNC System, where former Provost David English and I will be colleagues again, advocating on your behalf!

Finally, I feel certain that I’m leaving you all in a good place, in good hands, and that UNCSA is poised for long-term success. I’ll always be a Fighting Pickle!
 
Sincerely,

M. Lindsay Bierman
Chancellor