gchildress@heraldsun.com; 419-6645
CHAPEL HILL -- UNC system President Erskine Bowles made a big splash last week when he announced that he is stepping down in 2010.
But his impending exit wasn't the only departure on the minds of board members during that Board Of Governors meeting.
Two other key members of the university system -- Rob Nelson, the UNC system's top finance officer, and Gerald Boarman, chancellor of N.C. School of Science and Mathematics -- are also leaving this year.
Bowles said Nelson, who is responsible for the financial affairs of the UNC system's 17 campuses, will be sorely missed by all who depend on his finance and budget expertise.
"These chancellors right here, and each of the CFOs on their campuses, will testify as to how valuable Rob has been to our leadership team," Bowles said shortly before he announced his plans to retire. "Each of you in this room knows first-hand about Rob's financial expertise, about his integrity and his strong work ethic."
Bowles said chancellors and others who worked closely with Nelson would also miss his patience and sense of humor.
Hannah Gage, chairwoman of the Board Of Governors, also said Nelson would be missed.
"Rob, you have done great work and made us a better board," Gage said.
A new CFO to replace Nelson is expected to be in place by the time the General Assembly meets for its short session in May, Bowles said. He said Nelson has agreed to stay on the job to help assist with the transition.
Nelson has worked for the State of North Carolina for more than 30 years. He spent two decades in Raleigh working in the state budget office before joining the finance staff at General Administration in 2000. Nelson was named vice president for finance in 2006.
Boarman, who came to NCSSM in 2000, has announced that he is stepping down in July. He will become head of the Bullis School of Potomac, Md.
Bowles said commuting to Maryland every six to seven weeks to be with his family had begun to take its toll on Boarman.
"That wears on you, but he has given his all to our school over in Durham," Bowles said.
Bowles said he was particularly grateful for Boarman's work to advance opportunities for rural students by improving their access to NCSSM teachers through distance-learning programs.
"You have been a stalwart in leading that effort," Bowles said.
