Among elements to be employed, as revealed by the board at a Thursday meeting, are committees charged with various tasks in order to zero in on the best-qualified person to lead North Carolina's university system. They will write job descriptions, hire consultants, screen applicants and recommend finalists. Nothing out of the ordinary with those solid approaches.
Bowles, who came to the job with stratospheric praise and sterling credentials, has, on balance, lived up to the mighty expectations placed on him in guiding the system both while waters were deep and when the recession tossed the system into some rocky narrows. It is imperative, and incumbent upon the board, to find someone of equal or even greater administrative capacity, experience and vision.
"This is probably the most important work we will do while we serve on this board," Chairwoman Hannah Gage said.
We agree. And we hope there will be as much transparency and public input in the process as possible. We believe, as Gage said, "the University of North Carolina system is one of this state's greatest assets." Therefore, sufficient time is needed for public awareness and comment on finalists before a final decision is made. Who knows. That might prevent an embarrassing surprise.
