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March 7, 2001

FOR RELEASE AT WILL

UNC Board of Governors Authorizes Planning for James B. Hunt, Jr., Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy

CHAPEL HILL --The Board of Governors of the 16-campus University of North Carolina today authorized the UNC Office of the President to proceed with planning for the James B. Hunt, Jr., Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy. Named for North Carolina's four-term former governor, the Hunt Institute will focus on research, policy analysis, and "best practices" tied to comprehensive improvement in education.

"As education emerges as the defining domestic policy issue for the nation, this policy center has the potential to place North Carolina and its University at the vanguard of this national effort," said UNC President Molly Corbett Broad. "The Hunt Institute will capitalize on the extraordinary array of expertise found within UNC's 16 campuses and advance the University's strategic priorities relating to K-16 education. This initiative also will benefit greatly from Governor Hunt's involvement and his international reputation as a political leader who successfully combined educational commitment and sound public policy."

As a dynamic catalyst for change and innovation, the Hunt Institute will strengthen and extend the component programs of the UNC Center for School Leadership Development-created in 1997 to focus and align varied University resources on professional development for teachers, administrators, and other educational leaders-and will foster new linkages with other complementary organizations within and outside the state. It also will draw on the expertise of several UNC affiliates, including the Southeast Center for Teaching Quality and the NC Education Research Council. As envisioned, the Hunt Institute will offer major seminars, symposia, and targeted workshops on specific educational issues, and it will extend the metrics for measuring educational progress and accountability. Hunt will be invited to serve as the founding chairman of the Institute's Board of Directors.

"This is an exciting opportunity to work with the 16-campus University system to build upon the tremendous progress North Carolina has made in improving public education," said Hunt. "I am grateful to President Broad and the Board of Governors for this opportunity and applaud their commitment to making our state's schools first in America."

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