After several standoffs and much political maneuvering between Scott and Friday and various factions, the General Assembly passes legislation consolidating the University of North Carolina into a 16-campus system. Under the legislation, 10 campuses are added, campus boards of trustees are retained, and a new 32-member UNC Board of Governors is created to govern the system.
“In order to foster the development of a well-planned and coordinated system of higher education, to improve the quality of education, to extend its benefits and to encourage an economical use of the State’s resources, the University of North Carolina is hereby redefined in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
“The Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina is hereby redesignated, effective July 1, 1972, as the “Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina.” – North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 116, Article 1, The University of North Carolina