tangible benefits of recognition. When federal
recognition happens, UNCP will feel the same
pride because the American Indian identity
runs deep in the historical roots of UNCP's
history. Federal recognition would have a huge
economic impact on the region because the
Tribe would be eligible for federal programs
for education, health services, housing and
economic development. Pembroke and
Robeson County, in particular, but other
adjacent counties as well, would experience
the economic benefits. There would also be
more jobs as the Tribe expands its programs
and services. More jobs mean more spendable
income that would stimulate the creation
of more amenities for people in the region.
Within five years of recognition, the area
around UNCP could have more commerce and
housing. This fact alone would help UNCP as it
recruits new faculty and staff to the University.
I would love to see people begin to refer to
Pembroke as a university town where people
choose to live, work and play.
Q: You have said you are a good listener.
How do you describe your management and
decision-making style?
A: I use a team approach to manage an
organization. I work with a team to establish
priorities and then I charge them to lead and
manage their areas consistent with those
priorities. I strive for consensus, but don't
believe in endless debates. I listen to the team's
advice and counsel, make a decision, and
move on. I expect team members to operate
independently within the policy framework,
style and values that mark my administration.
A policy environment assures fairness and
consistency. It also promotes transparency and
accountability. I believe both are core values
of any successful organization that depends
upon shared governance and collegiality.
Similarly, open communication is another
trait that characterizes healthy organizations.
That is why I use town hall meetings to discuss
important issues with the campus. Finally, as
my administration puts plans into place, we
will monitor progress, seek feedback from the
campus, and deal with problems as they arise.
Our focus will always be on implementation,
assessment, and improvement.
Q: On a more personal note, what do you do
when you're not on duty as chancellor?
A: Home renovation projects or working in
the yard are high on the list. I guess I am a
handyman of sorts and enjoy working with
my hands. Now that I live in the Chancellor's
Residence, I don't have that opportunity.
When Sarah and I take some vacation time
and visit our Sylva home in the mountains,
I'll find something in the house and yard that
needs fixing. Sarah and I also like to travel with
friends and family. We especially enjoy Napa
Valley, Aruba or a cruise in the Caribbean.
Our best times are always with family. We try
to find times where we can get together either
at their homes or in our mountain home. We
cook together, play some golf, and usually
play cards or a cut-throat version of Mexican
Train dominoes. I also like to hike and fish--
especially for trout.
Q: What are some favorite books? What will
you read this summer?
A: I read a lot of different fiction, but my
main criterion is that it be a good story. If
inventoried, my reading list would be slanted
toward mysteries and spy novels. My favorite
authors are David Baldacci, Ken Follet, Nelson
DeMille, Frederick Forsyth, Daniel Silva, Tom
Clancy, Robert Ludlum, James Clavell, Michael
Crichton, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Lord
Jeffrey Archer. My all time favorite books are
"Pillars of the Earth," "World without End,"
"The Power of One," and "Shogun," "The Lord
of the Rings" trilogy, the Harry Potter novels,
and Jimmy Carter's "An Hour Before Daylight,"
the one non-fiction in the list.
Questions
Answers
and
(continued)
8
UNCP Today
Summer 2010
spoke with The Fayetteville Observer after
a meeting with the Chancellor.
"He said he is here to learn, and I think
that is absolutely awesome," Branch said.
"He hasn't come here with a to-do list; he
has come with a clean slate."
Maxine Locklear Amos, a community
member with historic ties to the University,
told The Robesonian she thinks Chancellor
Carter brings a good balance.
"I'm impressed that he doesn't want
to forget the historical background of the
school," Amos said. "He said he wants to
chart the future together."
TOWN HALL
Before taking command on July 1,
Dr. Carter came to campus on several
occasions including a University-wide
town hall meeting on April 28. Early that
morning Kyle and Sarah Carter, dressed
less formally, took a walking tour of
campus.
"You will not see my car parked in
the reserved space outside Lumbee Hall
unless I have to leave campus that day," he
said. "I will walk to work."
Chancellor Carter met with
approximately 200 faculty, staff and
students.
The purpose of the event was to set
a course for the future of the University
and meet its new leader. Chancellor-
elect Carter outlined the search for a new
provost who will become the University's
academic chief.
"A town hall meeting is the common
way I will bring issues to you," he said
at the start. "Please ask questions and
make comments. Our success hinges on
understanding what the expectations are."
Chancellor Carter made a point about
At the press conference in Durham with Dr. Porter and former Chancellor Jenkins