Provost selected as UTC chancellor

By Scott Ammons
Senior Staff Writer

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Roger G. Brown has accepted the position of Chancellor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga effective July 1.

Dr. Brown came to UNCP in 2000 from UNC-Charlotte where he was a professor, chair and senior associate provost.

Brown and his wife Dr. Carolyn Thompson, dean of the new Honors College, have been an asset to UNCP’s growth. Both have formed strong bonds with the UNCP family professionally and personally.

In five years at UNCP, Brown has been instrumental in the development of new degree programs such as nursing, Spanish and environmental science, along with hiring some 70 new faculty members.

“I have been proud and enriched by being at UNCP. Much of what I will take into the new job is what I learned here. These have been the best days of my life,” Brown said.

Brown’s decision to leave wasn't easy, he said. He described his gratitude for the honor and privilege of serving the institution and its people. It was evident to a reporter that he has amassed a tremendous amount of respect and formed bonds that will follow him throughout the next chapter in his life.

Not only will Brown leave a stronger institution in his wake, the reporter noted, he will also leave behind a template of the foundation on which he has built his career.

“I hope that I have had an attitude of optimism and a positive attitude toward growth and change,” Brown said.

Thompson will be leaving with Brown in June.

“The job of chancellor takes two; she deserves all the credit,” Brown said, placing his success on the shoulders of his wife.

As the news of Brown’s departure circulated through campus, students, faculty and administrators expressed their feelings of pride and delight for him and shared their sorrow about his leaving.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs William Gash said, “It has been an honor and privilege to work with him over the last five years. He is truly a leader in higher education. Dr. Brown listens to other’s opinions and cares about what you have to say,” Dr. Gash said.

Dr. Zoe Locklear, interim dean of the university’s School of Education describes Brown as a leader who listens in a very non-judgmental way.

“Every time I’ve had a problem or idea and didn’t have the answer, talking it through with him helped me figure it out,” Locklear said.

“He is ready and it’s good he’s able to go back to Tennessee where he’s from,” Chancellor Allen C. Meadors said. “I am delighted for Roger and Carolyn.”

Brown thanked Meadors for his leadership and guidance. “Chancellor Meadors has set a spirit of forward movement here at UNCP, always looking for the next challenge, never resting on your laurels. It has been a privilege to work with him,” Brown said.