Here’s how the chancellor spent his summer

As he prepares to welcome new and returning Tar Heels to Carolina for the 2025-26 academic year, Chancellor Lee H. Roberts sat down with The Well to discuss his summer, some favorite campus spots and what he’s most looking forward to this semester.

You’ve had a busy summer, especially with your first summer tour. How was the tour, and what was your favorite part of this summer?

Well, the tour was my favorite part. We had the chance to spend time in western North Carolina, seeing firsthand the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene but also the remarkable recovery efforts that are underway. It gives you faith in the spirit and strength of the people of our state, and it’s gratifying to see all the good work that Carolina is doing to support the recovery efforts there. Almost every part of our University is doing something to be helpful. Everybody knows about the work, at least I hope they know about the work, that folks in our Gillings School of Global Public Health or Eshelman School of Pharmacy do after a disaster like that. But our School of Government, Kenan-Flagler Business School and others around the University also are pitching in to help western North Carolina get back on their feet, and it will.

Bill Hathaway, CEO of MAHEC, speaks with Chancellor Lee H. Roberts and representatives from UNC-Chapel Hill as they visit the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville. (Jeyhoun Allebaugh/University Development).

The third season of “Summer I Turned Pretty” premiered a few weeks ago. It’s based on books by alumna Jenny Han ’02 and was filmed on our campus. Have you had the chance to see Carolina as Finch College yet?

So, I’m afraid I haven’t seen it, but I was pleased to meet Jenny Han when she was here filming last summer. We couldn’t be more proud of her as an alum. I’ve heard great things about the series and I look forward to seeing it before long.

Lola Tung (Belly) and Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah) smile on McCorkle Place, with Graham Memorial Hall visible in the background, during a scene from “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” filmed on campus in July 2024. (Amazon Prime Video)

Speaking of books, since you’re an avid reader, what was your favorite summer read?

Almost everything I read is about higher education or artificial intelligence, but I did read a book this summer titled “The Way of the World” by Nicholas Bouvier. In 1953, he and a friend in their early 20s drove a Fiat 500 from Geneva to India. It’s a really interesting, compelling story of what life was like in these towns and cities before the global advent of mass media.

Interesting! I’ll need to check it out. What’s been on your summer playlist? Do you have a favorite genre of music or musical artist?

I listen to all different kinds of music, but I really encourage people to take advantage of the terrific music we have coming out of North Carolina. Everyone knows about Rhiannon Giddens and the Avett Brothers, but Sarah Shook in Garner, H.C. McEntire in Durham, Yarn in Raleigh, and of course folks like Luke Combs, Eric Church and Chase Rice ’08. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many great bands and so much musical talent in North Carolina. It’s fun to see it continue to grow and develop.

Nice! I know we’ll see at least one of them, Chase Rice, at a Chapel Thrill concert. What’s your favorite place to grab a bite on Franklin Street? What’s your order there?

I don’t like to pick favorites, but just today, I had a tuna salad sandwich at Sutton’s. It’s hard to go wrong there.

Sutton’s is such a gem on Franklin Street. I’ll have to try the tuna next time. This might be a divisive question but what’s your favorite spot on campus?

Again, it’s hard to pick just one place, but I often meet folks who have been touring the campus and stop by and say hello. I always tell them that if they have not been to the Fearrington Reading Room in Wilson Library, they cannot leave our campus without seeing it. It’s an extraordinary place.

Fearrington is beautiful. We’re just a few days away from another academic year. What are you looking forward to this year?

I couldn’t be more excited for the school year. We have the largest class of incoming students in our 232-year history. 80 countries, 49 states, and 98 counties are represented. I’m excited to see our women’s soccer team defend our 23rd national championship. I, along with everybody else, am really eager for the football season. I look forward to seeing everyone in Kenan Stadium for the opener on Sept. 1. It’s going to be a terrific year.

There’s definitely a lot of excitement in the air! Since it’s the time of year where people share advice with incoming students, what’s the best piece of advice you have for them?

I really urge our incoming students to try to take advantage of all the wonderful things that Carolina has to offer. It’s unlikely that it will ever be as easy again in your life to take advantage of so many different kinds of opportunities, right at your doorstep. Try to get out of your comfort zone. Do the kinds of things that you might not normally think are your cup of tea. Try to have a wide range of different experiences while you’re here. You’ll never be able to take advantage of all the wonderful things we have here on campus, but you owe it to yourself to try.

Great advice. Do you have a favorite Weeks of Welcome event or start of the semester tradition?

Everything about the start of school to me is fun, exciting and inspiring. I’m looking forward to Convocation and hearing from Tar Heel legend Tyler Hansbrough ’09. Looking forward to the first day of classes and eager to welcome almost 6,000 new Tar Heels – both first year and transfer students.

You’re a big sports fan — and it’s definitely going to be a big year for Carolina athletics. You mentioned soccer and football before. Is there a game or particular sport you are most looking forward to this fall?

I know everyone’s very enthusiastic about football. I was on the sideline when our women’s soccer team won its 23rd national championship, right down the road in Cary last fall. I’m excited for them to defend that title. Our field hockey team is always fun to watch under head coach Erin Matson ’22. But I enjoy pulling for all Tar Heel sports, and I’ll be cheering all our teams on this fall.

All right, we know it’s going to be a busy semester. What’s your go-to coffee or tea order on busy days?

I drink a significant amount of green tea! I don’t know if there’s a point at which it’s too much, but I’m a big fan.

Do you like the green tea at Meantime Coffee?

I love everything about Meantime.

They’re great. I’ll need to add the green tea to my must-try list. Last question: Students are moving in and settling into their residence halls. What’s one must-have item you’d suggest they bring?

Bring plenty of Carolina Blue. If you left some at home, we have more.

We definitely have a lot more! Anything else you’d like to add?

Be safe, have fun, and Go Heels!