Chancellor to visit eastern NC on summer tour
On his second annual trip, Lee H. Roberts will hear from residents about how the University can best collaborate and support the region.
Chancellor Lee H. Roberts is embarking on his second annual summer tour, visiting communities in eastern North Carolina to demonstrate the University’s commitment to serving and engaging with those across the Tar Heel State.
Across several days in late May and early June, Roberts will meet with Tar Heels across the state to see Carolina’s support in action and discuss ways the University can benefit the region through economic development, healthcare, research and more.
“Carolina’s connection to the people and communities of North Carolina is the source of our strength,” said Roberts. “Every part of our state has unique opportunities and challenges, and this tour is an important opportunity to listen, learn and better understand how we can utilize the University’s expertise and resources in service of North Carolinians. I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with students, alumni, community leaders and military personnel across eastern North Carolina as we continue building partnerships that strengthen our shared future.”
As the state’s flagship public institution, Carolina has a commitment to serving North Carolinians and collaborating with leaders across sectors to find solutions that benefit the state. The tour allows Roberts and other University leaders to directly connect with residents, listen to their concerns and find opportunities to make an even greater impact.
Carolina has a longstanding presence in the eastern part of the state. An initiative at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy has made a transformative impact in the region, strengthening health outcomes, improving access and building a sustainable pharmacy workforce. The University regularly engages military officials in the region to build on its foundation of support for veterans. And for nearly 80 years, the Institute of Marine Sciences has conducted cutting-edge marine research, trained scientists and provided expertise along the coast.
The chancellor’s plan for the tour includes these stops:
- In Fayetteville and Goldsboro, meet with military leaders at Fort Bragg and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base to share and learn more about how Carolina can collaborate through research, innovation, education and healthcare.
- In Beaufort, travel by boat with graduate students and faculty researchers from the Institute of Marine Sciences to see research projects in action.
- In New Bern, kayak with researchers to discuss groundbreaking flood research.
- In Pembroke, meet with leaders from the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and visit the Museum of the Southeast American Indian and the Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex.
- In Wilmington, take a hike with city managers from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s campus to the Intracoastal Waterway, tour the Battleship North Carolina and attend an ice cream social event with admitted students and Carolina alumni.
Last year, Roberts visited western North Carolina to discuss how the University could continue to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and other areas. The annual tour was inspired by Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera, who has done the same in his state for the past six years.
Learn more about how the University serves North Carolinians on the First. And For All. website.
