Kevin M. Guskiewicz was installed as chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Oct. 11 as part of a special two-day University Day observance. The installation of a chancellor is a significant moment in the University’s history because it allows us to recognize our past and look toward our future.
This historic event was aired on the University’s YouTube channel and featured live and recorded content, including brief remarks from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, UNC System President Peter Hans and faculty and staff leaders.
Kevin M. Guskiewicz is a renowned neuroscientist, academic leader and concussion researcher.
A Kenan Distinguished Professor of Exercise and Sport Science, Guskiewicz has been a member of Carolina’s faculty since 1995. He is co-director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center.
He is a nationally recognized expert on sport-related concussions. He maintains an active research portfolio and is principal investigator or co-principal investigator on three active research grants. His groundbreaking work has garnered numerous awards and has influenced concussion guidelines in the NCAA and the NFL.
Guskiewicz earned a bachelor's degree in athletic training from West Chester University, a master's degree in exercise physiology/athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in sports medicine from the University of Virginia. Born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he lives with his wife Amy and children Jacob, Nathan, Adam and Tessa in Chapel Hill.
On Sunday, Kevin Guskiewicz took the public oath that installed him as chancellor, the job he has been doing for nearly 20 months, first on an interim basis then as the permanent choice of the UNC System Board of Governors. Since he arrived here as a faculty member in 1995, he has progressed to department chair, center director, senior associate dean and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
One of Guskiewicz’s earliest and most ambitious initiatives as Carolina's leader was to revive the Tar Heel Bus Tour. Last October, more than 90 faculty members and senior administrators took a three-day journey across the state to learn more about the communities they serve and how they can improve the lives of North Carolinians.
Though the installation ceremony was greatly scaled back, this major milestone in Carolina history still followed many of the traditions of previous installations.
Chancellor MedallionWorn only by the chancellor, the Chancellor’s Medallion includes thin rectangles engraved with the names and dates of service of the 10 previous Carolina chancellors. It also features links made in the shape of the Old Well and the Davie Poplar leaves. Six other chancellors have worn the medallion, which was originally suspended by a handwoven white ribbon.
Durant BibleGuskiewicz took the oath of office with his left hand placed on the oldest Bible associated with a North Carolina family, the George Durant Bible. The Bible was brought to the United States by the Durant family in 1658 and became part of the North Carolina Collection at Wilson Library in 1929. Previous chancellors Paul Hardin III and Michael Hooker also took the oath of office with the Durant Bible.
Chancellor regaliaGuskiewicz donned the official regalia of the chancellor. The distinctive gown features a fourth chevron on each sleeve, an honor granted only to an academic institution's leader.