Congratulations to the UNC system for hiring Holden Thorp as UNC-Chapel Hill's 10th chancellor. He certainly seems like an excellent choice.

I am glad that system leaders felt that the best candidate could be found internally as opposed to paying large search fees to bring in a "superstar" candidate from Texas, Michigan or California only to see that person leave for the next "big" job.

My alma mater, N.C. State, made a similar move with James Oblinger, who is doing a fantastic job. These men are both committed to their universities and understand the culture and politics of our state.

I wish Chancellor Thorp good luck, and having started his career in academia at N.C. State, I am sure he is well-prepared for the job!

Matt Smith

N.C. State Class of 1994

Apex

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