Eric Ellwood: A visionary

As one who was present during Bruce Poulton’s chancellorship, I take issue with the June 23 editorial “Poulton’s days,” which minimized Poulton’s role in terms of identifying him as being “one of those who helped develop the vision and master plan for the lauded Centennial Campus.”

In fact, it was Poulton’s initiative and vision that brought the Centennial Campus into being. That vision was translated into reality through the design talents of Claude McKinney, appointed by Poulton for that purpose.

The visionary Poulton acquired the new campus by working with two governors (Jim Hunt and Jim Martin) and negotiating with then-Commissioner of Agriculture Jim Graham, with the Catholic Diocese, as well as other agencies. Without Poulton, there would have been no Centennial Campus.

His legacy, unfortunately, has been overshadowed by the alleged athletic wrongdoing during his tenure, for which he was not culpable.

Poulton deserves no less than full credit for the major achievement of the Centennial Campus, which vaulted NCSU’s already high capabilities and stature to a whole new level.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 5:17 PM with the headline "Eric Ellwood: A visionary."