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Size | 57.0 feet of linear shelf space (approximately 45600 items) |
Abstract | C. D. Spangler, Jr., succeeded William C. Friday in 1986 as president of the University of North Carolina (System), which included 16 campuses: North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Appalachian State University in Boone, East Carolina University in Greenville, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, Pembroke State University, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, and Winston-Salem State University. In 1996, the name of Pembroke State University was changed to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Correspondence and other files, 1986-1997, relating to the adminsitration and academic programs at the campuses of the University of North Carolina (System). Notable in these records are files relating to problems in athletic programs, especially NCAA violations by the North Carolina State University men's basketball team, that led to revision of the University system's athletic policies. |
Creator | University of North Carolina (System). President. |
Curatorial Unit | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. University Archives. |
Language | English |
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After nearly thirty years of service to the University of North Carolina, President William C. Friday informed the Board of Governors in September 1984 that he intended to retire by 30 June 1986. The formal search for his successor began the following January, when the Board named a search committee. The search committee, in turn, formed an advisory committee that drew representatives from the faculties, students, boards of trustees, and alumni of the constituent campuses. The two groups held six public hearings across the state to gather input on the kind of leadership the University needed. Members of the Board also traveled to campuses around the country to look at various administrative structures. On 31 January 1986, after a year of deliberation, the Board of Governors announced that C. D. Spangler, Jr., Charlotte businessman and chair of the State Board of Education, would be the fourteenth president of the University of North Carolina. Spangler took office on 1 March, while William Friday continued as President Emeritus until 30 June.
Clemmie Dixon (Dick) Spangler, Jr., was born 5 April 1932 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1954 with a B.S. in business administration and went on to finish an M.B.A. at Harvard in 1956. In 1958 he completed a stint in the army and returned to Charlotte to work for his father's firm, C.D. Spangler Construction Company. In 1973 he assumed the chairmanship of the troubled Bank of North Carolina. Under his direction it grew and, in 1982, merged with NCNB Corporation. At the time of his election to the presidency of UNC, Spangler was president of two family-owned companies, C. D. Spangler Construction Company (which he had led since 1960) and Golden Eagle Industries, Inc. He resigned from these positions but maintained his membership on the boards of directors of several other companies.
In its decision to appoint Spangler, the Board of Governors departed from traditional higher education practice, which emphasized academic background and institutional experience. But, although Spangler lacked these qualifications, he had long been a strong advocate for public education. In the 1970s, he helped to lead a statewide effort to establish public kindergartens. From 1972 to 1976, he served as vice-chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education and provided strong leadership during the school system's struggle to comply with court-ordered desegregation. He was co-chair of Governor Hunt's Task Force on Education and Economic Growth, which laid the groundwork for the Basic Education Program. From 1982 until 1986, he was chairman of the State Board of Education, where one of the causes he championed was higher salaries for teachers, a theme he would again press at the University. He was also a member of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Visitors and the Board of Directors of Union Theological Seminary.
Spangler's election to the presidency was greeted with mixed reactions. Some praised his managerial skills while detractors called him arrogant. Others worried that his wealth and business interests put him out of touch with the needs of the University. He was criticized for his continuing corporate involvement and for his attempt in 1988 to take over RJR Nabisco, which opponents regarded as a prime example of the way his business dealings distracted him from the University. However, Spangler used his connection to the business world and his service on various boards to strengthen the relationship between businesses and the University. The strong ties that resulted are among his lasting legacies.
During his eleven-year tenure, Spangler weathered a number of storms. 1988 and 1989 were particularly fraught with controversy. In 1988, the North Carolina School of the Arts' Chancellor Jane Milley, long the focus of campus discontent, received a vote of no confidence from students and faculty, who demanded her resignation. Spangler had to navigate through an emotionally charged investigation that resulted in Milley's resignation in 1989. Also in 1989 the North Carolina State University basketball program, led by Coach Jim Valvano, came under scrutiny for alleged NCAA violations and academic problems. The lengthy investigation was marked by ill-feelings on all sides, with Spangler at times pitted against the Board of Governors. In the end both Coach Valvano and Chancellor Bruce Poulton resigned. New athletic policies, recommended by Spangler and approved by the Board, were applied across the University system.
In addition to problems affecting the individual campuses, the University system suffered from the state's sluggish financial condition. Between 1989 and 1992 the state experienced a series of budget shortfalls that resulted in significant spending cuts throughout the system. The most severe situation occurred in the 1990-1991 fiscal year, when the University's budget reduction was accompanied for the first time by itemized cuts. President Spangler described the situation as "excruciating."
In 1992, the University requested that the General Assembly authorize construction bonds to finance much needed capital projects. But the General Assembly, still concerned about the state's financial condition, deferred action until July 1993, when it finally approved a $310 million University Improvement Bond package subject to a voter referendum in the coming November election. Spangler played a key role in promoting the bond, encouraging the chancellors at the sixteen campuses also to take an active part in lobbying for its passage. The passage of the bond and the many new facilities that came of it are another part of Spangler's legacy to the University.
Misperceptions of what he did followed Spangler throughout his tenure, in part because of his style of public relations. He was less open and consultative in his decision-making than President Friday had been. Over time he did develop a more effective style of communication that improved his relationships with the press and the Board of Governors. With students, faculty, and staff he tried to be visible and available. Many of his lunches were taken at Lenoir Dining Hall on the Chapel Hill campus, where there was an open invitation to join him for discussion.
Throughout his presidency Spangler was committed to improving the overall quality of the University system and its student body. Higher academic standards, low tuition, higher faculty salaries, and recruitment of women and minorities in administration were all issues he championed. He actively pursued funding, creating over a hundred endowed professorships throughout the University system. He was also a major donor, through his family's philanthropic foundation and his own wealth; and each year he donated his salary as president, splitting it among the campuses.
The University's growth during the Spangler administration was impressive. Enrollment in the system increased by more than 27,000. Average SAT scores of entering freshmen rose by almost sixty points, while the national average remained essentially unchanged. The operating budget of the University system nearly doubled, and the campuses received over $1 billion for buildings and renovations. Outside contracts and grants awarded to system faculty increased from $175.5 million to $473 million.
In August 1996, Spangler announced his intention to retire in 1997, when he would turn 65. The Board of Governors immediately began the search for his successor and on 10 April 1997, elected Molly Corbett Broad, the first woman president of the University of North Carolina. Spangler continued in office until 18 July. In his farewell speech to the Board, he again stressed the importance of keeping tuition low. After retirement, he and his wife, Meredith, maintained a home in Chapel Hill, and he continued to be a vocal advocate for the University.
Back to TopRecords consist of correspondence and other files, 1986-1997, relating to the adminsitration and academic programs at the 16 campuses of the University of North Carolina (System). Notable in these records are files relating to problems in athletic programs, especially NCAA violations by the North Carolina State University men's basketball team, that led to revision of the University system's athletic policies.
Back to TopBox 1:10 |
General, 1986-1996 #40010, Subseries: "1.3 Communications Division" Box 1:10 |
University of North Carolina Center for Public Television, 1986-1995 #40010, Subseries: "1.3 Communications Division" Box 1:10(for 1996-1997 records, see Series 7, below) |
Box 1:14 |
General, 1996 #40010, Subseries: "1.7 Program Assesment and Public Service Division" Box 1:14 |
University of North Carolina Center for Public Television, 1996-1997 #40010, Subseries: "1.7 Program Assesment and Public Service Division" Box 1:14(for records prior to 1996, see Series 3: Communications Division) |
Box 3:1 |
Enrollment, Minority Presence, 1992-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.1.9. Student Affairs" Box 3:1(includes Minority Presence Reports) |
Student Government, 1989-1991 #40010, Subseries: "3.1.9. Student Affairs" Box 3:1 |
Box 3:4 |
General, 1986-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.2.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:4 |
Faculty Council, Chair 1986-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.2.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:4 |
Box 3:6 |
General, 1986 #40010, Subseries: "3.3.3. Athletics" Box 3:6 |
Baseball Stadium, 1996 #40010, Subseries: "3.3.3. Athletics" Box 3:6 |
Box 3:6 |
General, 1986-1994 #40010, Subseries: "3.3.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:6 |
Cancellation of Faculty Leaves, 1991 #40010, Subseries: "3.3.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:6 |
Box 3:7 |
Carson, Philip G., Endowed Professorship, 1996-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.4.5. Development" Box 3:7 |
Box 3:7 |
General, 1994 #40010, Subseries: "3.5.3. Athletics" Box 3:7 |
Belk, Irwin and Carol, Track and Field Center, 1995 #40010, Subseries: "3.5.3. Athletics" Box 3:7 |
Box 3:7 |
Enrollment, Minority Presence, 1993-1994 #40010, Subseries: "3.5.9. Student Affairs" Box 3:7 |
Box 3:8 |
Education, School of, 1996 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:8 |
Nursing, School of, 1992-1993 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:8 |
Box 3:8 |
General, 1993-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.5. Development" Box 3:8 |
Endowed Professorship, 1988 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.5. Development" Box 3:8 |
Box 3:8 |
General, 1986 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:8 |
Odyssey Program Inquiry, 1993 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:8 |
Box 3:8 |
General, 1987-1988; 1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.9. Student Affairs" Box 3:8 |
Student Government, 1990 #40010, Subseries: "3.6.9. Student Affairs" Box 3:8 |
Box 3:9 |
Education, School of, 1996 #40010, Subseries: "3.8.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:9 |
Engineering, School of, Proposed, 1995-1996 #40010, Subseries: "3.8.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:9 |
Box 3:9 |
Special Review by State Auditor, 1991 #40010, Subseries: "3.8.4. Business and Finance" Box 3:9 |
Box 3:9 |
General, 1987-1994 #40010, Subseries: "3.9.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:9 |
Academic Development Plan, 1987-1996 #40010, Subseries: "3.9.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:9(includes Academic Development Program and Incentive Scholarship Program) |
Box 3:9 |
General, 1987-1988 #40010, Subseries: "3.9.4. Business and Finance" Box 3:9 |
Audit, 1996-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.9.4. Business and Finance" Box 3:9 |
Box 3:10 |
General, 1990 #40010, Subseries: "3.10.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:10 |
Business and Economics, School of, 1986; 1995 #40010, Subseries: "3.10.2. Academic Affairs" Box 3:10 |
Box 3:10 |
General, 1989-1993 #40010, Subseries: "3.10.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:10 |
Ratliff, Roosevelt, Termination, 1987 #40010, Subseries: "3.10.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:10 |
(for information on problems in athletic scholarship program, see Audit: General in Subseries 4)
Box 3:12 |
General, 1987-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.13.5. Development" Box 3:12 |
Giannini Society, 1990-1991 #40010, Subseries: "3.13.5. Development" Box 3:12 |
(formerly Pembroke State University; name changed, 1996)
Box 3:13 |
General, 1986-1997 #40010, Subseries: "3.15.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:13 |
Faculty Senate, 1991 #40010, Subseries: "3.15.6. Faculty Affairs" Box 3:13 |
Box 3:14 |
Special Audit: General, 1991 #40010, Subseries: "3.16.4. Business and Finance" Box 3:14 |
Special Audit: Reports, 1991 #40010, Subseries: "3.16.4. Business and Finance" Box 3:14 |
Box 3:14 |
General, 1989-1996 #40010, Subseries: "3.16.5. Development" Box 3:14 |
WSSU Foundation, 1991; 1996 #40010, Subseries: "3.16.5. Development" Box 3:14 |
Box 3:14 |
General, 1988-1989 #40010, Subseries: "3.16.9. Student Affairs" Box 3:14 |
Food Service, 1994 #40010, Subseries: "3.16.9. Student Affairs" Box 3:14 |
Processed by: University Archives Staff
Encoded by: ByteManagers Inc., 2008
Updated by: Dawne Howard Lucas, May 2021
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