The Challenges Continue

Posted on June 15, 1989

From the University Report (published by the GAA 1970-94)

As I watched a truly outstanding class of graduates — the Class of ’89 — cross Kenan Stadium adorned in the traditional Carolina blue robes, I marveled at their accomplishments and their recognition of the challenges facing Carolina. Knowing that distinguished teaching deserves more emphasis at a research institution such as ours, this senior class became the first senior class in America to endow a professorship for teaching. A marvelous, unselfish gift — one which will benefit future students.

Heartened by this thoughtful, generous class gift, I am also troubled by the departure this spring of some of our most able professors. Each departs for different reasons, but, nevertheless, leaves in the prime of their careers, having established distinguished records of achievement at Carolina — not only for the quality of their research but also for their outstanding teaching.

I speak of Political Science Professor Merle Black, Distinguished University Professor of History Otis Graham, Professor of Psychology Mark Appelbaum, and Professor of Economics Dennis Appleyard. Collectively these four have devoted nearly 75 years to Carolina. Yet they leave us for Emory, the University of California at Santa Barbara, Vanderbilt and Davidson College, respectively. We were unable to persuade them and others to stay. While we are hopeful of replacing each with similarly distinguished academicians, it will be impossible for their successors to assume 75 years of knowledge and devotion to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and our University.

The struggle to improve faculty and staff salaries, fringe benefits, and working conditions continues. Unfortunately, state and private resources are limited, and competition grows keener as other universities realize that our distinguished faculty expect recognition that we cannot always provide.

Salary alone was not the determining factor for these departures. Some received generous packages of fringe benefits and research resources beyond our capacity. Sadly, in some cases we may not be giving the recognition earned to outstanding faculty who have been here for many years but who have not sought appointments elsewhere. If we are only willing or able to release resources to retain faculty when they receive an outside offer, we will find it increasingly difficult to recruit or retain faculty.

Again this year, we are faced with fresh data showing that our faculty salaries grow less competitive with our peer institutions. The AAUP (American Association of University Professors) reports that other campuses within the UNC System have improved their competitive standing with their peers.

I do not wish by pointing to how others are faring better to suggest that they do so at our expense. Clearly, the General Assembly, the Board of Governors of the UNC System, President C.D. Spangler ’54 and his staff are pushing for a 20 percent increase over the next two years and are committed to protecting the excellence at Chapel Hill that is a matter of pride to all North Carolinians.

And we have an obligation to be more resourceful ourselves. The continuing increase in privately-sponsored research now in excess of $130 million per year and expanding at the rate of 10 percent per year suggests that our faculty is very productive. Further, the Bicentennial Capital Campaign will provide us an opportunity to significantly increase our endowment.

North Carolina readers of this column know that in April the state budget office announced a 5 percent cut for all state agencies to affect all non personnel state-supported expenditures. UNC Chancellor Paul Hardin indicated that because such a cut came so late in our fiscal year and was so severe (amounting to roughly a 30 percent cut because personnel costs could not be trimmed), he was considering along with other options closing the library and delaying the start of the fall semester. Fortunately, such measures will not be necessary because state receipts were up in April and half of the $3.2 million was restored in May with some hope that good receipts in May will permit further restorations in June. If not, we’ll begin July with a carry forward of expenditures from 1988/1989 limiting our capacity to advance Carolina during the fiscal year. This came as we were recruiting the successors to Professors Applebaum, Appleyard, Black, and Graham. Needless to say, while we respect the constitutional requirement that the budget be balanced and want to do our fair share, we also have to be competitive. Budget freezes while recruiting new faculty and trying to retain those here don’t help.

Happily, the Class of ’89 received degrees the value of which is as great or greater than yours and mine. What we hope is that over time their diplomas also appreciate in value. By funding a professorship with emphasis on teaching, they are making a significant contribution toward the objective of protecting and advancing Carolina. They want future students to find outstanding professors whose distinguished teaching and research rivals or exceeds that of Mark Applebaum, Dennis Appleyard, Merle Black and Otis Graham. Their hopes should be our collective commitment.

Yours at Carolina,

 

 

 

 

Douglas S. Dibbert ’70