To Be Rather Than to Seem

Posted on May 6, 1996

Esse quam videri. To be rather than to seem.

North Carolina’s state motto says much about our citizens, our sense of what is important and how, as a state, we wish to be perceived. This perspective also has affected many of our state’s institutions, including our University.

The University of North Carolina prides itself in serving North Carolina, the South and the nation. Proudly, we devote significantly more of our University’s budget (19 percent) to public service than does any other state institution.

This focus is driven by what Edward Kidder Graham (1898 Ph.D.) once defined as a recognition that “the boundaries of The University of North Carolina are co-terminus with the boundaries of North Carolina.” As North Carolina’s higher education has evolved into a statewide system of 16 campuses, occasional tensions among campuses arise. Appropriately, some of those campuses are regionally focused. A few find Carolina’s statewide outreach inhibiting their ambitions. Regrettably, some have suggested that Carolina should limit our outreach. Happily, in many areas — from marine sciences to health care, from economic development to assistance to public schools — we have a long record of collaborating with other UNC System campuses to advance the quality of life for all North Carolinians.

Sadly, despite our extensive outreach to North Carolina, many still may not be aware of the significance of our public service. Increased competitiveness for state appropriations requires that we devote greater time and attention to emphasizing to the citizens of North Carolina our unique public service focus.

Happily, Chancellor Michael Hooker ’69 is emphasizing accountability to the people of North Carolina and public relations as priorities for UNC. For some time, the Public Service Roundtable has focused attention on these issues.

Every North Carolinian should care that Carolina remain strong and be so perceived. If distinguished faculty continue to depart for more attractive offers elsewhere, the entire UNC System suffers. What has been built over more than 200 years and the economic value The University of North Carolina represents for all of North Carolina could be at risk.

Like any public official, institutions are fortunate to leave two or three lasting impressions. As a dynamic, complex university we need a clear understanding of just what we wish those two or three impressions to be. We must articulate all that we do in ways that are consistent with that vision.

For starters, all Carolina alumni should hope that as an institution The University of North Carolina will always stand for “excellence” and “service.” Preserving Carolina’s excellence can best be achieved by reminding ourselves and others, whose support is critical, that The University of North Carolina earned our national standing, respect and membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities by reaching out across North Carolina, the South and the nation to provide leadership in addressing critical public problems.

We continue to provide this distinguished public service. North Carolina’s “priceless gem” continues to shine brightly. Together we can ensure its brilliance is seen and cherished by all. Esse quam videri.

Yours at Carolina,

 

 

 

Douglas S. Dibbert ’70

doug_dibbert@unc.edu