| UNC to Launch Global Research Institute with Private Support |
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March 26, 2009 UNC News Services The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will start a Global Research Institute, the top recommendation from a blue-ribbon task force that spent the past 18 months developing a strategic vision to enhance Carolina’s international presence. Chancellor Holden Thorp today (March 26) announced the institute, which will be devoted to critical international issues, during a Board of Trustees meeting that included a presentation by William B. Harrison Jr., a 1966 UNC graduate and retired chairman and director of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Harrison chaired the University’s Global Leadership Circle and his $1 million pledge, also announced at the meeting, will support future international efforts including the new institute. “Bill Harrison has done a masterful job of leading the Global Leadership Circle and articulating how we can enhance Carolina’s global presence,” said Chancellor Holden Thorp. “Our future success will depend on nurturing international connections that directly benefit North Carolina, and the Global Research Institute provides a great opportunity to help these efforts. We are grateful to Bill for his generosity and leadership and to the Global Leadership Circle members for their input about the changing forces of globalization.” The institute will advance knowledge in issues where the University has strengths as a way to help attract international scholars to Chapel Hill who will collaborate with UNC faculty members on targeted themes that rotate over time. The inaugural theme will be globalization, the economic crisis and the future of North Carolina’s economy. Other potential topics include corporate governance and global financial markets; immigration and migration; work and economic development; and global health and the environment. The institute will support and supplement the University’s research, teaching and public service missions as well as extend the University’s position on the international stage. It will be housed on the fourth floor of the FedEx Global Education Center. The institute emerged as the top initiative during the Global Leadership Circle’s work to develop a strategic roadmap for internationalizing the University. In 2007, then Chancellor James Moeser appointed the task force of alumni with extensive international experience in business, government and non-government service, as well as UNC faculty and administrators to lead development of the “Strategic Roadmap for Globalizing UNC-Chapel Hill.” The now completed report summarized findings about Carolina’s strengths and challenges in the global arena, and outlined priorities, strategies, timelines and resources needed for Carolina to become a top global university. Plans for the institute include identifying a senior faculty member to serve as director and lead the efforts to consult with the campus community and off-campus constituents in developing research themes; recruiting prominent international scholars to Carolina as visiting fellows; organizing academic events – conferences, symposia and lecture series – that explore institute research themes; and working with University development staff to raise private funds. The institute is the latest milestone in the University’s efforts to boost international studies and research through the FedEx Global Education Center and to advance a major academic priority of preparing students for success in an increasingly connected world. Funded by sources including the 2000 Higher Education Bond Referendum and private gifts, including $5 million from FedEx Corp., the center now houses student and faculty services, academic instruction, research, study abroad and cultural exchange. The building and the academic activities it houses also represent the University’s commitment to serve North Carolina when so many issues facing the state have global dimensions.
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