University witnesses historic moment
By Kayloni Wyatt
Editor
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| Photo by Gabrielle Lover |
| Chancellor Kyle R. Carter stands with his wife, Sarah, son, Travis, son-in-law, Daks, daughter, Heather and grandson, Ryland, as he is sworn in on April 15 in Givens Performing Arts Center. |
Chancellor Kyle R. Carter was officially installed as the fifth chancellor at UNCP April 15, at 2 p.m. in GPAC. The occasion marked a milestone in UNCP history.
"UNCP's heritage marks its character and shapes its future," Chancellor Carter said.
The ceremony concluded a week of events that celebrated the University. The theme of the week was "Honoring our Tradition, Securing our Future." University of North Carolina President Thomas Ross was on hand to preside over the two hour long event.
He also praised Chancellor Carter. "There is no doubt in my mind that Chancellor Carter is the right person to lead this University today and in the years ahead."
Ross also said that the installation ceremony was a "time of joy, celebration and reflection" for UNCP.
The North Carolina General Assembly, Board of Governors and former UNCP chancellors were also there to commemorate the event.
Before the official installation of Chancellor Carter, his mentor, Dr. Robert Dickeson, spoke fondly of him and his strong abilities to lead the university to success.
"He understands the value and the pursuit of better education," he said. Dickeson is the executive consultant of Widmeyer Communications.
"This event commemorates the assurance that Pembroke will continue to do great things," Dr. Dickeson said.
As Chancellor Carter took the oath of office, his wife, Sarah, his son, Dr. Travis Carter, his daughter, Dr. Heather Hamner, and her husband, Daks, along with their son, Ryland, stood by his side as he was sworn in.
Dr. Freda Porter, chair of the Board of Trustees, presented Chancellor Carter with the UNCP medallion. Along with the medallion, he was also given the UNCP mace.
Chancellor Carter thanked the faculty and staff of UNCP and expressed his gratitude to everyone who made his transition to the University easy. He also said hello to his mother, who could not make it the event, but he said was watching from home online.
Many of his comments intertwined with the overall theme of the installation week.
With the overall enrollment growth and campus expansion over the past few years, Chancellor Carter compared the University to a young adult.
"UNC Pembroke is like a young adult who is experiencing rapid physical growth, developing new skills and abilities, developing social networks and assuming new responsibilities," he said.
Chancellor Carter also re-emphasized his main goals for the university. One goal he mentioned was the distance learning program.
"Our faculty continues to adapt to the new changes," he said.
The university plans on changing the admission requirements for the incoming freshmen classes.
They also plan on improving the student services over the next several months.
Chancellor Carter also spoke about the diversity of the student body. "We must take advantage of our diversity." He added that the faculty is less diverse.
When Chancellor Carter first took his post at UNCP, the state was preparing for a hard budget cut. He also had to approve a 6.5 percent tuition increase for the upcoming school year.
The procession of the event was lead by Lumbee Flautist Jonathan Ward, Miss Lumbee Brandi Scott, Teen Miss Lumbee Taylor Smith, Junior Miss Lumbee Erika Locklear and Little Miss Lumbee Nevaeh Locklear.
