Holden Thorp, UNC Chapel Hill's new chancellor, began his first day on the job Tuesday. Thorp is a Carolina alumnus who has also taught students and served as a college dean.
RALEIGH -- Holden Thorp’s first day as UNC Chapel Hill’s 10th chancellor began bright and early with a breakfast for dozens of student leaders.
"I can't imagine anything more validating than having a bunch of college kids get up at 7:30 in the morning in the summer," Thorp said to the group.
Student body president J.J. Raynor said students are excited to work with Thorp because the 43-year-old former dean of the College of Arts and Science brings a level of energy to the position and may be open to new ideas.
"I think there are a lot of opportunities for synergy between our faculty and our students, in terms of the projects they're working on, be it research or social justice, and developing ways to let students know about those opportunities,” Raynor said.
Chancellor Holden Thorp
Thorp first came to Carolina 25 years ago as a student. He also taught chemistry while working his way up, and other administrators said it’s nice to have a familiar face around.
"We have somebody who's internal, who knows the University, who's already built up relationships, has a good sense of where we are,” said Dean of Students Melissa Exum. “That's exciting for me because I've known him for just about all the years I've been here."
Thorp had a busy first day, chock full of meeting with students and faculty and staff, and he planned to stay busy for a while.
“Carolina is a huge place and there are a lot of things that go on here that are fantastic and really important to the people of North Carolina and nationally, and I need to be an expert on all that,” Thorp added. “I've got a lot of homework still ahead of me between now and when school starts."
Thorp will officially be installed as the new chancellor on Oct. 12 during University Day. He also mentioned working closely with the town of Chapel Hill to revitalize Franklin Street.