Ex-Members Slam UNC Board For 'Clearly Bad Governance'

A group of former University of North Carolina Board of Governors has criticized the current board for what they deem "clearly bad governance."

The News & Observer reports 10 former members signed an opinion published Wednesday on bipartisan advocacy group Higher Education Works Foundation's website. The statement said the current board has become "increasingly politicized" and "conflicted."

The opinion is a response to contentious meetings about the Western Carolina University chancellor search. A July vote to consider a nominee put forth by UNC President Margaret Spellings never happened.

Higher Education Works co-chair and former board member Paul Fulton says the opinion is a show of support for Spellings.

Board of Governors Chair Harry Smith expressed support for Spellings at the last board meeting, and called the former members' criticism "unfair."