Spellings tours campus, pushes Connect NC bond

Margaret Spellings, the new president of the University of North Carolina system, is concluding a two-day visit to UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte area with events on campus March 15. As she makes visits to the various UNC campuses, Spellings has been active in supporting the Connect NC bond issue on the March 15 statewide ballot.

“I’m here to help punch the ticket one more time for the bonds and help get out the vote,” Spelling said at a campus event on Monday. She said the new science building that would be constructed with $90 million from the bonds, “… would provide great value now and in the future.” Spellings said that people often have misconceptions about the need for up-to-date facilities on public university campuses. She said physical places with the best quality technology are essential for providing the optimum education.

On Monday, Spellings’ schedule included a visit to the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, lunch with the chancellor’s executive team, a campus tour – with stops at EPIC and the Data Visualization Center in Woodward Hall – a reception with the Charlotte 49ers, a press conference at Harris Alumni Center and a reception with trustees and community leaders at UNC Charlotte Center City.

Spellings talked about other UNC Charlotte attributes, including the CATS Blue Line Extension that will bring light rail to UNC Charlotte in Center City as well as on the main campus. She also mentioned the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center. “New, state-of-the-art buildings will be attractive to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) employers. We owe it to students to give them the best possible preparation for entering the workforce.”

Spellings’ Tuesday schedule includes participating on WFAE radio’s Charlotte Talks show (listen to a recorded version). She also is meeting with Staff Council, Faculty Council executive committee and will dine with students.