by Justin Boulmay
Staff Writer
University of North Carolina President Molly C. Broad announced
her decision for chancellor Friday afternoon at the Board of Governors
meeting.
“This morning, it is my great pleasure to recommend to you
the election of Ken Peacock as chancellor of Appalachian State University,”
Broad said to the BOG.
After the BOG unanimously voted to support her decision, Peacock
and his wife, Rosanne, were escorted into the room where they were
greeted with a standing ovation. Peacock took the podium and addressed
the BOG.
“I am sure that if each of you look back on your life, you
can identify certain defining moments, a moment when something happened
and your life was changed forever,” Peacock said. “For
Rosanne and me, this is one of those moments.”
“I am truly honored – indeed humbled – to have
been selected to serve the students, faculty, staff, alumni and
the citizens of Boone and North Carolina as the next chancellor
of Appalachian State University,” Peacock said.
Peacock began his career at Appalachian State as a faculty member
of the Walker College of Business.
He became assistant dean in 1987 and associate dean in 1989. He
was named dean in 1992.
Peacock has served as interim provost since July.
Broad said it is rare for an existing member of the university to
rise to the position of chancellor.
“He has distinguished himself as a top-notch administrator,”
Broad said. “His extensive experience, integrity and sound
judgment make him very well qualified to provide a strong leadership
that we need for ASU in the years ahead.”
Broad said Peacock’s election says something about both himself
and Appalachian State.
“This election of one of our own following a national search
… speaks volumes of the quality of the leadership within this
university,” Broad said.
The search committee was established last summer, consisting of
16 members of Appalachian State faculty, staff, Board of Trustees,
alumni, Boone residents and one student.
Board of Trustees Chair Robert G. Fox, Jr. was appointed as committee
chair.
Fox said Friday more than 100 candidates had been considered during
the initial interview process, a fact that had remained secret last
fall due to the closed nature of the search.
The closed search angered some members of the Appalachian community
and prompted the Faculty Senate and Board of Chairs to pass resolutions
last October demanding that the search be opened.
Chancellor forums were held January, with the six remaining semi-finalists
appearing before campus organizations and forums for students, faculty
and staff.
The Search Committee met Jan. 26 to determine which of the semi-finalists
they would recommend to Broad.
Their recommendation was taken to the Board of Trustees, who approved
the three candidates and passed their recommendation on to Broad.
Peacock is Appalachian State’s sixth chancellor.
He assumes office July 1 with an annual salary of $210,000.
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