Erin Gretzinger
@eringretzinger.bsky.social
Higher Ed Reporter @theassemblync.bsky.social | Previously: @chronicle.com, @wisconsinwatch.org, Wisconsin State Journal | Alum: uwsjmc.bsky.social, The Badger Herald | Email: erin@theassemblync.com
https://www.theassemblync.com/author/egretz
https://www.theassemblync.com/author/egretz
A pros and cons document created for President Peter Hans this spring further reveals the role of UNC System officials.
“Currently, we enjoy some free ridership in that Florida is funding the effort, but the group relies on Kelly and Harrison for subject matter expertise.”
“Currently, we enjoy some free ridership in that Florida is funding the effort, but the group relies on Kelly and Harrison for subject matter expertise.”
September 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
A pros and cons document created for President Peter Hans this spring further reveals the role of UNC System officials.
“Currently, we enjoy some free ridership in that Florida is funding the effort, but the group relies on Kelly and Harrison for subject matter expertise.”
“Currently, we enjoy some free ridership in that Florida is funding the effort, but the group relies on Kelly and Harrison for subject matter expertise.”
In July 2024, the UNC System and AEI, a conservative think tank, convened reps from other states to talk about alternatives to the current model for accreditation at the behest of the NC legislature.
September 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
In July 2024, the UNC System and AEI, a conservative think tank, convened reps from other states to talk about alternatives to the current model for accreditation at the behest of the NC legislature.
St. Andrews’ story offers a cautionary tale for other small towns as more colleges struggle to survive.
Closing a college is not just a heartbreaking process—it’s an exhausting, expensive, & gut-wrenching one that can leave vulnerable people & communities in the lurch.
Closing a college is not just a heartbreaking process—it’s an exhausting, expensive, & gut-wrenching one that can leave vulnerable people & communities in the lurch.
July 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
St. Andrews’ story offers a cautionary tale for other small towns as more colleges struggle to survive.
Closing a college is not just a heartbreaking process—it’s an exhausting, expensive, & gut-wrenching one that can leave vulnerable people & communities in the lurch.
Closing a college is not just a heartbreaking process—it’s an exhausting, expensive, & gut-wrenching one that can leave vulnerable people & communities in the lurch.
Our reporting shows that the shock & uncertainty surrounding the school’s quick closure will impact its lasting legacy in Laurinburg.
“There’s even just this mental toll of what it means to just drive by an empty college campus every day,” said Andrew Koricich of App State.
“There’s even just this mental toll of what it means to just drive by an empty college campus every day,” said Andrew Koricich of App State.
July 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Our reporting shows that the shock & uncertainty surrounding the school’s quick closure will impact its lasting legacy in Laurinburg.
“There’s even just this mental toll of what it means to just drive by an empty college campus every day,” said Andrew Koricich of App State.
“There’s even just this mental toll of what it means to just drive by an empty college campus every day,” said Andrew Koricich of App State.
When St. Andrews suddenly closed in May, it left behind a lot of questions.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
July 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
When St. Andrews suddenly closed in May, it left behind a lot of questions.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
Below is a breakdown of the targeted areas for cuts
July 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Below is a breakdown of the targeted areas for cuts
Administrators say they know the rules have changed, but they are still trying to figure out exactly how—and what that means for supporting a diverse student body.
Here’s what UNC System's president said in a statement about DEI changes:
Here’s what UNC System's president said in a statement about DEI changes:
June 27, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Administrators say they know the rules have changed, but they are still trying to figure out exactly how—and what that means for supporting a diverse student body.
Here’s what UNC System's president said in a statement about DEI changes:
Here’s what UNC System's president said in a statement about DEI changes:
Some of the changes came in response to directives from the federal government. Others appear to be proactive changes to ward off the White House’s scrutiny. And some reflect the influence of state legislators and officials who share the Trump administration’s disdain for DEI.
June 27, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Some of the changes came in response to directives from the federal government. Others appear to be proactive changes to ward off the White House’s scrutiny. And some reflect the influence of state legislators and officials who share the Trump administration’s disdain for DEI.
Our reporting reveals that schools are struggling to find the balance between complying with federal directives, contending with state-level demands, and meeting the needs of diverse student bodies and workforces.
June 27, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Our reporting reveals that schools are struggling to find the balance between complying with federal directives, contending with state-level demands, and meeting the needs of diverse student bodies and workforces.
BREAKING: An employee at UNC Charlotte no longer works at the university after a conservative news site posted a video yesterday (taken with a hidden camera) of the employee saying the school has "covert" positions doing DEI work.
May 29, 2025 at 8:46 PM
BREAKING: An employee at UNC Charlotte no longer works at the university after a conservative news site posted a video yesterday (taken with a hidden camera) of the employee saying the school has "covert" positions doing DEI work.
Despite some state- and federal-level uncertainties engulfing higher ed, system leaders feel confident they'll get enough state dollars to enact Propel NC and execute an innovative vision.
“I think our day has arrived,” said Jeffrey Cox, the president of the system.
“I think our day has arrived,” said Jeffrey Cox, the president of the system.
April 28, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Despite some state- and federal-level uncertainties engulfing higher ed, system leaders feel confident they'll get enough state dollars to enact Propel NC and execute an innovative vision.
“I think our day has arrived,” said Jeffrey Cox, the president of the system.
“I think our day has arrived,” said Jeffrey Cox, the president of the system.
Rather than allocating money based on full-time course enrollment, Propel NC would incentivize colleges to launch programs designed to meet workforce demands.
It would also build on the boom in short-term credential programs, which are faster alternatives to traditional degrees.
It would also build on the boom in short-term credential programs, which are faster alternatives to traditional degrees.
April 28, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Rather than allocating money based on full-time course enrollment, Propel NC would incentivize colleges to launch programs designed to meet workforce demands.
It would also build on the boom in short-term credential programs, which are faster alternatives to traditional degrees.
It would also build on the boom in short-term credential programs, which are faster alternatives to traditional degrees.
Some exciting news for The Quad, @theassemblync.bsky.social's higher ed newsletter: We're hosting our first live event!
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
March 5, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Some exciting news for The Quad, @theassemblync.bsky.social's higher ed newsletter: We're hosting our first live event!
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
Join us on 3/25 for an exclusive look at how the Trump administration’s first moves are playing out at North Carolina’s colleges and universities.
But SACS, the school's accreditor, also has focused on the board charged with overseeing SAU.
As @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social & I report, internal complaints and lawsuits reveal deep disputes about how the board has managed the institution.
As @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social & I report, internal complaints and lawsuits reveal deep disputes about how the board has managed the institution.
February 28, 2025 at 1:29 PM
But SACS, the school's accreditor, also has focused on the board charged with overseeing SAU.
As @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social & I report, internal complaints and lawsuits reveal deep disputes about how the board has managed the institution.
As @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social & I report, internal complaints and lawsuits reveal deep disputes about how the board has managed the institution.
In many ways, SAU’s plight is not that different from small colleges across the country facing enrollment declines and financial pressures—challenges that are exacerbated for HBCUs due to historical funding disparities compared with other public and private counterparts.
February 28, 2025 at 1:29 PM
In many ways, SAU’s plight is not that different from small colleges across the country facing enrollment declines and financial pressures—challenges that are exacerbated for HBCUs due to historical funding disparities compared with other public and private counterparts.
As St. Augustine's University fights an uphill battle to retain accreditation, it hopes a land lease deal can turn the tides.
A cohort of alumni, former employees, and Raleigh-based community groups have proposed a different solution: replace SAU's board of trustees.
A cohort of alumni, former employees, and Raleigh-based community groups have proposed a different solution: replace SAU's board of trustees.
February 28, 2025 at 1:29 PM
As St. Augustine's University fights an uphill battle to retain accreditation, it hopes a land lease deal can turn the tides.
A cohort of alumni, former employees, and Raleigh-based community groups have proposed a different solution: replace SAU's board of trustees.
A cohort of alumni, former employees, and Raleigh-based community groups have proposed a different solution: replace SAU's board of trustees.
The NC DOJ has “serious concerns” about a land lease contract that Saint Augustine’s University is prepared to sign with the real estate development firm 50 Plus 1 Sports, according to a letter obtained by @indyweek.bsky.social.
January 28, 2025 at 2:44 PM
The NC DOJ has “serious concerns” about a land lease contract that Saint Augustine’s University is prepared to sign with the real estate development firm 50 Plus 1 Sports, according to a letter obtained by @indyweek.bsky.social.
Some texts showed trustees inquiring about waitlisted students or a student’s chances of admission.
“I would like to see [redacted] in,” BOT Chair John Preyer wrote in one text. “This is a smart [redacted] who’d be good for lots of programs at UNC.”
“I would like to see [redacted] in,” BOT Chair John Preyer wrote in one text. “This is a smart [redacted] who’d be good for lots of programs at UNC.”
December 19, 2024 at 2:45 PM
Some texts showed trustees inquiring about waitlisted students or a student’s chances of admission.
“I would like to see [redacted] in,” BOT Chair John Preyer wrote in one text. “This is a smart [redacted] who’d be good for lots of programs at UNC.”
“I would like to see [redacted] in,” BOT Chair John Preyer wrote in one text. “This is a smart [redacted] who’d be good for lots of programs at UNC.”
The question comes as Duke celebrates its 100 year anniversary in the city, shining a light on a complicated local history and relationship.
More on what the campaign says about that relationship—and where it's heading—in our story, from me, @renlarson.bsky.social & @justinlaidlaw.bsky.social
More on what the campaign says about that relationship—and where it's heading—in our story, from me, @renlarson.bsky.social & @justinlaidlaw.bsky.social
November 21, 2024 at 4:29 PM
The question comes as Duke celebrates its 100 year anniversary in the city, shining a light on a complicated local history and relationship.
More on what the campaign says about that relationship—and where it's heading—in our story, from me, @renlarson.bsky.social & @justinlaidlaw.bsky.social
More on what the campaign says about that relationship—and where it's heading—in our story, from me, @renlarson.bsky.social & @justinlaidlaw.bsky.social
This town-gown debate has played out across the country: Similar campaigns have convinced Harvard, Yale, Brown, and other elite schools to make voluntary payments, also known as payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOT agreements.
But will the Duke Respect Durham campaign succeed here?
But will the Duke Respect Durham campaign succeed here?
November 21, 2024 at 4:29 PM
This town-gown debate has played out across the country: Similar campaigns have convinced Harvard, Yale, Brown, and other elite schools to make voluntary payments, also known as payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOT agreements.
But will the Duke Respect Durham campaign succeed here?
But will the Duke Respect Durham campaign succeed here?
Most private universities are nonprofits and largely exempt from the property taxes that fund public services, even as they own large swaths of land and bring in billions in revenue.
Duke owns 2% of all the property in Durham Co. and about 3% in the city, our analysis found.
Duke owns 2% of all the property in Durham Co. and about 3% in the city, our analysis found.
November 21, 2024 at 4:29 PM
Most private universities are nonprofits and largely exempt from the property taxes that fund public services, even as they own large swaths of land and bring in billions in revenue.
Duke owns 2% of all the property in Durham Co. and about 3% in the city, our analysis found.
Duke owns 2% of all the property in Durham Co. and about 3% in the city, our analysis found.