Korie Dean
@koriedean.bsky.social
Higher education reporter at The Assembly in NC. Previously at The News & Observer. UNC alum. Reach me at korie@theassemblync.com.
UNC-Chapel Hill interim Provost Jim Dean said at a faculty meeting just now that UNC will continue pursuing accreditation with SACSCOC for its 2027 reaffirmation.
But Dean added that he's "really impressed by the work" the Commission for Public Higher Education is doing so far.
But Dean added that he's "really impressed by the work" the Commission for Public Higher Education is doing so far.
November 7, 2025 at 8:32 PM
UNC-Chapel Hill interim Provost Jim Dean said at a faculty meeting just now that UNC will continue pursuing accreditation with SACSCOC for its 2027 reaffirmation.
But Dean added that he's "really impressed by the work" the Commission for Public Higher Education is doing so far.
But Dean added that he's "really impressed by the work" the Commission for Public Higher Education is doing so far.
New: Elon University will open a private school for children with dyslexia next fall, the result of a "visionary investment" from donors who have funded similar programs at three other universities — including Vanderbilt. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Elon University to Start Private School For Children With Dyslexia
The plans for the school, which the university says will be the first of its kind in the state, come as Elon is taking big swings to raise its profile.
www.theassemblync.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:45 PM
New: Elon University will open a private school for children with dyslexia next fall, the result of a "visionary investment" from donors who have funded similar programs at three other universities — including Vanderbilt. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Korie Dean
UNC Charlotte is applying to join the Commission for Public Higher Education, making it the first UNC System school to publicly get on board with the effort by several states to start a new accrediting agency.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC Charlotte Pursues New Accreditor
UNC Charlotte is the first UNC System school to publicly get on board with the effort to start a new accrediting agency.
www.theassemblync.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:08 PM
UNC Charlotte is applying to join the Commission for Public Higher Education, making it the first UNC System school to publicly get on board with the effort by several states to start a new accrediting agency.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Korie Dean
First rule of NC journalism: Cook Out will never return your calls
RUMOURS SWIRLING ON COOK OUT KILL DEVIL HILLS OPENING DATE! A reminder from @ncrabbithole.com that they remain VERY tight lipped about anything until it actually happens.
www.ncrabbithole.com/p/the-enduri...
www.ncrabbithole.com/p/the-enduri...
The Enduring Mystery of Cook Out
People across the South publicly and creatively show their love for a company that's remarkably private. Is it possible to get to know a fast food chain that doesn't want to talk about itself?
www.ncrabbithole.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:28 PM
First rule of NC journalism: Cook Out will never return your calls
New: UNC Charlotte is the first UNC System school to publicly say it’s pursuing accreditation with the Commission for Public Higher Education.
In a letter obtained by @theassemblync.bsky.social, Chancellor Sharon Gaber outlined possible benefits & “unknowns.” www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
In a letter obtained by @theassemblync.bsky.social, Chancellor Sharon Gaber outlined possible benefits & “unknowns.” www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC Charlotte Pursues New Accreditor
UNC Charlotte is the first UNC System school to publicly get on board with the effort to start a new accrediting agency.
www.theassemblync.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:57 PM
New: UNC Charlotte is the first UNC System school to publicly say it’s pursuing accreditation with the Commission for Public Higher Education.
In a letter obtained by @theassemblync.bsky.social, Chancellor Sharon Gaber outlined possible benefits & “unknowns.” www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
In a letter obtained by @theassemblync.bsky.social, Chancellor Sharon Gaber outlined possible benefits & “unknowns.” www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Korie Dean
Records released by UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday appear to poke holes in some—but not all—of the claims the university’s former provost made in a lawsuit against the Board of Trustees.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-CH Tries to Poke Holes in Former Provost’s Lawsuit
The documents UNC-CH released don't address Chris Clemens' claim that trustees inappropriately met in private.
www.theassemblync.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Records released by UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday appear to poke holes in some—but not all—of the claims the university’s former provost made in a lawsuit against the Board of Trustees.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Korie Dean
Breaking News: The Trump administration was ordered to release billions of dollars in backup funds for SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, after the administration said the government shutdown meant it couldn’t tap contingency funds.
Judge orders Trump administration to release billions in SNAP contingency funds
The government did rely on contingency funding to keep food aid going when it shut down during President Donald Trump’s first term.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Breaking News: The Trump administration was ordered to release billions of dollars in backup funds for SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, after the administration said the government shutdown meant it couldn’t tap contingency funds.
New @theassemblync.bsky.social: Roughly 1.5 million U.S. college students are among those expected to lose SNAP benefits this weekend.
NC community colleges are already feeling impacts and working to bridge the gap through campus resources, like food pantries. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
NC community colleges are already feeling impacts and working to bridge the gap through campus resources, like food pantries. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
How SNAP Delays Could Impact NC College Students
Community colleges are preparing for increased demand at campus food banks if SNAP goes on hiatus due to the federal government shutdown.
www.theassemblync.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
New @theassemblync.bsky.social: Roughly 1.5 million U.S. college students are among those expected to lose SNAP benefits this weekend.
NC community colleges are already feeling impacts and working to bridge the gap through campus resources, like food pantries. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
NC community colleges are already feeling impacts and working to bridge the gap through campus resources, like food pantries. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
New (and my first byline @theassemblync.bsky.social!): What does “academic freedom” mean?
As many professors around the country feel their rights are being threatened, UNC System faculty leaders want to more clearly define the term for NC’s public universities. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
As many professors around the country feel their rights are being threatened, UNC System faculty leaders want to more clearly define the term for NC’s public universities. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC System Faculty Seek to Define ‘Academic Freedom’
Amid growing concern about academic freedom, a faculty group wants UNC officials to be more precise about what activities are protected.
www.theassemblync.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:53 PM
New (and my first byline @theassemblync.bsky.social!): What does “academic freedom” mean?
As many professors around the country feel their rights are being threatened, UNC System faculty leaders want to more clearly define the term for NC’s public universities. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
As many professors around the country feel their rights are being threatened, UNC System faculty leaders want to more clearly define the term for NC’s public universities. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Korie Dean
North Carolina’s current congressional map already heavily favors Republicans and is being challenged in court for alleged racial gerrymandering.
NC Republicans announce plan to redraw congressional map to pick up GOP seat
North Carolina’s current congressional map already heavily favors Republicans and is being challenged in court for alleged racial gerrymandering.
bit.ly
October 13, 2025 at 7:40 PM
North Carolina’s current congressional map already heavily favors Republicans and is being challenged in court for alleged racial gerrymandering.
Some news: Yesterday was my last day @newsobserver.com. It’s bittersweet to leave, but I’m looking forward to staying on the most interesting beat in my home state.
Next week I’ll join @theassemblync.bsky.social, where I’ll continue covering higher education across North Carolina!
Next week I’ll join @theassemblync.bsky.social, where I’ll continue covering higher education across North Carolina!
October 8, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Some news: Yesterday was my last day @newsobserver.com. It’s bittersweet to leave, but I’m looking forward to staying on the most interesting beat in my home state.
Next week I’ll join @theassemblync.bsky.social, where I’ll continue covering higher education across North Carolina!
Next week I’ll join @theassemblync.bsky.social, where I’ll continue covering higher education across North Carolina!
Reposted by Korie Dean
Junior Anna Yi’s quote delivered TikTok viral views and an on-air appearance during the Tar Heels’ loss to Clemson.
Is UNC football worse than failing a midterm? A student’s ESPN claim goes viral
Junior Anna Yi’s quote delivered TikTok viral views and an on-air appearance during the Tar Heels’ loss to Clemson.
bit.ly
October 6, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Junior Anna Yi’s quote delivered TikTok viral views and an on-air appearance during the Tar Heels’ loss to Clemson.
Could have spent the afternoon watching the train wreck that is UNC football. Decided to protect my peace and enjoy some bluegrass instead
October 4, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Could have spent the afternoon watching the train wreck that is UNC football. Decided to protect my peace and enjoy some bluegrass instead
Reposted by Korie Dean
UNC reinstates suspended professor, finding ‘no basis’ he pushed political violence. “No basis to conclude” Dwayne Dixon “poses a threat to University students, staff, and faculty” or engaged in conduct violating policy. (Via @koriedean.bsky.social) newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced #ncpol
UNC reinstates suspended professor, finding ‘no basis’ he pushed political violence
The university’s review found “no basis to conclude” that Dixon “poses a threat” to the university and the community.
www.newsobserver.com
October 3, 2025 at 5:27 PM
UNC reinstates suspended professor, finding ‘no basis’ he pushed political violence. “No basis to conclude” Dwayne Dixon “poses a threat to University students, staff, and faculty” or engaged in conduct violating policy. (Via @koriedean.bsky.social) newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced #ncpol
Reposted by Korie Dean
New in depth story from me today.
Hundreds of thousands of people spent their careers in public service in North Carolina, and like current state employees, a late state budget affects them, too.
#ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
Hundreds of thousands of people spent their careers in public service in North Carolina, and like current state employees, a late state budget affects them, too.
#ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
After careers spent serving NC, retirees face stagnant pensions amid inflation
The delayed state budget also leaves thousands of retired state employees with uncertainty about a COLA this year.
www.newsobserver.com
October 1, 2025 at 1:17 PM
New in depth story from me today.
Hundreds of thousands of people spent their careers in public service in North Carolina, and like current state employees, a late state budget affects them, too.
#ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
Hundreds of thousands of people spent their careers in public service in North Carolina, and like current state employees, a late state budget affects them, too.
#ncpol #ncga
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
New: UNC has paid nearly $1 million for PR support since last year, with some work focused on the university’s reputation.
The firm found stakeholders believed “Carolina has lost its ‘Way.’”
With @shelbyswanson.bsky.social & @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
The firm found stakeholders believed “Carolina has lost its ‘Way.’”
With @shelbyswanson.bsky.social & @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
UNC has paid nearly $1M for PR help since 2024, in part to find its ‘Way’ again
“Over the last 10 years, there’s been a degradation of what UNC stands for,” said one interviewee who the consultant interviewed last fall.
www.newsobserver.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:23 PM
New: UNC has paid nearly $1 million for PR support since last year, with some work focused on the university’s reputation.
The firm found stakeholders believed “Carolina has lost its ‘Way.’”
With @shelbyswanson.bsky.social & @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
The firm found stakeholders believed “Carolina has lost its ‘Way.’”
With @shelbyswanson.bsky.social & @jwatsonfisher.bsky.social: www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
Reposted by Korie Dean
NC State University sues Monsanto, manufacturer of PCBs, over Poe Hall contamination. NC State alleges Monsanto marketed PCB mixtures to the building industry as being safe despite knowing they were toxic. (Via @koriedean.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced
NC State sues Monsanto, manufacturer of PCBs, over Poe Hall contamination
Poe Hall has been closed for nearly two years after the toxic chemicals were discovered.
www.newsobserver.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:22 PM
NC State University sues Monsanto, manufacturer of PCBs, over Poe Hall contamination. NC State alleges Monsanto marketed PCB mixtures to the building industry as being safe despite knowing they were toxic. (Via @koriedean.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced
Reposted by Korie Dean
UNC has placed a professor on administrative leave while it investigates his alleged ties to an anti-fascist group. He says he hasn't been part of the group since 2018. The group says it disbanded in 2019. Details from @koriedean.bsky.social.
UNC professor on administrative leave over alleged ties to anti-fascist organization
A rally in support of Dixon was planned for Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at UNC.
www.newsobserver.com
October 1, 2025 at 5:04 PM
UNC has placed a professor on administrative leave while it investigates his alleged ties to an anti-fascist group. He says he hasn't been part of the group since 2018. The group says it disbanded in 2019. Details from @koriedean.bsky.social.
In case anyone is in the market there is a Harris Teeter Harry the Happy Dragon coin ride for sale on Facebook marketplace
September 30, 2025 at 10:08 PM
In case anyone is in the market there is a Harris Teeter Harry the Happy Dragon coin ride for sale on Facebook marketplace
Latest update to former UNC Provost Chris Clemens’ lawsuit against the Board of Trustees: board Chair Malcolm Turner is out with a statement calling the complaint a “baseless assault”
September 24, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Latest update to former UNC Provost Chris Clemens’ lawsuit against the Board of Trustees: board Chair Malcolm Turner is out with a statement calling the complaint a “baseless assault”
NEW: Former UNC Provost Chris Clemens sued the Board of Trustees in part for using Signal to discuss university business with auto-delete on.
Two sources say Clemens himself has done the same — though it's unclear if he or another user turned on the setting. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
Two sources say Clemens himself has done the same — though it's unclear if he or another user turned on the setting. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
UNC ex-provost suing over Signal messages used the app himself, professor alleges
Screenshots obtained and reviewed by The N&O appear to show Chris Clemens using Signal, but don’t show who turned on the auto-delete feature.
www.newsobserver.com
September 23, 2025 at 9:44 PM
NEW: Former UNC Provost Chris Clemens sued the Board of Trustees in part for using Signal to discuss university business with auto-delete on.
Two sources say Clemens himself has done the same — though it's unclear if he or another user turned on the setting. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
Two sources say Clemens himself has done the same — though it's unclear if he or another user turned on the setting. www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
Reposted by Korie Dean
The suit accuses the board of “systematically hiding matters of grave public concern behind closed doors.”
Former UNC provost sues university, trustees over alleged open meetings violations
The suit accuses the board of “systematically hiding matters of grave public concern behind closed doors.”
bit.ly
September 22, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The suit accuses the board of “systematically hiding matters of grave public concern behind closed doors.”
Reposted by Korie Dean
breaking news from unc: former provost chris clemens is suing the university for open meetings and public records violations during their discussion about delaying tenure votes
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Former Provost Sues UNC-Chapel Hill Trustees Over Closed Meetings
Chris Clemens accused the trustees of "hiding matters of grave public concern,” including tenure debates, using a Signal group and closed session.
www.theassemblync.com
September 22, 2025 at 5:25 PM
breaking news from unc: former provost chris clemens is suing the university for open meetings and public records violations during their discussion about delaying tenure votes
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Korie Dean
Enrollment is up at all UNC System schools, except one that ‘took a hit’ from Helene. UNC System enrollment set a record with 256,438 students this semsster. All UNC schools increased enrollment except UNC Asheville. (Via @koriedean.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced
Enrollment is up at all UNC System schools, except one that ‘took a hit’ from Helene
For the first time, more than 250,000 students are enrolled at North Carolina’s public universities.
www.newsobserver.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Enrollment is up at all UNC System schools, except one that ‘took a hit’ from Helene. UNC System enrollment set a record with 256,438 students this semsster. All UNC schools increased enrollment except UNC Asheville. (Via @koriedean.bsky.social) www.newsobserver.com/news/local/e... #nced
Reposted by Korie Dean
Some colleges are backtracking on institutional neutrality in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, and Clemson University has suggested its professors do not have the full protection of the First Amendment when mocking or celebrating his death.
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
Kirk’s Slaying Prompts College Leaders to Speak Out
Universities are making exceptions to institutional neutrality policies to issue statements on Charlie Kirk’s death as some take aggressive action against some faculty remarks.
www.insidehighered.com
September 17, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Some colleges are backtracking on institutional neutrality in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, and Clemson University has suggested its professors do not have the full protection of the First Amendment when mocking or celebrating his death.
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...