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Erin Gretzinger

@eringretzinger.bsky.social

820 followers 140 following 97 posts

Higher Ed Reporter @theassemblync.bsky.social‬ | Previously: @chronicle.com, @wisconsinwatch.org, Wisconsin State Journal | Alum: uwsjmc.bsky.social, The Badger Herald | Email: [email protected] https://www.theassemblync.com/author/egretz

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 17

I'm excited to share that @theassemblync.bsky.social has won a North Carolina Press Association award for our higher education coverage!

The Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award recognizes outstanding reporting on higher education issues in the state. Revisit the award-winning stories ⬇️

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Reposted by Erin Gretzinger

Eric Kelderman @erickelderman.bsky.social · Sep 4

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

Great piece from @eringretzinger.bsky.social: While FL Gov. Ron DeSantis was at the dais announcing the plan for a new accrediting agency this summer, the UNC system was really behind the effort from the beginning

How the UNC System Shaped a Controversial Plan to Revamp College Accreditation

Records show North Carolina played a significant role in founding the Commission for Public Higher Education. Some faculty are concerned.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Sep 4

The tension between DeSantis’ public posturing and NC officials’ influential roles behind the scenes underscores a crucial question for many faculty and other skeptics: whether CPHE will be a non-ideological auditor or become a tool for conservatives to remake higher ed.

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Sep 4

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.”

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Sep 4

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.

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Sep 4

While FL broke the news about a new six-state accreditor, 800+ pages of public records & other docs show the UNC System was at the center of the project for more than a year.

My last scoop with @theassemblync.bsky.social
(co-published with @chronicle.com)

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

How the UNC System Shaped a Controversial Plan to Revamp College Accreditation

Records show North Carolina played a significant role in founding the Commission for Public Higher Education. Some faculty are concerned.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 28

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts has his sights set on the big picture—despite federal-level uncertainties and campus clashes over his business-driven vision.

My profile of Roberts' first full year at UNC-CH for @theassemblync.bsky.social

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

Lee Roberts' Long Game

The UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor is sticking with his big-picture vision endures despite federal uncertainties and campus clashes.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 21

The best cross-over episode of my life!

(I promise there is a higher-ed angle)

@theassemblync.bsky.social

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

The Summer UNC-Chapel Hill Turned Pretty

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' series filmed its recently released final season at UNC-Chapel Hill, giving the campus new clout online.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 14

UNC-Chapel Hill's Vice Chancellor for Research on JAG's alternative indirect cost model to counter Trump's proposed cuts to reimbursement rates: "We saw an opportunity to step up and create a new approach.”

Read my Q&A with Penny Gordon-Larsen @TheAssemblyNC

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

‘FAIR’ Model Aims to Preserve Federal Research Funding

A new proposal seeks to counter the Trump administration’s plan to cut universities’ research reimbursement rates.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 7

UNC-Chapel Hill's “Prometheus” project explored purchasing Kettering University, an engineering school in Flint, to speed up development of a new college of applied sciences.

From @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

Inside UNC-Chapel Hill’s Scrapped Plan to Open a Michigan Campus

UNC-Chapel Hill’s “Prometheus” project explored purchasing Kettering University, an engineering school in Flint.

www.theassemblync.com

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 2

Clemens told Roberts that was the wrong way to think about tenure.

“With all due respect, this argument is incorrect,” Clemens wrote, explaining that it did not consider the value faculty generated over time.

Read the story at the link above.

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 2

Clemens continued: "The Chancellor has agreed to this strategy based on a net present cost evaluation of the faculty who receive permanent tenure."

Net present cost is an accounting method used to analyze the lifetime cost of an investment.

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 2

“The trustees have decided that they are going to address a pending financial crisis by holding up votes on awarding tenure to faculty,” wrote Chris Clemens in a May 3 message, a few weeks before the trustees delayed tenure votes for the second time.

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Aug 2

BREAKING: @theassemblync.bsky.social obtained an email in which UNC-Chapel Hill's ex-provost said Chancellor Lee Roberts agreed to the Board of Trustees’ controversial move to delay tenure votes for financial reasons.

From me & @themhartman.bsky.social

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

Provost: UNC-CH Chancellor Signed Off On Plan To Delay Tenure

Chris Clemens wrote in an email obtained by The Assembly that Chancellor Lee Roberts agreed to delay tenure votes for financial reasons.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 31

Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and the now-empty campus property at the heart of the community.

For @theassemblync.bsky.social and Border Belt Independent

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

What Remains of St. Andrews

Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and a now-empty campus.

www.theassemblync.com

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 31

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.

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 31

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.

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 31

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.

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Reposted by Erin Gretzinger

Robert Kelchen @robertkelchen.com · Jul 31

I'm quoted in this great piece diving into the closure of St. Andrews University in North Carolina and what it means for the local community. The Assembly is one of the best local sources for higher ed coverage in the country.

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

What Remains of St. Andrews

Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and a now-empty campus.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 30

Below is a breakdown of the targeted areas for cuts

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 30

UNC-Chapel Hill leaders revealed a plan on Wednesday to cut approximately $70 million in costs—or 2 percent of its operating budget.

From me and @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

UNC-Chapel Hill Unveils Plan to Cut $70 Million in Response to Funding Pressure

UNC-Chapel Hill will cut 2 percent of its operating budget ahead of anticipated federal and state funding reductions.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 21

Read the full memo here:

northcarolina.edu/wp-content/u...

northcarolina.edu

Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 21

The trustee-led committees will receive briefings from their chancellor or other senior administrators, including some closed-session meetings about the performance of “relevant” personnel.

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 21

In a memo dated June 17 (which was posted on a system website but not announced publicly), 2 BOG members wrote that while campuses made an "initial effort" to comply, the committees will ensure schools demonstrate "meaningful verification that those realignments succeeded."

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 21

NEW: The UNC System's Board of Governors has directed campuses to form new committees to scrutinize compliance w/ system DEI policies.

Each committee’s work will continue until the BOG "deems its specific oversight no longer needed."

www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...

UNC Board of Governors Demands New DEI Compliance Committees

The campus-level committees will scrutinize whether schools have complied with policies targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

www.theassemblync.com

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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · Jul 18

Revealing reporting from @indyweek.bsky.social's @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social about a call hosted by St. Augustine's University officials.

SAU's debts exceed $47 million (not including a $20 million default judgement SAU is contesting). Enrollment is about 53 students.

indyweek.com/news/wake/sa...

Saint Augustine's University Appeals to Alumni for Donations Following Loss of Accreditation

Saint Augustine's University leaders appeal to alumni for donations following loss of accreditation, sharing information about SAU's financial standing.

indyweek.com

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