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Erin Gretzinger

@eringretzinger.bsky.social
849 followers 144 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: erin@theassemblync.com www.theassemblync.com/author/egretz

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Reposted by Erin Gretzinger
Eric Kelderman @erickelderman.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
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
theassemblync.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
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.”
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
Lee Roberts' Long Game
The UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor is sticking with his big-picture vision endures despite federal uncertainties and campus clashes.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
The best cross-over episode of my life! (I promise there is a higher-ed angle) @theassemblync.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
‘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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
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 · 02/08/2025
“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 · 02/08/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
What Remains of St. Andrews
Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and a now-empty campus.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
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 · 31/07/2025
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 · 31/07/2025
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 · 31/07/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
What Remains of St. Andrews
Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and a now-empty campus.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Below is a breakdown of the targeted areas for cuts
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Read the full memo here: northcarolina.edu/wp-content/u...
northcarolina.edu
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
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 · 21/07/2025
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 · 21/07/2025
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...
theassemblync.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
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...
indyweek.com
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
I’m proud to be a part of reporting hard-hitting, in-depth (and award-winning!) higher education stories in NC. We couldn't do this crucial work without the support of readers. If you don’t already, consider subscribing to support our journalism. www.theassemblync.com/subscriptions/
theassemblync.com
Subscribe to The Assembly NC
Support our journalism by subscribing to The Assembly today!
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
“UNC’s $97 Million Online Education Gambit Hits Headwinds” from @pamkelley.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
UNC's $97 Million Online Education Gambit Hits Headwinds
Project Kitty Hawk, UNC’s ambitious foray into online education, has slashed enrollment projections. Will the investment pay off?
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
“The Closure of ‘PCB Hall’ Reflects Problems Across UNC System” from @emilyvespa.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
The Closure of ‘PCB Hall’ Reflects Problems Across UNC System
NC State's move to shutter Poe Hall has raised concerns across the UNC system about exposure to hazardous substances in aging buildings.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
“A Professor Walks Into a Storm” from @themhartman.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
A Professor Walks Into a Storm
The dean of UNC-CH’s School of Civic Life and Leadership promotes civil discourse. Critics highlight the school’s conservative roots.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
“The Fight that Fractured Saint Augustine’s University” from @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social and I, in collaboration with @indyweek.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
The Fight that Fractured Saint Augustine’s University
At the embattled Saint Augustine's University, internal complaints and lawsuits reveal disputes about how the board has managed the school.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
“Who’s Behind Big Cuts at UNC-Greensboro?” from @reporterdavidj.bsky.social and I, in partnership with @chronicle.com www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
Who's Behind Big Cuts at UNC-Greensboro?
When cost-cutting universities hire consultants, who’s really making the decisions? UNC-Greensboro offers a case study.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
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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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Earlier this year, @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social and I reported on the years of instability and internal discord at the Raleigh HBCU. As the school's challenges mounted, this outcome felt increasingly inevitable. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
The Fight that Fractured Saint Augustine’s University
At the embattled Saint Augustine's University, internal complaints and lawsuits reveal disputes about how the board has managed the school.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
BREAKING: SAU lost its arbitration process, affirming SACSCOC's decision to pull their accreditation status. More @indyweek.bsky.social ⬇️ indyweek.com/news/saint-a...
indyweek.com
Saint Augustine’s University Loses Accreditation, Promises Legal Action Against Accreditor
Saint Augustine's University has lost accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Reposted by Erin Gretzinger
Sarah Brown @brownepoints.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Wisconsin just made 4/4 teaching loads the law for all full-time faculty members at the state's public universities (except the university system's two research universities, where everyone must teach a 2/2 load)
chronicle.com
A 4/4 Teaching Load Becomes Law at Most of Wisconsin’s Public Universities
The mandate, included in the state’s new budget, applies to full-time faculty across the University of Wisconsin system — except at the two R1 universities, where professors must carry 2/2 loads.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
It was great to talk with @schachtman.bsky.social on @whqr.bsky.social last week about @theassemblync.bsky.social's recent reporting on the rapidly changing DEI landscape at public and private colleges in North Carolina. Tune in and check out the full story below! www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
whqr.org
In North Carolina, It’s Do or DEI
Federal and state officials have declared war on DEI at North Carolina’s colleges and universities. But what their orders mean is sometimes far from clear.
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Reposted by Erin Gretzinger
The Assembly @theassemblync.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
The Trump administration is looking to make sweeping cuts at the nation’s weather agencies, including the closure of all federally funded meteorology labs. www.theassemblync.com/environment/...
theassemblync.com
Trump Administration Wants to Close Key Weather Labs Across the U.S.
The labs are responsible for the forecasting that the nation relies on for storm warnings and emergency preparedness.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Join @theassemblync.bsky.social on July 16 in Raleigh for a conversation with UNC System President Peter Hans! Nearly half of all tickets have already been claimed. Premium subscribers can reserve their spot and grab a free ticket now; ticket sales will open for basic subscribers tomorrow!
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Check out our collaborative, big-picture story and featured articles from the student papers to go deeper on the campus-level impacts. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
The Demise of DEI: An Assembly Reporting Collaboration
A collaborative reporting project examining how diversity efforts have evolved at North Carolina’s public and private colleges.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
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:
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
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.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
For the past few months, @theassemblync.bsky.social has worked with five student newspapers—The Daily Tar Heel, @dukechronicle.bsky.social, Old Gold & Black, Niner Times, & The Seahawk—to explore how public & private colleges in NC have responded to the rapidly changing landscape surrounding DEI. 🧵
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Hans' interview contrasted sharply with FL Gov. Ron DeSantis' announcement this morning. “It’ll upend the monopoly of the woke accreditation cartels," he said. "It will provide institutions with an alternative that focuses on student achievement, rather than the ideological fads."
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
BREAKING: The UNC System is launching a new accreditor with Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas called the Commission for Public Higher Education The goal is to create a “streamlined, non-ideological” accreditor, Hans told me in an exclusive for @theassemblync.bsky.social
theassemblync.com
UNC System President Unveils Plans for New Accreditor
President Peter Hans said in an interview he aims to create a ‘streamlined, non-ideological’ accreditor with five other southern states.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Atkins was named 1 of 2 finalists in a campus-wide email. A UATX spox said it was an error. "UATX sought to recruit Dean Atkins for a senior leadership position, but in the end, we could not persuade him to become a finalist for any position given his existing commitments."
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
The University of Austin, the new “anti-woke” private school in Texas, tried to recruit the dean of UNC-CH's School of Civic Life and Leadership. Scoop from @themhartman.bsky.social @theassemblync.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
The University of Austin Courted UNC-Chapel Hill's Jed Atkins
The dean of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Civic Life and Leadership was approached to become president of the University of Austin.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
“While cost-savings is one of the drivers of this initiative, operational effectiveness is the primary goal,” a UNC-CH spokesperson told me. “We know this process may cause concern for people around campus, but it is too soon to say which positions will be impacted.”
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
UNC-CH initiated an administrative restructuring plan that has prompted concerns among staff about possible layoffs amid growing financial pressure on colleges around the country. @theassemblync.bsky.social www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
theassemblync.com
UNC-Chapel Hill Wants to Restructure Admin Roles, Sparking Layoff Fears
UNC-Chapel Hill initiated an administrative restructuring plan amid broader financial uncertainty, prompting concerns about layoffs.
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Erin Gretzinger @eringretzinger.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
The tenure turmoil came at a difficult time for faculty, who are facing cuts to research funding and other threats to higher ed. “This blow … coming from inside the house, is just another blow when we’re already feeling pretty deflated," said faculty chair Beth Moracco.
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