Agenda - 04-29-2003-7e - Laserfiche WebLink

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'I INTRODUCTION For over two centuries the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has pushed the frontier of educational excellence for the citizens of North Carolina, expanding the nature of the intellectual enterprise itself In 1952 Sociology Professor Howard Odum was among the first to develop organizational models for research cooperation that led to the development of the Research Triangle Park. Today faculty and students across disciplines are exploring new technologies and systems that have accelerated opportunities for innovation. From genomics to nano-technologies to digital graphics to new models for interna- tional education and collaboration, UNC is showing how part- nerships advance the pace of progress. The founders of UNC had no way of knowing that by the dawn of the 21st century such accomplishments would lead to a campus of more than 13 million gsf of buildings serving 24,000 students with 9,000 faculty and staff members on 575 acres. It is UNC's good fortune that Horace Williams, the Kenan Professor of Philosophy, left a final legary with a gift of more than 700 acres of land in Chapel Hill. It has since expanded to almost 1000 acres, thereby providing a place where University accomplishments can flourish in the new millennium. UNC-CH provides a Formidable foundation upon which to build new alliances and partnerships. The Horace Williams property gives UNC-CH an enviable competitive advantage by providing a location For significant long-term growth in close proximity to its central campus. Supporting this is the business climate and workforce of North Carolina and particularly .the Raleigh- Durham-Chapel Hill region. Under the direction of distinguished faculty the University has a number of departments and programs that already benefit from alliances and partnerships with the private sector and other institu- tions. Important ongoing research and development can be sup- ported in an attractive community environment within minutes of main campus facilities. And there are uncharted possibilities that will benefit From having a flexible, adaptable place in which to engage in important intellectual inquiry and collaborative work. While the new central campus master plan will accommodate significant growth on the central campus, the continued intel- lectual growth of UNC-CH will require the university to antic- ipate and provide the infrastructure for alliances within the insti- tution, with other institutions and within the private sector. Nationally and internationally, universities, cities, and regions are engaged in an extraordinarily competitive battle to develop or attract new economy industries. The last few years have defined not only a new economy but a new workplace as well. The businesses of tomorrow, their leaders and employees, will look and behave in dramatic contrast to the companies of the past. UNC is uniquely positioned in this new world economy where intellectual enterprise knows no bounds and pursuit of ways to improve the human condition requires the creativity and expertise enhanced through collaborative work. The intellectual capital of From the initial work of the Horace Williams Advisory Committee to the present day, UNC-CH has been dedicated to setting the table to enable the unknown possibilities of new University accomplish- ments. UNC-CH has the rare combination of the intellectual capi- tal, the physical land, and a vibrant entrepreneurial region necessary to compete in the new economy. With the proper planning and investment, the development of Horace Williams will one day be recognized for its vision and forethought. The Horace Williams legacy is a glass waiting to be filled with purpose, promise, and innovative thinking. Aerial view looking tart -Airport Road it seen in the foreground Aeru:! view looking north -Estes Road is seen in the foreground