UNC Asheville Board Unanimously Votes Bond Referendum a Priority;
Board of Trustess Declares Support for Higher Education Dollars for WNC

The UNC Asheville Board of Trustees on Thursday asked the Western North Carolina community to join them in support of the upcoming North Carolina university/community college bond referendum. The board unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the $3.1 billion bond package, which would help UNC Asheville meet critical capital needs. The package goes to the voters in this November's general election.

"The Board of Trustees is sending a clear message," said Robert Cranford, board chair. "We not only support better facilities for our students, we see this funding as crucial to the future of higher education in Western North Carolina."

The bond issue would bring about $50 million to UNCA to fund needed new capital projects and renovations. The largest projects on the list are construction of a $22 million science building, and renovation and expansion of the Highsmith Student Center. The bond issue would fund $9.4 million of the $12.5 million Highsmith project.

The projects are crucial to UNCA's efforts to provide a high quality liberal arts education to North Carolina students, said UNCA Chancellor Jim Mullen.

"This referendum is not just about buildings, it's about students and it's about opportunity. Students in Western North Carolina deserve the same chance as students anywhere else," said Mullen. "Some of our students are learning science in facilities that are almost 40 years old and that no longer reflect the way science is done. If we want them to emerge into the workplace prepared to succeed, they need to be learning in state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities here."

Ryan Southern, UNCA Student Government Association president, agreed. "As a student I have seen and felt the need for newer science facilities and for a better student center," said the Winston-Salem junior. "The passage of the bond referendum is crucial for students all across North Carolina, for those in college now and those in high school. Students are the future of this state -- it is essential that UNCA and the state's other colleges and universities continue to provide us with the opportunity for an excellent education."

Media Contacts:

• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information director, 828/251-6676