John Preyer, a member of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees, resigned on Friday with a year remaining in his term, following a chairmanship that faced scrutiny over whether he and fellow board members exceeded their authority. In his resignation letter, Preyer expressed optimism about the university’s trajectory, stating, “I’ve never felt better about the direction of the University and its leadership and am lucky to have played a small role in helping make it the #1 public university in the world.” The letter, addressed to board secretary Chris McClure, has been made public.
Preyer, an alumnus of UNC-CH, joined the board in 2019 and became chair in 2023, succeeding Dave Boliek. Both Preyer and Boliek have highlighted the board’s influence in reshaping the university’s budget strategies and supporting the establishment of a new School of Civic Life and Leadership, which has received backing from Republican legislators. However, the swift movement toward creating this school has faced backlash from some faculty members, who argue it undermines the university’s shared governance model.
Trustee Marty Kotis praised Preyer in a statement, describing him as a key figure in the board’s reforms and an effective leader who wasn’t afraid to address challenging issues. Kotis noted Preyer’s significant contribution in driving change at the university.
Despite these accomplishments, Preyer’s leadership was not without controversy. In a January 2024 memo from UNC System President Peter Hans, the board’s authority concerning personnel matters was curtailed, emphasizing the board’s advisory role in relation to university administration. Preyer brushed off the changes, viewing them as minor adjustments in governance.
In the realm of athletics, Preyer gained notable attention in 2024 when he was linked to the hiring of NFL coach Bill Belichick. His direct involvement in the recruitment process raised questions, especially after he had previously voiced concerns about the athletic department’s management. Just after Belichick’s appointment, another communication from Hans limited the trustees’ involvement in athletic contract negotiations, indicating ongoing tensions between the board and university administration.
Furthermore, recent disclosures revealed that Preyer, along with other trustees, had sought specific information regarding individual students’ admissions, a practice that has raised eyebrows regarding the board’s role in university affairs.
The Board of Trustees consists of 15 members, with Preyer being appointed by the Board of Governors. Following his resignation, that body will be responsible for selecting his successor. As UNC-Chapel Hill continues to evolve, the leadership transition comes at a pivotal time, and there is hope that a fresh perspective will bring about renewed collaboration and effective governance for one of the nation’s top public universities.