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Talked about tuition increases with a few folks today.  It’s understandable that the residents of North Carolina should expect a high quaility of education at a great price, and from looking at the numbers they appear to be getting just that.

A proposed increase in undergraduate tuition would put the annual cost of attending NC State University at about $4,100 per year.  Yep, $4100.  Let me ask you, how much does it cost to send your kids to day care?

I don’t want to be glib here.  A good education at a great price is required in the state, but I know of only one other state system that even comes close.  That would be my former home, Florida.  Some states, like Pennsylvania, charge as much as $12,000 a year for a high quality public education.  The national average is about $6,500.  We all need to applaud the NC Legislature, University System and the universities themselves for providing the opportunity to receive a world-class education at a bargain basement price.

In other areas, meetings with univerisity communicators and members of the new staff continue.  There is a real passion for NC State within the group.  The people really care — care a lot — about this place.  They all seem eager to work together on a variety of issues and I’m excited to begin the engagement process.  I’m sure there will be disagreements and probably a little pain, but the first four days have been great.  I know, I know; four days does not a year make.  Heck, not even a week.  But I’m very encouraged and look forward to the coming months.

Headed to Gainesville tomorrow afternoon to be with the family during the transition period.  It will probably be a few months before we’re here together.  I’m going to change  the Hice School rules a bit here.  For the record, Fridays, Holidays, Sick Days and Vacation’s won’t be counted toward the 100 days . . . unless I have time to post.  So stay tuned.

Four of 100.

Never mind the transition at NC State, Bruce Springsteen turned 60 today. Been doing the same thing for near on 45 years. Can you imagine doing anything that long, that well? I am impressed.

Another good day at NC State, in Raleigh and in North Carolina. Meetings with Deans, Directors, Department heads continue. Spent a little time with my awesome staff. I can’t believe they are putting up with this.  It’s part of the process so I beg patience.

A  highlight of the day was a visit to the College of Textiles where Hanesbrands announced details of a climb up Mount Everest with climber Jamie Clark. Hanes will introduce a new line of outdoor gear as part of the climb.  Good place to introduce a new line of lightweight, rugged, odor resistant gear I thought.

The company chose the College of Textiles to launch the expedition because it has been a leader in the development of new fibers and technologies; The things that make the new line of clothing possible.

Textiles has been around since 1899 and is the leader in the nation.  Lighter, more protective fire suit; new and improved hospital gown; nano fibers to extend the life of lithium batteries, all developed at the college recently.

Jamie tried Everest twice before succeeding on No. 3. He talked about his first two “failures” but said he viewed those tries as an opportunity to develop the wisdom necessary to get really hard things done.  Hanes says the trip will be promoted on line at www.climbeverestwithus.com.

 In addition to launching a new line of gear, Hanesbrands says it wants to “inspire others to accomplish their hard challenges.”

I hope I have that wisdom for the challenges here at NC State.

Three of 100

Another good day. My first Executive Committee meeting. It was raining so I pulled out the trusty umbrella (the Gator umbrella) and headed over. Closed it up and set in the corner so as not to attract too much attention. Well, the Chancellor walks in, spots the umbrella. He picks it up and heads out of the room. (NC State is not Orange and Blue.) We’ll have to fix that, he says. Anyway, after some good natured banter the meeting proceeds. At the end the Chancellor says “Come with me.” We go up to his office and he presents me with a Red and White NC State umbrella. Use this, he says with a big smile. So the Gator umbrella will remain in the car. The Wolfpack shade will accompany me wherever I go.

Two of 100

Well, this is it.  The first day on the job at North Carolina State University.  Overwhelming, intimidating, frustrating . . . NOT.  Everyone has been great.  There seems to be a real excitement on campus about what we’re about to embark upon.

I’m finding the biggest challenge today is getting to know my way around campus and around Raleigh.  Man, this is a big city.  No small town Gainesville here.  I actually had to drive on the Interstate to get to work.  With that, it took less than 20 minutes to get here.  And it is a big campus.

Definitely no shortage of projects in store, places to go, people to see. I’ll close for now, more to come.

One of 100.