UNC Board of Governors names new chair

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has elected its next chair.

On Thursday, officials announced Kellie Hunt Blue will serve as the Board of Governors’ next chair, effective July 1.

Officials said Blue has served on the Board of Governors since 2017 and has been vice chair since 2024. In a news release, Blue said she is honored to lead the board during “a moment when higher education is more important than ever for the future of our state.”

“For several years, the Board and its leadership have worked to keep costs low, make universities more efficient and ensure that degrees translate into excellent jobs and bright futures for our students,” Blue said. “I am excited to continue this work and look forward to serving alongside Vice Chair Hutchens and Secretary Coward as we enact responsible policies that strengthen the university and its mission.”

Blue graduated from UNC Pembroke, where she received her bachelor's degree in accounting. She was later honored as an Outstanding Alumnus and served on the school’s Board of Trustees. She currently serves as the county manager for Robeson County.

Two other UNC System graduates were also elected to the board on Thursday. Terry Hutchens was elected vice chair, and Carolyn Coward was elected secretary.

Blue, Hutchens and Coward will each serve two-year terms in their leadership positions.