HB 1264

With the backbone of North Carolina's industrial economy tobacco, textiles, and furniture  in recession and appropriations for UNC-System taking an ever increasing multi-billion dollar bite out of  state's coffers, in 2003-04 North Carolina's Legislature thru House Bill 1264 (HB 1264)  direct UNC-BOG to contract a private consulting firm that  had experience in higher education to conduct a comprehensive study (HB 1264 Study)  of the mission and educational program needs to ensure that the State's citizens are academically prepared and equipped for current job opportunities and jobs of the future in North Carolina's growing knowledge economy.  HB 1264 Study was designed to provide information and recommendations that would assist the General Assembly in setting priorities for funding to address the strategic higher education needs of the State. HB 1264(6) recognized the Historic significance of Historical Minority Institutions (HMI) and ordered the University to formulate signature programs at them and not to diminish their role.

The study stated   “Signature programs have been defined as those that are distinctive, that build on existing strengths, that advance the institution’s profile, and that serve regional and/or state economic transformation needs."  It said   “North Carolina A&T State University is also well positioned to grow programs in some of the areas identified as emerging industries. * It has had three Ph.D. programs in the engineering area for some time and has recently introduced two interdisciplinary Ph.D.’s that have considerable appeal. To capitalize on its Carnegie classification and its graduate programs, North Carolina A&T State University needs to grow the size of its graduate population substantially.  North Carolina A&T State University has great potential to develop a national signature as an institution that truly integrates interdisciplinary learning in both its general education and majors, with the potential to become a national model. [5] 

The HB 1264 Study identified as an emerging area as Advanced Materials: Nanotechnology .    It said expertise in nanotechnology may become a prerequisite for many scientists and engineers that support a wide variety of industries and  that nano expertise among the North Carolina science and engineering work force may soon become a competitive advantage issue for the state. [9]

In HB 1264(7) the Legislature mandated  the Board of Governors  emphasized  existing and new programs at Liberal Arts Universities specifically aimed at meeting business, industry, workforce, and career needs of North Carolina in the State's changing and growing knowledge-based economy, taking into account, as appropriate, State and regional economic strategies .

With the source of enrollment growth being minorities and community colleges experiencing record enrollment as white enrollment leveled off across the University of North Carolina and the HB 1264 Study interim report indicating UNC was producing an excess of Business School graduates UNCG signature program  what’s left on the plate for Liberal Arts UNCG with a potential national prominent HBU NCA&T across town? [6]   And How would a diminished UNCG affect  their perception among the  political astute business organization affiliated with UNCG? Would they use political connections to reposition HWU UNCG in and HBU NCA&T out?  

HB 1264 Study draft  dated 12.29.05  said  “Final recommendations for any additional academic programs at the HMIs will need to be made following further discussions with the UNC Office of the President (particularly with its academic Affairs division) and the institutions, since available data alone do not lead to automatic conclusions  that President would be Erskine Bowles. [7]

HB 1264 Study final report, dated 07.21.2006 seven month after Bowles took office, said North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University should have as its “signature programs” the innovative University Studies (general education) program and a Public Health program [8]  Re-iterating :

 “Signature programs have been defined as those that are distinctive, that build on existing strengths, that advance the institution’s profile, and that serve regional and/or state economic transformation needs."  [5] 

The NC Legislature in House Bill 1264 order to UNC to contact an independent Study [4] identifying areas of  current and future employment for its citizens.

The Study determine NC A&T  was” well positioned to grow programs in some of the areas identified as emerging industries” and UNC System had an excess of business graduates-the signature Statement of the UNC-Greensboro. It could be with NC A&T on the brink of potential  becoming the Triad economic engine with State and Federal research funding the question may have been where did it leave business organizations affiliated with UNCG’s business school with a lower profile UNCG?  And would they use political connections to script out the name of the black NC A&T out and the white UNCG in?

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