UNC Wilmington is closing in on selecting its next chancellor, and predictably, the search has been tight-lipped.
As is the custom when public universities in this state search for chancellors, those doing the searching are sworn to secrecy. Passwords, secret meetings and everything aside from Cold War-era spy techniques are employed to throw reporters off the scent to maintain the anonymity of candidates.
This is done, university officials always say, to insure that the institution gets the best possible applicants, since some top candidates are scared off if they know their interest will be made public.
As the Wilmington Star News reports today, UNCW faculty, staff and students involved in the process have signed confidentiality agreements. That's not unusual.
The search committee at N.C. Central University that sought a replacement for departed James Ammons did so and communicated partly in code.
UNCW is looking for a replacement for Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, who is retiring.
