In a series of exhaustively-researched stories over the weekend, reporter Andy Curliss examines former Gov. Mike Easley and his many associations.

One, in particular, should be interesting to observers of higher education in North Carolina: McQueen Campbell, an Easley confidant who the governor twice appointed to the board of trustees at NCSU. Campbell, who now chairs that board - and did do when First Lady Mary Easley was given a massive pay raise - will soon step down when his term expires.

Curliss examined Easley's relationship with Campbell in the second major piece of his series. You can read that story here.

Here's a link to the entire story package, complete with timeline of events.

Series of events leading to Governor Easley's purchase in Cannonsgate development.