Over the past four years, the Board of Trustees at UNC-Chapel Hill has navigated through numerous challenges, including pandemic policies, advancing free speech, and overseeing the recovery from a $100 million structural deficit. John Preyer, an entrepreneur and businessman based in Chapel Hill, serves as the vice chair of the Board and chairs the Committee on Budget, Finance, and Infrastructure. Recently, the Martin Center had an in-depth conversation with Preyer about his experiences on the Board and his views on higher-education reform. The following transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.
Martin Center: You’ve been on the Board of Trustees for four years now. What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?
John Preyer: I would say that the revelation to me is how differently people view issues of importance to the university. Some people find it very difficult to admit there is a problem. I would crystallize it like this: it’s a challenge to get people to see things the way they actually are, rather than the way they want them to be or think they are. Some people don’t ever want to admit that anything is wrong, while others, like me, have a history of wanting to fix what’s wrong. That dynamic creates tension.
Martin Center: What has been your biggest challenge on the Board?
Preyer: The biggest challenge has been getting my fellow trustees to recognize threats to the university’s future health and well-being. There’s a mentality I’ve seen where people believe, “We’ve always been great, we’re great now, we’re always going to be great.” This entitlement attitude ignores the need for continuous improvement. We must address areas where we’re not currently excelling to ensure we remain a leading public university.
Martin Center: Trustees often fall into two camps: reformers and cheerleaders. Has that been your experience?
Preyer: Generally, yes. I would break it down further into three groups: defenders of the status quo, pontificators, and problem-solvers. The defenders of the status quo, or cheerleaders, resist any change that might upset the current state. Pontificators seek board positions for self-aggrandizement and access to influential figures. Problem-solvers, like myself, look beneath the surface and identify areas for improvement. Unfortunately, pontificators often side with the cheerleaders.
Martin Center: Some people accuse you of wanting to “burn the university down.” How do you respond to that?
Preyer: That accusation is completely ridiculous. As someone who has lived in Chapel Hill for over 20 years and has relationships with faculty and administration, I want nothing but the best for the university. However, I believe there are areas with accumulated “dead wood” that need to be addressed to prevent larger problems. Longtime supporters may resist change to maintain access, even at the expense of the university’s best interests.
Martin Center: As budget chairman, you’ve advocated for spending restraint. How do you think the university should best spend its money?
Preyer: The university should spend money with the same accountability as someone who has to sign a personal guarantee for a loan. The current financial management under the vice chancellor of finance and operations has been excellent, addressing the structural deficit that existed when I joined the Board. Previously, there wasn’t a unified budget, which led to financial mismanagement. We’ve worked to consolidate the budget, and spending restraint is now more feasible.
Martin Center: What about transparency in university operations, particularly committee meetings?
Preyer: I fully support more transparency, including streaming and recording committee meetings. There’s no excuse not to do it, other than logistical challenges. Transparency is crucial, and I hope we can implement this by our July meeting.
Martin Center: The N.C. House and Senate have included funding for the School of Civic Life and Leadership. What are your thoughts?
Preyer: I’m delighted with this support. The next steps include hiring a dean and key staff to establish a strong presence on campus. I hope to see a dean appointed this fall with the authority to hire necessary personnel.
Martin Center: UNC has made strides in free speech, but is there more to be done?
Preyer: We need to continue monitoring the climate for free exchange of ideas. While progress has been made, we’re not there yet. Student behavior often stifles differing viewpoints, creating an atmosphere of intolerance. Establishing the School of Civic Life and Leadership should help promote open dialogue.
Martin Center: Any final thoughts?
Preyer: I appreciate the Martin Center’s efforts to enhance transparency and advance the cause of greater civility and free exchange of ideas. It’s vital work that supports the university’s mission and values.
