Editor’s Note: The following are statements from local community leaders regarding UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp’s announcement that he will retire in June 2013.
Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton
“So sad to hear that Chancellor Thorp is stepping down. When it comes to Town-Gown relations, Holden has been by far the most constructive Chancellor we have had in the last 25 years (at least). I wish him big success in his next endeavor.â€
Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt
“I am deeply disappointed over the resignation of Chancellor Holden Thorp. The Town Gown relationship under his leadership has been the best in memory. As mayor, I appreciate the efforts he made to move both the University and Town forward. With Chancellor Thorp’s leadership, we were able to finalize the Carolina North Development Agreement, establish an incubator space downtown for entrepreneurs and small business and work productively to begin resolving community concerns in the Northside Neighborhood. As an alumnus of UNC-Chapel Hill, both as an undergrad and a graduate of the Law School, I am grateful for Chancellor Thorp’s leadership of the University. His guidance has led UNC to become a Top Ten recipient of research dollars. He also has increased faculty retention and increased both the quality and quantity of prospective students. Chancellor Thorp brought an innovative approach to education that focused on better preparing graduates to succeed in a complex and constantly changing world. 


Chancellor Thorp has the unique perspective of an individual with deep roots in our community, as a distinguished member of the faculty, alumnus and longtime resident. As fellow residents, we have worked together to ensure that UNC-Chapel Hill and the Town of Chapel Hill remain a world class place to live, work, play and learn. Although I’d prefer he remain at his current post, I am happy to hear Chancellor Thorp will remain a part of the Carolina family as a faculty member in the Chemistry Department. Holden and his wife Patti have made Chapel Hill a better place, and I have no doubt they will continue to provide invaluable contributions to our community. As a friend, I wish nothing but the best in his future endeavors.â€
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Aaron Nelson
“I am disappointed to hear of Chancellor Thorp’s resignation. He is a great advocate for our university and for the greater Chapel Hill community. The partnership between the citizens, our business community and the University were greatly strengthened under his leadership. We are grateful for Holden’s years of service as a professor, administrator, chancellor and, most importantly, as a member of our community. The Chamber and I look forward to continuing to work with him through the end of the school year.” Â