Good afternoon, Tar Heels! Here's your campus news update for Monday, August 11, 2025.
The University of North Carolina has announced a significant leadership change in its athletic department. Bubba Cunningham, who has served as athletic director since 2011, will transition to a senior advisory role in 2026. His successor, Steve Newmark, a Chapel Hill native and current president of RFK Racing, will begin as executive associate athletic director on August 15, 2025. Newmark brings a wealth of experience, including a legal background and previous work with the NCAA and SEC. This transition aims to ensure continuity and strategic vision for Carolina athletics.
Legendary football coach Bill Belichick is set to debut as UNC Chapel Hill’s head football coach under a five-year, $10 million-a-year contract. As he and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, search for a permanent residence in Chapel Hill, several notable properties are under consideration, including Mack Brown’s former mansion and other luxury estates. Belichick's arrival is generating excitement as the Tar Heels prepare for the upcoming season.
UNC-Chapel Hill has surpassed $1 billion in research funding for the fiscal year 2024, marking a new milestone for the university. Federal sources accounted for about 65% of all awards, with $592 million from the National Institutes of Health. This funding supports projects across all 100 North Carolina counties and employs over 10,700 North Carolinians.
The Institute for Convergent Sciences has integrated with Innovate Carolina, effective July 1. This change positions both the institute and the university for continued success and growth in innovation and entrepreneurship. Greg Copenhaver, director of the Institute for Convergent Sciences, will report to Dedric Carter, vice chancellor for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Effective August 1, the Board of Trustees approved several parking changes for employees and students. These updates include the end of “flex” permits for hybrid employees, rate reductions for employees with salaries under $70,000, and flat rates for employee weeknight parking and sustainable commuting options. The changes aim to simplify the rate structure and make parking more affordable for the majority of Carolina employees.
UNC-Chapel Hill has been included on Forbes’ list of “new Ivies,” recognizing institutions approaching the quality and prestige of Ivy League schools. Carolina is the only North Carolina institution on the list, highlighting its commitment to excellence in education and research.
Several schools and institutes across campus have named new or interim leaders:
- Dr. Robert L. Ferris will become the executive director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center on October 1.
- Jill V. Hamm is serving as interim dean of the School of Education.
- Jessica Grant has been appointed interim director of the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science.
These appointments bring experienced leadership to key areas of the university.
The 2024 North Carolina Tar Heels women's soccer team, under first-year head coach Damon Nahas, secured their twenty-second national title and first in twelve years. The team finished the season with a 22–5–0 record, culminating in a 1–0 victory over Wake Forest in the national championship.
The Tar Heels are gearing up for the football season opener against TCU. Fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of Coach Belichick and the team's performance under his leadership.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and updates from around campus. Go Heels!