Page 10
The Blue Banner
September 7,2000
news
Pitts given new position
Vice chancellor will use service projects to connect with the Asheville community
Rachel Grumpier
Staff Writer
Jim Pitts, former vice chancellor of aca
demic affairs, recently accepted a new ride
as vice chancellor for public partnerships
and special programs. Pitts will promote
community service projects that connect
UNCA to the Asheville community, but
some students have questions about present
and up-coming service projects.
“I think every studen: should be inspired
to serve, to be a good citizen and to give
something back to (his or her) commu
nity,” said Chancellor Jim Mullen, who
created the new title. “When you come to
a great college and learn extraordinary les
sons, you are given an opportunity that tew
people have. All of us have an obligation to
take our experience and give something
back.”
While several students say they support
Pitts in his goal to promote community
service, some students feel currently unin
formed of community service events, while
others remain unsure that they will have
time to parricipate in any upcoming events.
“I do not hear much about (service
events),” said Brian Lovern, a senior atmo
spheric science major. “That tells me that
maybe we are not doing as much as we
should. I am not sure exactly what we
should do, but it is important to have that
bond between the school and the commu
nity.”
“I am already very busy with a couple jobs
and school as it is,” said Steve Ansari, a
junior physics major. “The difficult part is
finding the time to get off campus.”
Pitts’ new duties include working with
enrollment management and the Key Cen
ter for Service Learning. According to
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNCA
Jim Pitts, vice chancellor for
public partnerships and special
programs, recently assumed his
iiew position.
Mullen, Pitts also plays an integral part in
forming special academic, childcare and
recreational programs. He will primarily
work to build stronger relationships with
the city of Asheville.
“My new assignment is to bring to frui
tion relationships that UNCA has with
people .T-nJ organizations off campus,” Pitts
said. “There arc programs that are fledgling
or could be brought into existence. They
could be mutually beneficial to the univer
sity and the outside party. My job is to
explore that.”
According to Pitts, there are two reasons
why community outreach is important.
One reason is educational and the other is
political.
“Through our connections with our com-
mtmity, we can greatly enrich the learning
(experience) for both the staff and the
students,” said Pitts. “In many ways, we all
educate each other.
“Politically, as a state institution, it is
important for us to provide benefits to our
local environment,” said Pitts. “Then people
will value our existence and be willing to
speak up for our needs for resources. If we
do not benefit someone more than our
selves, then our resources are poor.”
In his mission for UNCA, Mullen said
that he wants to maintain UNCA’s aca
demic standards, create a more diverse cam
pus and, most importantly, serve the
Asheville community.
Since he cannot enact his mission alone,
Mullen chose Pitts to help him steer the
campus towards more community involve
ment.
“If we are going to move as aggressively as
we need to move on building these partner
ships, I need someone at the vice chancellor
rank with me,” said Mullen. That person
“must have strong academic capability, an
understanding of the term ‘liberal arts,’
great respect in the community and ^e
ability to articulate a vision for UNCA.
“I realized that I had the right person who
fit all the criteria right here,” said Mullen.
“So I went to (Pitts) and asked him if he
would do this. And, as is typical of (Pitts),
he stepped to the plate and said, ‘I will do
this.’”
When Pitts first came to UNCA in the
summer of 1996, he held the position of
the vice chancellor of academic affairs.
This summer, Tom Cochran became the
new vice chancellor of academic affairs. On
August 15, Pitts accepted his new position.
Pitts said that his first project will bring
students and faculty together to teach com
puter skills to the residents of inner city
Asheville. Currently, Pitts works with Mt.
Zion Missionary Baptist Church and the
See PITTS page 11
Military signups
PHOTO BY SARAH LACY
Military recruiters came to UNCA Sept. 6 to recruit students to
join their linguistic school. After learning several languages,
students would become translators for the military.
The Health Adventure at Pack Place is begin
ning Fabulous Friday/Fanfiily Saturdays on
Sept. 8. Cost is $4 for members and groups
of five or more, $6 for non-members.
Caregivers are admitted free. To register or
for more information, call (828) 254-6373,
ext. 300.
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