The Chancellor’s New Home

N.C. State University is going to spend $3.5 million to build a 12,300 square foot ‘house’ for its chancellor (News and Observer, 5/21/06).


Similar ‘McMansions’ have been built at UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Charlotte and Appalachian State University.


There’s a lot to be proud of about NCSU but it’s a shame they’re trying to match other colleges by building their chancellor a new mansion. There may be a dozen arguments for it – like the mansion can host fundraising receptions to entertain wealthy donors – but building opulent mansions seems to fundamentally conflict with the mission of State Universities.


First, it makes taxpayers wonder about educator’s priorities. Was there no greater need for that $3.5 million? Second, the very lavishness of it seems inappropriate for a public institution. Naturally, when voters are asked to support more spending for State Universities they are going to look at that $3.5 million mansion and ask themselves, Was that really necessary?


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Carter Wrenn

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The Chancellor’s New Home

N.C. State University is going to spend $3.5 million to build a 12,300 square foot ‘house’ for its chancellor (News and Observer, 5/21/06).


Similar ‘McMansions’ have been built at UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Charlotte and Appalachian State University.


There’s a lot to be proud of about NCSU but it’s a shame they’re trying to match other colleges by building their chancellor a new mansion. There may be a dozen arguments for it – like the mansion can host fundraising receptions to entertain wealthy donors – but building opulent mansions seems to fundamentally conflict with the mission of State Universities.


First, it makes taxpayers wonder about educator’s priorities. Was there no greater need for that $3.5 million? Second, the very lavishness of it seems inappropriate for a public institution. Naturally, when voters are asked to support more spending for State Universities they are going to look at that $3.5 million mansion and ask themselves, Was that really necessary?


Click to Read & Post Comments

Posted in ,
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Carter Wrenn

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