The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Chancellor Brady Q and A article image
Q and A with Chancellor Brady
interviewed by Steve Gilliam, Assistant Vice Chancellor,
University Relations, and Beth English '07 MALS, UNCG magazine
editor
Photography by David Wilson, staff photographer, and
Chris English, photography editor

As UNCG's 10th chancellor, Dr. Linda P. Brady brings a wealth of experience in academia and government service. Her background at a woman's college has given her insight into UNCG's history, and since arriving Aug. 1, she has wasted no time getting to know the campus and Greensboro community.

Brady came to UNCG from the University of Oregon's flagship campus in Eugene, where she was provost and senior vice president. Before going to Oregon in 2006, she spent five years as dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of political science at N.C. State University.

Although she calls herself a newcomer to Greensboro, she is already addressing the challenges of economic development, community engagement and improving our quality of life by asking “How can UNCG help?”

UNCG Magazine caught up with her for an interview during her first days in office, and she shared details of her life, career and vision for UNCG.

UNCG Magazine waited almost 14 years to ask Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan what the “A.” stands for. Let's get that out of the way early — what does the “P.” stand for in your name?     My middle name is Parrish — it's a family name on my mother's side. I understand there are a lot of Parrishes in North Carolina and Virginia.

When you came to campus for the reception on June 12, what did you feel when you and your husband, Steve, were introduced and everyone applauded?     I was absolutely amazed at the level of energy in the room. We were so surprised at the number of people who came to greet us, particularly on a summer day when many faculty and staff are away. I must have shaken 100 hands. It was marvelous to feel so welcome.

MOVE-IN DAY After just a few weeks on the job Chancellor Linda P. Brady donned some casual UNCG attire and helped students move into Grogan Residence Hall. She considers move-in day to be one of the most exciting in the academic year. MOVE-IN DAY After just a few weeks on the job Chancellor Linda P. Brady donned some casual UNCG attire and helped students move into Grogan Residence Hall. She considers move-in day to be one of the most exciting in the academic year.

You were out meeting new students and their parents during the move-in days. Is this a good way to start a new year for both you and the students?     Move-in is one of the most exciting days of the academic year. It is such an important moment, particularly for entering freshmen and their families. For many families, this may be the first child leaving home. The students are trying to be as independent and self-assured as they can be. The families often are anxious about what awaits their son or daughter. Participating in move-in day events gives me an opportunity to meet some of the incoming students, to learn where they're from, what they want to do here and what brought them to the university. It is also an opportunity to meet their parents and other family members, and to reassure them that we are committed to their student’s success.

Did Chancellor Emeritus Patricia A. Sullivan give you any advice that you could share?     Pat has given me some valuable advice already, and I know she will continue to be a tremendous resource over the next weeks and months. She has encouraged me to be myself. We share similar values and I believe we were attracted to UNCG for many of the same reasons. We both have a history at institutions that serve women, and indeed, one of the attractions for me at UNCG was the rich history and values associated with Woman's College.

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