UNC Asheville Chancellor Talks Strategy Amid Current $6 Million Budget Shortfall

UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly Van Noort is focused on addressing the current $6-million deficit in the school’s budget.

Financial Challenges and Enrollment Decline

The school projects an $8-million shortfall for fiscal year 2025 due to a decline in enrollment over the past five years. Faculty hiring has been frozen, and part-time professor contracts are being reduced to realign staffing with the lower student body count.

Addressing the Financial Situation

Van Noort aims to increase class sizes back to around 1,000 students but acknowledges this will take time. State funding is directly tied to enrollment numbers, necessitating adjustments to align instructional faculty with student figures.

Strategic Measures and Rebranding

Immediate expense control measures are being implemented to address the deficit. The school is undergoing a rebranding process to focus on career path preparation for students. Events are being held across the state to attract more students and compete with rival institutions.

Increasing Applications and Improving Numbers

Efforts to boost student applications have resulted in a 24% increase in freshman numbers. The school received over 7,600 applications this year, marking a 38% rise compared to the previous year.