Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health Care CEO William Roper, MD, was appointed interim president of the university system on Nov. 1, according to The News & Observer.
Here are five things to know:
1. The UNC board of governors held an emergency meeting Nov. 1 and appointed Dr. Roper to the role, beginning Jan. 1. Dr. Roper currently serves as dean of the UNC School of Medicine, vice chancellor for medical affairs at UNC and holds professorships in the school of public health and medical school.
2. Current UNC President Margaret Spelling is under contract with the university until March 1, 2019, but will step down from her current role Dec. 31. She will also stay on for two weeks in January to aid in the transition.
3. As part of the transition, Dr. Roper, 70, will leave his dual roles as CEO of the health system and dean of the medical school. He previously announced plans to retire from the positions in May 2019. Dr. Roper has served as CEO of UNC Health Care for 14 years.
4. UNC President Margaret Spellings revealed plans last week to step down from the role March 1, 2019, three years after she assumed the position. She reportedly told officials it was the right time to leave and the board agreed with her decision.
5. Dr. Roper will be paid a base salary of $775,000 — the same salary Ms. Spelling received. His compensation will also include a $77,500 retirement contribution and the possibility of up to $125,000 in an annual performance bonus. Upon the completion of his interim president duties, he will be eligible for a one-year research leave and paid $837,720. He will then be eligible to return as part of the medical school faculty with an annual salary of $402,106, the report states.
To access the full report, click here.