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UNC Board of Governors elects new leaders

May 21, 2026 | 12:11 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) — The University of North Carolina Board of Governors elected Kellie Hunt Blue as its next chair, effective July 1, 2026. Terry Hutchens was elected vice chair, and Carolyn Coward was elected secretary. Each of the officers is a graduate of a UNC System institution.

Kellie Hunt Blue

Blue, a resident of Pembroke, has served on the Board of Governors since 2017 and has been vice chair since 2024. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina Pembroke, where she received the Outstanding Alumnus Award.  She later chaired the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees. Blue currently serves as county manager for Robeson County, overseeing the business operations of county government.

“I am honored to lead this Board during a moment when higher education is more important than ever for the future of our state,” Blue said in a press release.  “For several years,

Terry Hutchens

the Board and its leadership have worked to keep costs low, make universities more efficient and ensure that degrees translate into excellent jobs and bright futures for our students. I am excited to continue this work and look forward to serving alongside Vice Chair Hutchens and Secretary Coward as we enact responsible policies that strengthen the university and its mission.”

Hutchens, of Fayetteville, has served on the Board since 2019 and chairs the Committee on Educational Planning, Policies and Programs. He is founding partner of Hutchens Law Firm LLP, and earned a bachelor’s degree from NC State University and an MBA and a law degree from Wake Forest University.

Carolyn Coward

Carolyn Coward

Coward, of Arden, has served on the Board since 2017 and chairs the Committee on University Personnel. She is a principal with The Van Winkle Law Firm and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Board elected the new officers during its May meeting. Blue, Hutchens and Coward will each serve two-year terms in their leadership positions.