We sustain ourselves through different leadership transitions,” Peterson said. “Both Joe and I understand UNC Asheville to be a very resilient place. “I was struck immediately by Joe’s interest in understanding what the work of program chairs and directors looked like, what our needs were, and also his willingness to come in and offer support in a transitional time.”Īmid the transition, Peterson said she trusts the university’s ability to move forward with the new administration and in Urgo’s ability to move fluidly with initiatives while caring for the core values of the university, which exhibits itself in his balanced leadership. We do it really, really well,” Urgo said.Įven as interim provost, Urgo’s concern and involvement with the university on all levels stood out to Peterson during a learning circle for program and department chairs. I think we do things right here that a lot of schools are struggling to do. “I came to really appreciate the mission of the school, I really fell in love with the mission. Stepping into the role of interim provost in 2014 under the chancellorship of Anne Ponder, Urgo quickly became acquainted with the ways of the university.
The transitional period within a university, much like the one UNC Asheville currently faces, is not easy. “At the same time, you don’t want slide backwards or get off the rails, because we have a pretty strong strategic plan that charts the course for us in the foreseeable future.” “When you’re in an interim position, you don’t want to make any major changes in direction because the full-time chancellor on his or her way starting in July,” Urgo said. Urgo’s work follows in the path of Mary Grant, but with a personal touch and a desire to lead, making the chancellorship his own. Photo by Bryce AlberghiniĪfter Mary Grant announced her resignation from her position as chancellor last September, Urgo was appointed to the position amid the ongoing chancellor search. Joe Urgo, interim chancellor of UNC Asheville, hosts weekly Cuppa Joe with Joe gatherings in Argo for students to get to know him. It means there are two people checking if our decisions make sense so that we’re not making decisions or having conversations in isolation.” “That is how he and Mary Grant worked, that is how he and I are working. “He sees the provost and chancellor as partners,” Peterson said. He leads in tandem with Karin Peterson, who now serves as provost, Urgo’s previous position. The east wing of Phillips Hall undergoes many metamorphoses this semester as the small, administrative offices buzz with meetings, phone calls and even laughter as Joe Urgo steps into the role of interim chancellor.