William J. McCoy, 2013 January 31

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Identifier: OH-UA-MC0048

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William J. McCoy oral history interview, 2013 January 31

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Scope and Contents

Dr. William J. McCoy, Professor Emeritus and former Associate Vice Chancellor for Extended Academic Programs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, talks about the tenure of Chancellor James H. Woodward. Dr. McCoy relates how he came to UNC Charlotte in 1970 as a Professor in Political Science, and how he moved into administrative roles as the Director of the Urban Institute in 1985 and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Extended Academic Programs from 1990-2001. He discusses Chancellor Woodward's biggest accomplishments: expansion of academic offerings and the expansion of campus facilities to support them. In reference to the campus expansion, Dr. McCoy talks about the 2000 North Carolina Higher Education Improvement Bonds, and what he did to support the passage of the referendum. He also describes the evolution of UNC Charlotte's presence in downtown Charlotte: beginning with the establishment of UNC Charlotte Uptown in CityFair, the move to the Mint Museum of Craft + Design in 1999, and the land deal in 2005 that paved the way for the UNC Charlotte Center City Building. In addition Dr. McCoy reflects on the decision to seek approval for doctoral programs at UNC Charlotte, and the way the University approached securing its first programs. He speculates on what UNC Charlotte would be like had doctoral programs not started, and concludes the interview with some anecdotal stories about himself, and final thoughts on Chancellor Woodward's style of leadership.

Dates

Creation: 2013 January 31

Conditions Governing Access

Original audiovisual materials are closed to patron use. Please contact Special Collections to request the creation of use copies for particular items; requests will be accommodated when possible. The remaining materials are open for research.

Biographical Note

Dr. William J. McCoy was a 74-year-old man at the time of interview, which took place at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He was born in Ekron, Kentucky in 1938. He was educated at Western Kentucky State University and the University of Tennessee, and was employed as a Professor of Political Science, Director of the Urban Institute, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Extended Academic Programs at UNC Charlotte until his retirement in 2001.