Erin Gretzinger
@eringretzinger.bsky.social
Higher Ed Reporter @theassemblync.bsky.social | Previously: @chronicle.com, @wisconsinwatch.org, Wisconsin State Journal | Alum: uwsjmc.bsky.social, The Badger Herald | Email: [email protected]
https://www.theassemblync.com/author/egretz
https://www.theassemblync.com/author/egretz
Pinned
I'm excited to share that @theassemblync.bsky.social has won a North Carolina Press Association award for our higher education coverage!
The Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award recognizes outstanding reporting on higher education issues in the state. Revisit the award-winning stories ⬇️
The Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award recognizes outstanding reporting on higher education issues in the state. Revisit the award-winning stories ⬇️
Reposted by Erin Gretzinger
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Great piece from @eringretzinger.bsky.social: While FL Gov. Ron DeSantis was at the dais announcing the plan for a new accrediting agency this summer, the UNC system was really behind the effort from the beginning
Great piece from @eringretzinger.bsky.social: While FL Gov. Ron DeSantis was at the dais announcing the plan for a new accrediting agency this summer, the UNC system was really behind the effort from the beginning
How the UNC System Shaped a Controversial Plan to Revamp College Accreditation
Records show North Carolina played a significant role in founding the Commission for Public Higher Education. Some faculty are concerned.
www.theassemblync.com
September 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Great piece from @eringretzinger.bsky.social: While FL Gov. Ron DeSantis was at the dais announcing the plan for a new accrediting agency this summer, the UNC system was really behind the effort from the beginning
Great piece from @eringretzinger.bsky.social: While FL Gov. Ron DeSantis was at the dais announcing the plan for a new accrediting agency this summer, the UNC system was really behind the effort from the beginning
While FL broke the news about a new six-state accreditor, 800+ pages of public records & other docs show the UNC System was at the center of the project for more than a year.
My last scoop with @theassemblync.bsky.social
(co-published with @chronicle.com)
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
My last scoop with @theassemblync.bsky.social
(co-published with @chronicle.com)
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
How the UNC System Shaped a Controversial Plan to Revamp College Accreditation
Records show North Carolina played a significant role in founding the Commission for Public Higher Education. Some faculty are concerned.
www.theassemblync.com
September 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM
While FL broke the news about a new six-state accreditor, 800+ pages of public records & other docs show the UNC System was at the center of the project for more than a year.
My last scoop with @theassemblync.bsky.social
(co-published with @chronicle.com)
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
My last scoop with @theassemblync.bsky.social
(co-published with @chronicle.com)
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts has his sights set on the big picture—despite federal-level uncertainties and campus clashes over his business-driven vision.
My profile of Roberts' first full year at UNC-CH for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
My profile of Roberts' first full year at UNC-CH for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Lee Roberts' Long Game
The UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor is sticking with his big-picture vision endures despite federal uncertainties and campus clashes.
www.theassemblync.com
August 28, 2025 at 1:35 PM
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts has his sights set on the big picture—despite federal-level uncertainties and campus clashes over his business-driven vision.
My profile of Roberts' first full year at UNC-CH for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
My profile of Roberts' first full year at UNC-CH for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
The best cross-over episode of my life!
(I promise there is a higher-ed angle)
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
(I promise there is a higher-ed angle)
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
The Summer UNC-Chapel Hill Turned Pretty
'The Summer I Turned Pretty' series filmed its recently released final season at UNC-Chapel Hill, giving the campus new clout online.
www.theassemblync.com
August 21, 2025 at 5:56 PM
The best cross-over episode of my life!
(I promise there is a higher-ed angle)
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
(I promise there is a higher-ed angle)
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-Chapel Hill's Vice Chancellor for Research on JAG's alternative indirect cost model to counter Trump's proposed cuts to reimbursement rates: "We saw an opportunity to step up and create a new approach.”
Read my Q&A with Penny Gordon-Larsen @TheAssemblyNC
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Read my Q&A with Penny Gordon-Larsen @TheAssemblyNC
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
‘FAIR’ Model Aims to Preserve Federal Research Funding
A new proposal seeks to counter the Trump administration’s plan to cut universities’ research reimbursement rates.
www.theassemblync.com
August 14, 2025 at 1:50 PM
UNC-Chapel Hill's Vice Chancellor for Research on JAG's alternative indirect cost model to counter Trump's proposed cuts to reimbursement rates: "We saw an opportunity to step up and create a new approach.”
Read my Q&A with Penny Gordon-Larsen @TheAssemblyNC
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Read my Q&A with Penny Gordon-Larsen @TheAssemblyNC
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-Chapel Hill's “Prometheus” project explored purchasing Kettering University, an engineering school in Flint, to speed up development of a new college of applied sciences.
From @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
From @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Inside UNC-Chapel Hill’s Scrapped Plan to Open a Michigan Campus
UNC-Chapel Hill’s “Prometheus” project explored purchasing Kettering University, an engineering school in Flint.
www.theassemblync.com
August 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
UNC-Chapel Hill's “Prometheus” project explored purchasing Kettering University, an engineering school in Flint, to speed up development of a new college of applied sciences.
From @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
From @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
BREAKING: @theassemblync.bsky.social obtained an email in which UNC-Chapel Hill's ex-provost said Chancellor Lee Roberts agreed to the Board of Trustees’ controversial move to delay tenure votes for financial reasons.
From me & @themhartman.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
From me & @themhartman.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Provost: UNC-CH Chancellor Signed Off On Plan To Delay Tenure
Chris Clemens wrote in an email obtained by The Assembly that Chancellor Lee Roberts agreed to delay tenure votes for financial reasons.
www.theassemblync.com
August 2, 2025 at 12:05 AM
BREAKING: @theassemblync.bsky.social obtained an email in which UNC-Chapel Hill's ex-provost said Chancellor Lee Roberts agreed to the Board of Trustees’ controversial move to delay tenure votes for financial reasons.
From me & @themhartman.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
From me & @themhartman.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
When St. Andrews suddenly closed in May, it left behind a lot of questions.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
July 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
When St. Andrews suddenly closed in May, it left behind a lot of questions.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
When would employees get their paychecks? What would become of the university’s land? And what does the closure mean for Laurinburg, a rural town of 15,000?
me & @brappaport.bsky.social tracked down the answers.
Reposted by Erin Gretzinger
I'm quoted in this great piece diving into the closure of St. Andrews University in North Carolina and what it means for the local community. The Assembly is one of the best local sources for higher ed coverage in the country.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
What Remains of St. Andrews
Following the sudden closure of St. Andrews University, Laurinburg grapples with the fallout and a now-empty campus.
www.theassemblync.com
July 31, 2025 at 1:46 PM
I'm quoted in this great piece diving into the closure of St. Andrews University in North Carolina and what it means for the local community. The Assembly is one of the best local sources for higher ed coverage in the country.
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-Chapel Hill leaders revealed a plan on Wednesday to cut approximately $70 million in costs—or 2 percent of its operating budget.
From me and @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
From me and @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-Chapel Hill Unveils Plan to Cut $70 Million in Response to Funding Pressure
UNC-Chapel Hill will cut 2 percent of its operating budget ahead of anticipated federal and state funding reductions.
www.theassemblync.com
July 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
UNC-Chapel Hill leaders revealed a plan on Wednesday to cut approximately $70 million in costs—or 2 percent of its operating budget.
From me and @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
From me and @themhartman.bsky.social for @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
NEW: The UNC System's Board of Governors has directed campuses to form new committees to scrutinize compliance w/ system DEI policies.
Each committee’s work will continue until the BOG "deems its specific oversight no longer needed."
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Each committee’s work will continue until the BOG "deems its specific oversight no longer needed."
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC Board of Governors Demands New DEI Compliance Committees
The campus-level committees will scrutinize whether schools have complied with policies targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
www.theassemblync.com
July 21, 2025 at 10:29 PM
NEW: The UNC System's Board of Governors has directed campuses to form new committees to scrutinize compliance w/ system DEI policies.
Each committee’s work will continue until the BOG "deems its specific oversight no longer needed."
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Each committee’s work will continue until the BOG "deems its specific oversight no longer needed."
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Revealing reporting from @indyweek.bsky.social's @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social about a call hosted by St. Augustine's University officials.
SAU's debts exceed $47 million (not including a $20 million default judgement SAU is contesting). Enrollment is about 53 students.
indyweek.com/news/wake/sa...
SAU's debts exceed $47 million (not including a $20 million default judgement SAU is contesting). Enrollment is about 53 students.
indyweek.com/news/wake/sa...
Saint Augustine's University Appeals to Alumni for Donations Following Loss of Accreditation
Saint Augustine's University leaders appeal to alumni for donations following loss of accreditation, sharing information about SAU's financial standing.
indyweek.com
July 18, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Revealing reporting from @indyweek.bsky.social's @ccourtneybohl.bsky.social about a call hosted by St. Augustine's University officials.
SAU's debts exceed $47 million (not including a $20 million default judgement SAU is contesting). Enrollment is about 53 students.
indyweek.com/news/wake/sa...
SAU's debts exceed $47 million (not including a $20 million default judgement SAU is contesting). Enrollment is about 53 students.
indyweek.com/news/wake/sa...
I'm excited to share that @theassemblync.bsky.social has won a North Carolina Press Association award for our higher education coverage!
The Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award recognizes outstanding reporting on higher education issues in the state. Revisit the award-winning stories ⬇️
The Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award recognizes outstanding reporting on higher education issues in the state. Revisit the award-winning stories ⬇️
July 17, 2025 at 2:16 PM
I'm excited to share that @theassemblync.bsky.social has won a North Carolina Press Association award for our higher education coverage!
The Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award recognizes outstanding reporting on higher education issues in the state. Revisit the award-winning stories ⬇️
The Duke University/Green-Rossiter Award recognizes outstanding reporting on higher education issues in the state. Revisit the award-winning stories ⬇️
BREAKING: SAU lost its arbitration process, affirming SACSCOC's decision to pull their accreditation status.
More @indyweek.bsky.social ⬇️
indyweek.com/news/saint-a...
More @indyweek.bsky.social ⬇️
indyweek.com/news/saint-a...
Saint Augustine’s University Loses Accreditation, Promises Legal Action Against Accreditor
Saint Augustine's University has lost accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
indyweek.com
July 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
BREAKING: SAU lost its arbitration process, affirming SACSCOC's decision to pull their accreditation status.
More @indyweek.bsky.social ⬇️
indyweek.com/news/saint-a...
More @indyweek.bsky.social ⬇️
indyweek.com/news/saint-a...
Reposted by Erin Gretzinger
Wisconsin just made 4/4 teaching loads the law for all full-time faculty members at the state's public universities (except the university system's two research universities, where everyone must teach a 2/2 load)
A 4/4 Teaching Load Becomes Law at Most of Wisconsin’s Public Universities
The mandate, included in the state’s new budget, applies to full-time faculty across the University of Wisconsin system — except at the two R1 universities, where professors must carry 2/2 loads.
www.chronicle.com
July 9, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Wisconsin just made 4/4 teaching loads the law for all full-time faculty members at the state's public universities (except the university system's two research universities, where everyone must teach a 2/2 load)
It was great to talk with @schachtman.bsky.social on @whqr.bsky.social last week about @theassemblync.bsky.social's recent reporting on the rapidly changing DEI landscape at public and private colleges in North Carolina.
Tune in and check out the full story below!
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
Tune in and check out the full story below!
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
In North Carolina, It’s Do or DEI
Federal and state officials have declared war on DEI at North Carolina’s colleges and universities. But what their orders mean is sometimes far from clear.
www.whqr.org
July 9, 2025 at 6:06 PM
It was great to talk with @schachtman.bsky.social on @whqr.bsky.social last week about @theassemblync.bsky.social's recent reporting on the rapidly changing DEI landscape at public and private colleges in North Carolina.
Tune in and check out the full story below!
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
Tune in and check out the full story below!
www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
Reposted by Erin Gretzinger
The Trump administration is looking to make sweeping cuts at the nation’s weather agencies, including the closure of all federally funded meteorology labs.
www.theassemblync.com/environment/...
www.theassemblync.com/environment/...
Trump Administration Wants to Close Key Weather Labs Across the U.S.
The labs are responsible for the forecasting that the nation relies on for storm warnings and emergency preparedness.
www.theassemblync.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:42 PM
The Trump administration is looking to make sweeping cuts at the nation’s weather agencies, including the closure of all federally funded meteorology labs.
www.theassemblync.com/environment/...
www.theassemblync.com/environment/...
Join @theassemblync.bsky.social on July 16 in Raleigh for a conversation with UNC System President Peter Hans!
Nearly half of all tickets have already been claimed. Premium subscribers can reserve their spot and grab a free ticket now; ticket sales will open for basic subscribers tomorrow!
Nearly half of all tickets have already been claimed. Premium subscribers can reserve their spot and grab a free ticket now; ticket sales will open for basic subscribers tomorrow!
JULY 16: The inaugural event of our Newsmakers Series is an opportunity to hear directly from key leaders about the state’s needs while offering thoughtful, substantive conversation and solutions.
July 2, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Join @theassemblync.bsky.social on July 16 in Raleigh for a conversation with UNC System President Peter Hans!
Nearly half of all tickets have already been claimed. Premium subscribers can reserve their spot and grab a free ticket now; ticket sales will open for basic subscribers tomorrow!
Nearly half of all tickets have already been claimed. Premium subscribers can reserve their spot and grab a free ticket now; ticket sales will open for basic subscribers tomorrow!
For the past few months, @theassemblync.bsky.social has worked with five student newspapers—The Daily Tar Heel,
@dukechronicle.bsky.social, Old Gold & Black, Niner Times, & The Seahawk—to explore how public & private colleges in NC have responded to the rapidly changing landscape surrounding DEI. 🧵
@dukechronicle.bsky.social, Old Gold & Black, Niner Times, & The Seahawk—to explore how public & private colleges in NC have responded to the rapidly changing landscape surrounding DEI. 🧵
June 27, 2025 at 10:33 PM
For the past few months, @theassemblync.bsky.social has worked with five student newspapers—The Daily Tar Heel,
@dukechronicle.bsky.social, Old Gold & Black, Niner Times, & The Seahawk—to explore how public & private colleges in NC have responded to the rapidly changing landscape surrounding DEI. 🧵
@dukechronicle.bsky.social, Old Gold & Black, Niner Times, & The Seahawk—to explore how public & private colleges in NC have responded to the rapidly changing landscape surrounding DEI. 🧵
BREAKING: The UNC System is launching a new accreditor with Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas called the Commission for Public Higher Education
The goal is to create a “streamlined, non-ideological” accreditor, Hans told me in an exclusive for @theassemblync.bsky.social
The goal is to create a “streamlined, non-ideological” accreditor, Hans told me in an exclusive for @theassemblync.bsky.social
UNC System President Unveils Plans for New Accreditor
President Peter Hans said in an interview he aims to create a ‘streamlined, non-ideological’ accreditor with five other southern states.
www.theassemblync.com
June 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
BREAKING: The UNC System is launching a new accreditor with Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas called the Commission for Public Higher Education
The goal is to create a “streamlined, non-ideological” accreditor, Hans told me in an exclusive for @theassemblync.bsky.social
The goal is to create a “streamlined, non-ideological” accreditor, Hans told me in an exclusive for @theassemblync.bsky.social
The University of Austin, the new “anti-woke” private school in Texas, tried to recruit the dean of UNC-CH's School of Civic Life and Leadership.
Scoop from @themhartman.bsky.social @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Scoop from @themhartman.bsky.social @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
The University of Austin Courted UNC-Chapel Hill's Jed Atkins
The dean of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Civic Life and Leadership was approached to become president of the University of Austin.
www.theassemblync.com
June 20, 2025 at 12:58 PM
The University of Austin, the new “anti-woke” private school in Texas, tried to recruit the dean of UNC-CH's School of Civic Life and Leadership.
Scoop from @themhartman.bsky.social @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Scoop from @themhartman.bsky.social @theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-CH initiated an administrative restructuring plan that has prompted concerns among staff about possible layoffs amid growing financial pressure on colleges around the country.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-Chapel Hill Wants to Restructure Admin Roles, Sparking Layoff Fears
UNC-Chapel Hill initiated an administrative restructuring plan amid broader financial uncertainty, prompting concerns about layoffs.
www.theassemblync.com
June 17, 2025 at 2:52 PM
UNC-CH initiated an administrative restructuring plan that has prompted concerns among staff about possible layoffs amid growing financial pressure on colleges around the country.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UPDATE: UNC-CH's BOT approved 33 tenure cases on Wednesday, less than two weeks after a delay in personnel actions sparked faculty concerns.
The university has not said why the actions were delayed in the first place.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
The university has not said why the actions were delayed in the first place.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
UNC-Chapel Hill Trustees Approve Delayed Tenure Cases
The UNC-Chapel Hill Board approved 33 tenure cases following a delay that caused widespread concern among faculty.
www.theassemblync.com
June 4, 2025 at 5:18 PM
UPDATE: UNC-CH's BOT approved 33 tenure cases on Wednesday, less than two weeks after a delay in personnel actions sparked faculty concerns.
The university has not said why the actions were delayed in the first place.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
The university has not said why the actions were delayed in the first place.
@theassemblync.bsky.social
www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
BREAKING: An employee at UNC Charlotte no longer works at the university after a conservative news site posted a video yesterday (taken with a hidden camera) of the employee saying the school has "covert" positions doing DEI work.
May 29, 2025 at 8:46 PM
BREAKING: An employee at UNC Charlotte no longer works at the university after a conservative news site posted a video yesterday (taken with a hidden camera) of the employee saying the school has "covert" positions doing DEI work.
BREAKING: Duke University aims to reduce costs by $350 million (~10 percent of its expenses) due to threatened funding cuts under President Trump.
Hundreds of employees will be impacted by a voluntary separation program, after which Duke will consider layoffs. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Hundreds of employees will be impacted by a voluntary separation program, after which Duke will consider layoffs. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Duke Aims to Cut $350M in Response to Federal Funding Threats
Duke officials said hundreds of employees will be impacted by a voluntary separation program, after which the university will consider involuntary layoffs
www.theassemblync.com
April 30, 2025 at 8:10 PM
BREAKING: Duke University aims to reduce costs by $350 million (~10 percent of its expenses) due to threatened funding cuts under President Trump.
Hundreds of employees will be impacted by a voluntary separation program, after which Duke will consider layoffs. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...
Hundreds of employees will be impacted by a voluntary separation program, after which Duke will consider layoffs. www.theassemblync.com/education/hi...