Clocktower at East Carolina University

Evaluate Low ROI Centers and Institutes Workgroup


Charge

Assess academic centers and institutes that demonstrated limited external funding, peer-reviewed research, grants, or scholarly output over the past five years, and recommend actions that reduce administrative burden, eliminate internal competition for limited resources, and better align remaining units with institutional priorities.

Goals

  • Identify clear return on investment (ROI) metrics for UNC System designated centers and institutes as well as college/school-based centers.
  • Creation of a performance measurement matrix for ROI evaluation
  • Reduce public perception of administrative bloat and improve ROI.

Deliverables

  • Review of all UNC System designated centers and institutes as well as college/school-based centers.
  • Inventory and evaluation report of all centers/institutes.
  • Recommendation matrix (continue, consolidate, eliminate).
  • Report for consideration by Executive Council.

Members

  • Mark Bowler
  • John Cavanagh
  • Reide Corbett
  • Allison Danell
  • Debra Jackson
  • Angela Lamson
  • Susan Morrissey
  • Sharon Paynter
  • Tom Raedeke
  • Heather Wright

Timeline

PhaseActivitiesTimeline
Phase 1: Charge meetingLaunch workgroup11/14/25 – 01/31/26
Phase 2: Data CollectionGather data on scholarly output, funding, engagement, and alignment.11/14/25 – 12/15/25
Phase 3: Evaluation & Stakeholder EngagementAnalyze data, meet with unit leaders, gather feedback.12/16/25 – 01/15/26
Phase 4: Report and recommendationsPresent recommendation matrix and rationale to Executive Council01/15/25 – 01/31/26