UNC Asheville announces ‘limited’ layoffs amid $6 million budget shortfall
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (HERE NEWS) —
Just over two months since UNC Asheville announced it needed to take immediate action to address a $6 million deficit for the school’s current budget, the chancellor told the campus a “limited number of employees” had been let go.
Chancellor’s Announcement
In a letter to the university, shared with HERE NEWS by UNCA’s Communication and Marketing department, Chancellor Kimberly van Noort said 12 active staff positions in Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and the Office of the Chancellor were “identified” for “discontinuation.”
Budget Deficit
“I’m deeply disappointed that a reduction in force was necessary to help the University address a projected budget deficit in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1,” the chancellor wrote in her April 11 letter to university members. “We didn’t want to part with any of our valued colleagues, and we pursued every avenue to reduce the number affected in this difficult period.”
Financial Challenges
The announcement comes after UNCA said it was facing a $6 million deficit for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2024. The university said it risked adding $8 million to its deficit if the budget was not balanced for the 2025 fiscal year.
Immediate Measures
The chancellor told faculty and staff during a meeting on Feb. 6 that the university would be taking “immediate expense control measures.” At the time, the university’s statement did not specify what those exact measures would consist of, but noted that Budget & Finance would be “exploring tapping into any existing resources outside of our State funds, limited though they may be.”
Chancellor’s Full Letter
You can read the chancellor’s full letter from April 11, 2024 above.
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
