CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- University of North Carolina System President Margaret Spellings has announced her resignation from her current position. 

  • Spellings announced her resignation, effective March 1, 2019
  • The formal announcement was made on Friday
  • The UNC Board of Governors is working to identify an interim president

The formal announcement was made mid-day Friday after an emergency closed session. 

Spellings announced she will leave on March 1, 2019, exactly three years from her start date. 

“All leaders are for a time,” said President Spellings. “I came into this position knowing that the most lasting contribution I could make was to help create a culture of higher expectations for the citizens of this state--and we have done just that.”

The former U.S. Education Secretary was hired in 2015 and started in March of 2016. She replaced outgoing UNC System President Tom Ross.

Her five-year-contract was set to expire in 2021.

Her entrance in 2016 was contentious. Many students and faculty felt that the board hired her without getting much public input. They held rallies and protests for her to resign just weeks into her taking office.

They also didn't agree with her past policy because she worked with the Bush White House on education.

Over the years many of those critics have quieted though a few remain vocal.

The UNC Board of Governors is working to identify an interim president and will announce those details in the coming weeks.