CHARLOTTE (AP) -- Erskine Bowles has brought his business savvy to the University of North Carolina system.
The Charlotte investment banker's first 18 months on the job have been marked by streamlining bureaucracy and demanding accountability. School officials and lawmakers say he's also brought greater accessibility and a more inclusive style.
The 61-year-old Bowles is a former White House chief of staff under President Clinton.
He now oversees 16 UNC campuses and a $6 billion annual budget.
Bowles thinks schools play a crucial role in helping the state successfully navigate the global economy. One major issue is a shortage of teachers.
Bowles believes the university system has to produce more teachers and he warned chancellors they face budget penalties if they fail to meet goals.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
