School says Easley axed over economy

RALEIGH — The chancellor of North Carolina State University has told former first lady Mary Easley in her termination letter that she was let go because of “the recent economic downturn.”

Interim Chancellor Jim Woodward said in the letter released Thursday that Easley’s contract was terminated as of close of business a day earlier.

The university’s board of trustees voted on Monday to eliminate the contract, saying it was in the best interest of the university.

Former chancellor James Oblinger resigned that same day and e-mails showed he and former Gov. Mike Easley played a role in Mary Easley’s hiring. The university’s former provost and former
chairman of the board of trustees have also resigned amid questions about how Easley got the job.

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