UNC News: Athletic Director Transition, Health Contract Dispute, Campus Shooting, DEI Policy Change, Parking Updates, New Student Escape Room

Good afternoon, Tar Heels! It's Monday, July 21, 2025, and here's your latest campus news. The University of North Carolina has announced a significant transition in its athletic department. Bubba Cunningham, who has served as athletic director since 2011, will mentor his successor, Steve Newmark, through the upcoming academic year. Cunningham will then assume a senior advisory role to the chancellor and athletic director in 2026. During his tenure, the Tar Heels have secured 24 national championships. Newmark, currently president of RFK Racing and a Chapel Hill native, will begin his role as executive associate athletic director on August 15, 2025. He brings a legal background and experience with the NCAA and SEC to his new position. UNC Health is currently in a contract dispute with insurer Cigna. If an agreement isn't reached by November 30, over 60,000 patients could find themselves out of network. The issues at hand include dissatisfaction with Cigna's reimbursement rates and coverage denials. Both parties are working towards a resolution to avoid disruption in patient care. In a tragic event, a faculty member was killed in a campus shooting. The suspect is currently in custody. Authorities have not yet released the names of the shooter or the victim. The university community is mourning this loss and offering support to those affected. The UNC Board of Governors has revoked a diversity policy spanning its 17 institutions, leading to reassessments and potential eliminations of certain roles and programs. This move has raised concerns among faculty members about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campus. The university is expected to submit documents by September 1 outlining the changes. Effective August 1, the Board of Trustees has approved several parking changes for employees and students. These include the end of "flex" permits for hybrid employees, rate reductions for employees with salaries under $70,000, and flat rates for employee weeknight parking and sustainable commuting options. The new ordinance simplifies the rate structure, making parking less expensive for 59% of Carolina employees. Chapel Thrill, a completely student-led organization, has opened a new escape room on Franklin Street, located next to Cosmic Cantina. This initiative offers a unique entertainment option for students and the community, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of UNC students. That's all for today's update. Stay safe and take care, Tar Heels!