Holden Thorp
Chancellor of UNC Chapel Hill
Holden Thorp, a Carolina alumnus and faculty member originally from Fayetteville, NC, took office July 1, 2008, as the University's 10th chancellor - a position he calls the "best job in higher education." He was installed on University Day, Oct. 12, 2008.
A 1986 UNC graduate, Thorp, has rapidly progressed through several leadership posts since joining the faculty 15 years ago. A native of Fayetteville, he is a Chemistry Professor and an award-winning teacher and researcher. Thorp was the unanimous choice of the Chancellor Search Committee. He had led the College of Arts and Sciences since July 1, 2007 and chaired the nationally recognized department of chemistry, where he has been a full professor since 1999. An accomplished musician who plays jazz bass and keyboard, Thorp is married to Patti Worden Thorp, a Hope Mills native and UNC Greensboro graduate. They have two children: John, 13, and Emma, 9. To learn more, please visit the office of the Chancellor.
