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34 | Februar y 2020 Brunstetter also is the Acting Chief Operating Officer for UNC. When Brunstetter then called, Valentine remembers, "Something inside of me leaped, and I said, 'I would love if you nominated me.'" Dr. James A. Anderson, FSU's Chancellor since 2008, had resigned, citing personal reasons on June 13, 2019. Dr. Pamela Jackson, FSU's Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, had been filling in as interim chancellor. Valentine says she was honored to begin talks about the job with members of the University of North Carolina Cabinet, including Dr. Bill Roper, who is interim president for the UNC System. Valentine remembers where she was when she got "e Call": Dulles Airport, about to board a plane to Africa in one of her many missions to promote better health in the country through collaborative partnerships. "It just felt right," Valentine says of the FSU opportunity. In the July 15, 2019, press release, Roper cited Dr. Valentine's "great leadership capabilities during her tenure as a dean of Winston-Salem State University. "While at WSSU," Roper said, "she has transformed the School of Health Sciences." "Dr. Valentine was instrumental in WSSU's offering of its first doctoral degrees in physical therapy and nursing practice. In addition, WSSU's School of Health Sciences has expanded under her leadership and now offers programs in clinical laboratory science, exercise physiology, healthcare management, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation counseling, social work, and therapeutic recreation. ese in-demand programs have consistently experienced high licensure exam pass rates." Roper also praises Valentine for overseeing "the development of early assurance agreements that guarantee admission into high-demand graduate programs for WSSU undergraduates who meet certain requirements. e school expanded its work toward eliminating health disparities among the residents of Winston-Salem under her leadership." Valentine's first official day at FSU was Aug. 7, 2019. She immediately felt at home. "You can walk on campus and feel the warmth of the people," she says. "It feels like home." She says her contract is for one year. e process for selecting a Chancellor involves a nationwide search. In January of this year, Valentine announced: "e search was recently launched, and committee members have been identified. e goal is to fill the position by fall 2020. I plan to apply for the position." 'Boldly moving forward' "ere are so many success stories coming out of FSU that need to be told," says Valentine, with her signature smile. From students who intern at NASA or the FBI to those who go on to graduate programs at Ivy League schools, it's all good news. She also points out the 95 percent state exam pass rate for the School of Nursing and the distinction of being one of the most affordable MBA programs in North Carolina. "And did you know that five of our coaches at FSU have been named CIAA

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