Easley not resigning from University position

Former first lady Mary Easley plans to continue her job as executive in residence despite requests earlier this week from Chancellor James Oblinger for her to resign, her attorney said Friday.

"The indisputable evidence is Mary is doing an outstanding job for North Carolina State University and the state of North Carolina," attorney Marvin Schiller said with Easley standing by his side during a press conference in Raleigh. Easley declined to comment following the press conference.

Read the transcript of Marvin Schiller's statement at the press conference.

Schiller continued and read from job reviews and personal notes written by Chancellor Oblinger, Provost Larry Nielsen and UNC System President Erskine Bowles that all supported the hiring of and the work being done by Easley while at NCSU. The most recent approval was from July 7, 2008.

"Thank you for all you do. I admire you enormously," Schiller quoted from a postcard addressed to Easley from Bowles.

Oblinger called for Easley to resign on the heels of two other University administrators announcing their resignation. Nielsen resigned last week from his position as provost, citing the pressure and scrutiny surrounding his decision to hire Easley. McQueen Campbell, former chairman of the N.C. State Board of Trustees also resigned following a public request by Bowles for him to do so.

When asked why Easley has refused to step down as recommended by top University officials, Schiller said it was because of the five-year contract signed last summer.

"The reason that she is continuing is that North Carolina State University entered in to a valid contract with Mary Easley. The UNC Board of Governors approved it. So she has a valid contract," he said.

Schiller said it is probable that Easley will meet with Oblinger soon to discuss the situation, but said no "substantive conversation" has occurred between Easley and any administrators since the initial call for her to resign.

Schiller called on NCSU and UNC system administrators to re-reflect on the situation and reconsider their call for Easley's resignation. However, Bob Jordan, the newly named chairman of the N.C. State Board of Trustees, issued a statement defending the position that Easley should resign.

"One of the reasons N.C. State is a great university is that it is populated by people who put the institution first. N.C. State has treated Mrs. Easley with objectivity, dignity and fairness," Jordan said in the statement. "The ongoing distraction has obscured the University's accomplishments and mission and detracted from our day-to-day work. We respectfully ask that she reconsider her decision for the good of the University."

Bowles also released a statement in response to the press conference held today saying that although he previously supported her hiring and raise, he still believes her resignation would be in the best interest of the University.

"It is absolutely true that I have liked and respected Mary Easley for years. I have said so numerous times – publicly, privately, in writing and verbally," Bowles said. "But as Mrs. Easley's attorney said today, we are now at a time that is different from when Mary Easley was hired. And I do feel that it would be in the best interest of N.C. State for her to move on."

When asked if Easley would consider a buyout from the University, Schiller declined to speculate on the future. However, he did say that Easley planned to return to work on campus later today.

Oblinger was unable to be reached for comment.