Colleges and universities in North Carolina have been
coordinating relief efforts to impacted higher education institutions and
surrounding communities in the western part of the state following the
devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.After making landfall in Florida on Sept. 26, Hurricane
Helene triggered
disastrous flooding throughout parts of the southeast, leaving more than
200 people dead, millions without power or other utilities, and causing widespread
and catastrophic damage.
In North Carolina, which faced severe destruction in the
Asheville area, the University of North Carolina (UNC) System has
been working with leaders at impacted institutions, with the support of teams
from other institutions across the state, to provide aid and support. For
example, East Carolina University’s Hurricane Helene Relief initiative is assisting local agencies
with the recovery.
“Our emergency response was underway even before the storm
hit,” UNC System President Peter Hans said in a press
release. “I want to especially thank the campuses across our state that
have provided mutual aid and much-needed support to their sister universities
in the mountains. The scale of this disaster is tremendous, and the recovery is
going to be long and difficult.”
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities is raising funds
for affected institutions, and the North Carolina Community College System launched
a relief fund.
“By creating a
statewide effort, we aim to empower these institutions to lead the recovery
efforts, providing not just education but the essential support and hope their
communities need during this challenging time,” said Jeff Cox, president, North
Carolina Community College System.
Several institutions in North Carolina, including Appalachia State University,
UNC
Asheville, and Warren Wilson
College, are closed
or have not resumed in-person classes.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who
has supported us,” said Kimberly van Noort, UNC Asheville chancellor. “Our
staff, many of whom are dealing with the storm's impact on their own homes and
communities, have shown tireless dedication. We also thank our UNC System
colleagues, the system office, sister institutions, first responders, and state
and federal officials for their tireless efforts.”
While North Carolina universities faced the brunt of
Hurricane Helene’s impact, colleges in South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia
also experienced disruptions. The 12 institutions in the State University
System of Florida as well other colleges and universities reopened
earlier this week, and many institutions in South Carolina are now
open, though some remain closed.
Photo by Chase Reynolds