James Moeser

Who is James Moeser?

James Charles Moeser was the ninth chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also a trained concert organist. A native of Colorado City, Texas, Moeser earned bachelor and master’s degrees in music from the University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate from the University of Michigan.

Moeser, formerly chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, began his work as chancellor at UNC on August 15, 2000. He has since overseen and introduced many historic changes and improvements for the university, including the Carolina Covenant, Carolina First campaign, Carolina Connects initiative, expansions of current genome research at the university, and the passing of a referendum for the nation's largest higher education bond package. Moeser announced on September 26, 2007 that he would relinquish his position as Chancellor on June 30, 2008. Moeser was succeeded by Holden Thorp on June 30, 2008. Following a year-long sabbatical, Moeser returned to UNC as Chancellor Emeritus and professor in the music department.