PEMBROKE — There may be a new chancellor at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke as early as March 2010, a representative of UNC General Administration told the Board of Trustees Wednesday.

In a specially called meeting, Ann Lemmon, associate vice president for human relations, said the first step is to name a search committee, representing trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community.

The board may elect to use a search firm and to conduct a search that is essentially “open” or “closed” to public view, Lemmon said. Ultimately, the Board of Trustees will nominate two to three candidates to UNC President Erskine Bowles and the UNC Board of Governors.

Five of six new trustees were sworn in, including Donna Lowry of Pembroke, Dr. Robin Cummings of Pinehurst, Lorna Ricotta of Fayetteville, Thomas Nance of Whiteville and Arjay Quizon Jr., the Student Government president.

Newy Scruggs of Dallas, Texas, was unable to attend. Seated member Dr. Raymond Pennington was sworn in to a four-year term. He is from Lumberton and a former UNCP athletic director.

The new board elected leadership for the year. Unanimously, they selected Dr. Freda Porter of Pembroke as chair, Dick Taylor of Lumberton as vice chair and Alan Thompson of Whiteville as secretary.

Dr. Charles Jenkins was introduced as interim chancellor, and said he is pleased to have another opportunity to serve the University. Jenkins is a native of Richmond County.

“We will not be in a holding pattern,” said Dr. Jenkins, a 38-year UNCP veteran, who served as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs until 2000. “There are real challenges this year, especially with the budget.

“There are many opportunities as well, and we will move forward this year,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.”

Lemmon, a specialist who assists UNC institutions with chancellor searches, walked the trustees through the process and answered questions.

“My role is to be manager of the process and to guide you through it,” she said. “I will also work with the search firm if you choose one.”

UNC institutions have conducted 10 chancellor hirings in the past four years, and NC State University is also beginning its search, she said. Because UNCP’s search is beginning in the summer, it will be September before student, faculty and other open forums may be held.

A chancellor search typically costs between $100,000 and $150,000, or less if a search firm is not used, Lemmon said.

A “closed” search is when applicants’ names are not made public until the final recommendations by the university trustees, she said.

“The University of Central Arkansas chose to do an open search, and I’m sure it caused some consternation on this campus,” she said. “An open search will discourage some applicants.”

Central Arkansas lured former UNCP Chancellor Allen C. Meadors. His first day in his new job was Wednesday.