Paul Newton named vice chancellor and general counsel
The double Tar Heel, former general counsel of Duke Energy and state senator brings deep law experience to Carolina.
Paul Newton ’82, (’85 JD) is UNC-Chapel Hill’s new vice chancellor and general counsel, Chancellor Lee H. Roberts announced Thursday.
Newton recently served four terms in the N.C. Senate and was Senate majority leader. Before that, he was a general counsel, senior vice president and state president at Duke Energy.
“This University holds a special place in my heart. As a double Tar Heel and father of four Carolina graduates, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be the next vice chancellor and general counsel,” Newton said. “Those of us who love this intuition know and appreciate its mission and founding principles. This is an institution that was born out of a bold vision to educate and serve the people of North Carolina, and that’s something we must never lose sight of. I look forward to playing a role in furthering those goals and working alongside Chancellor Roberts and his team to ensure the University can remain successful for generations to come.”
In a message to campus, Roberts wrote, “He brings exceptional skills and deep experience in law, business and government to our University. Newton is passionate about returning to his alma mater and contributing to our success.”
A native North Carolinian, Newton earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Carolina followed by a law degree. He led legal efforts for Duke Power Company, now Duke Energy, before retiring as the organization’s North Carolina state president in 2015.
He was elected to the state Senate in 2016 and served as a legislative leader on numerous policy issues, including energy, tax and regulatory reform, immunity from COVID-19 claims for higher education and other initiatives to serve North Carolina. Newton has resigned from the Senate to join Carolina.
Newton also served on the Carolina Alumni Board and was a 2024 recipient of the William Richardson Davie Award, the Board of Trustee’s highest honor for individuals who have given extraordinary service to the University or society.
He begins his role April 21.
