Mrs. Easley won't resign
By Dennis Hill
Published in News on May 21, 2009 11:29 AM
RALEIGH — An attorney for Mary Easley defended her at a press conference today, saying there is “indisputable evidence,” that she was hired by North Carolina State University “on her own merits.”
Marvin Schiller spoke from the offices of Schiller and Schiller, with Mrs. Easley by his side.
He emphasized that N.C. State University Chancellor Dr. James Oblinger had supported Mrs. Easley, saying her hiring was completely “above board” and that she has received nothing but praise from her supervisors at the school.
Schiller quoted Erskine Bowles, the president of the University of North Carolina System, in a November letter, as praising Mrs. Easley and urging her to continue her work.
Mrs. Easley’s hiring was approved by both the North Carolina State University Board of Trustees and the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. Both boards reviewed her contract and approved them, Schiller emphasized.
Mrs. Easley was hired in 2005 to direct a speakers’ series at $80,000 a year. Last year, she received a five-year contract for $850,000 and also was charged with helping create a public safety leadership center.
“The indisputable fact is that Mary Easley is doing an outstanding job for North Carolina State University and the state of North Carolina,” Schilling said.
Reporters asked questions about her travel with her husband, which has come into question in recent works. Schiller said he was not representing the former governor.