The fast-growing web of academic connections between rivals N.C. State University and UNC-Chapel Hill has prompted their respective trustees to ponder holding joint meetings twice a year.

Lawrence Davenport, chairman of the NCSU trustees, told his board Friday that he had called his counterpart at UNC-CH, Bob Winston, to broach the idea, and that Winston was receptive.

The state's two leading public universities, Davenport said, should have a closer working relationship, and the networking meetings, paid for by the trustees, could help. (N&O)