A local woman was recently nominated by the North Carolina Senate to serve on the UNC Board of Governors.

Dr. Laura Staton is one of 10 people nominated by the state Senate to compete for six seats on the board. The N.C. House of Representatives previously submitted 14 of its own nominations for another set of six seats.

Staton, a Chocowinity resident, is a retired physician and chairman of the Beaufort County Community College Board of Trustees. She served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight surgeon for five years and as a medical consultant from 2002-2010.

Staton has also been involved in several civic organizations, including Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry, the Humane Society of Beaufort County, Ruth’s House and the Beaufort County Extension Master Gardeners.

Former Gov. Pat McCrory appointed her to the BCCC Board of Trustees in late 2013.

“It is a tremendous honor to be nominated to the UNC (Board of Governors). If elected, I will do the best I can for the future of North Carolina through the UNC students,” Staton said. “However, at the present, my focus remains BCCC.”

The UNC Board of Governors oversees the 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system. The board is comprised of 32 members, and discusses issues including public affairs, policies, budget matters and education strategy. The Board of Governors also reserves the power to elect the president of the UNC system, a position currently held by Margaret Spellings.

Earlier this year, legislators voted to downsize the Board of Governors from 32 members to 28 in 2017, and finally to 24 in 2019.

“Laura Staton is one of the most dedicated and focused people I know. She knows the power and importance of education at all levels. She will be a very positive asset for the Board of Governors,” BCCC President Dr. Barbara Tansey said.

Staton said her term with BCCC is up in June, and she will find out about the UNC board next month.