Chris Coudriet

Three of the defendants in a lawsuit filed by a Wilmington-based luxury homebuilder are seeking a motion to dismiss the case, according to court filings entered this week. In June, attorneys for Mark Batson, owner of Tongue & Groove, filed a complaint in New Hanover County Superior Court alleging that he was the victim of a defamation campaign and other misconduct aimed at destroying his reputation and businesses.

Robert Burrus Jr., dean of the University of North Carolina Wilmington Cameron School of Business, has been named interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, according to an announcement from the university. His appointment, effective July 7, will continue until the position is filled on a permanent basis. Burrus, a veteran academic leader with more than a decade of experience as dean, will replace Dr. James J.

At the New Hanover County Airport Authority meeting July 9, ILM welcomed new authority member Brian Eckel. Additionally, the authority congratulated Faison Gibson on her reappointment to a second term, according to a news release. The authority also elected its officers for the coming fiscal year: Jason Thompson as chair, Faison Gibson as vice chair and Wanda Copley as secretary. Nick Rhodes Jr. became immediate past chair.