UNC Chancellor Thorp told ABC 11 news that the partnership created with Edwards in The Center for Poverty, Work and Opportunity was a mistake that the university has learned from. Andrew Young, former aide to John Edwards, says as director of the center, Edwards was hardly there.

Although the Center for Poverty at UNC's School of Law was established at Edwards’instigation, Young, who has written a tell-all book that is now a national best seller, says that Edwards's motivation to end poverty was clouded by presidential aspirations.

The Center was launched in 2005, after the Kerry/Edwards ticket lost the presidential race the previous year.  Young says the work Edwards’ accomplished at the Center drew criticism from insiders and eventual scrutiny from the University.

Although the Center still remains an establishment at UNC, Edwards left his position as director in 2006, for what would become an ill-fated, second attempt for the White House. Young went on to author the, “The Politician.” He is set to again face a Pittsboro judge and lawyers for Rielle Hunter, Edwards’s former mistress, regarding the Hunter/Edwards sex tape. Phone calls to Wade Smith, Edwards’ attorney were not returned.