Raleigh attorney Marvin Schiller, representing Mary Easley, said during a morning news conference that Mrs. Easley will not resign from her position at N.C. State and she received her position "on her own merits".

N.C. State Chancellor James Oblinger and Erskine Bowles, the University of North Carolina system president, have suggested she resign.

Marvin Schiller said at a news conference with Easley at his side that she plans to continue her work, saying that he believes the university should keep the promise it made to the former first lady in hiring her under a five-year contract. Schiller added that Easley's contract with the university was thoroughly reviewed and approved.

"The indisputable evidence is that Mary is doing an outstanding job for North Carolina State University and the state of North Carolina," Schiller said. "Based on my investigation... Mary has acted at all times in an appropriate, aboveboard, highly ethical manner that was transparent for everyone to see."

Easley, who runs a speakers series and a public safety leadership center, did not speak at the press conference.

In response, Bob Jordan, Board of Trustees Chair said he hopes Easley will reconsider.

“The ongoing distraction has obscured the university's accomplishments and mission and detracted from our day-to-day work. We respectfully ask that she reconsider her decision for the good of the university," Jordan said.

During the news conference, Schiller read letters and quotes from Larry Nielsen and Erskine Bowles from the past praising Easley's work and the qualities she would bring to N.C. State University.

Read Erskine Bowles' statement regarding Mary Easley's press conference
Read former Lt. Gov. Bob Jordan's statement

Both Larry Nielsen and McQueen Campbell were involved in the hiring of former first lady Mary Easley and both deny any wrongdoing and have since resigned.

On Thursday, a federal grand jury will also receive documents relating to the hiring, promotions and salary of Easley.

Easley makes $170,000 a year to teach, run a speakers bureau, develop the public safety center initiative and forge relationships for a dual-degree program to help pre-law students.

NCSU Chancellor James Oblinger, who was subpoenaed, said the university is cooperating with the investigation.

Easley's 30-year legal background and extensive contacts are cited as unique qualifications for her salary.

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The UNC Board of Governors reviewed and approved her five-year contract worth an estimated $580,000.

But her salary is out of the ordinary according to Faculty Chairman Jim Martin.

"Her salary places her in the top three percent of all employees," said Dr. Martin. "The bigger issue is our budget cuts. The magnitude of just her raise would provide the coverage for furloughs of 300 employees making $50,000 a year."

Chancellor Oblinger steadfastly denies any political patronage with the hiring of the former first lady.

On Wednesday night, N.C. State University selected former Lt. Gov. Bob Jordan to fill out the remainder of former board chairman McQueen Campbell's term. He had resigned based on the hiring of Mary Easley at the university. Jordan issued the following statement regarding this morning's press conference.