North Carolina Central University joins the higher education community in mourning the loss of William C. Friday, president emeritus of the University of North Carolina. “He was a luminary in the field of higher education, a dear friend to our university, and mentor to several of our chancellors,” said Chancellor Charles L. Becton. “He was a fierce and passionate advocate for all students and for inclusiveness. We will keep his family, especially his wife, Ida, and their two daughters, in our thoughts and prayers.”

NCCU joined the UNC system in 1972 under then-president Friday. A visionary and accomplished leader, Friday will be greatly missed by all North Carolinians.