N.C. 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. 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.

Charles Becton

Chancellor, NCCU

A stronger state

Bill Friday was a North Carolina treasure. He led by inspiration and example – with dignity, compassion and humility – through over five decades of public service. His legacy is a stronger state with a superb university system, a richer public life, a more vibrant culture and a diverse and resilient economy. Bill was instrumental in giving the gift of education to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians – citizens who went out and served our state and nation in countless ways.

Bill continued his work for decades in what no one could really call ‘retirement’ with his public television show, North Carolina People. Like many North Carolinians, Lisa and I looked forward to inviting him into our home every week to see where he and his guests would lead us. In this and many other ways, we will treasure his memory and miss him greatly.

U.S. Rep. David Price

4th Congressional District