William C. Friday served as president of the University of North Carolina for 30 years until his retirement in 1986, becoming the longest-serving University president of the 20th century. Following what has been described as a “meteoric rise to power,” Friday’s career in university administration would allow him major roles in the formation of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the development of Research Triangle Park, the sponsorship of North Carolina public television, and the formation of the current 16-campus University system, making the University of North Carolina the “crown jewel” of higher learning in the south.
In Biographical Conversations with William Friday, Dr. Friday discusses his early life, his entry in public service and the many experiences and people who shaped his career in education. In three episodes, entitled ‘”Early Years," "University Life," and “University and Beyond,” the series captures the many milestones marking Friday’s life and legacy.
Biographical Conversations With...subjects Jesse Helms and William Friday are compared in the following article, Two Titans Fought As Friends
By Rob Christensen, Staff Writer, The News and Observer
(Published: Jul 20, 2008)
Jesse Helms and Bill Friday were products of the same red clay soil -- part of of the old cotton, Bible-Belt South. Both were reared during the hard times of the Depression, served their country during World War II and forged high-profile careers in the Triangle. Both came to be seen as elder statesmen -- even the state's grandfathers -- although usually not by the same set of people. More >>> |
