Editor’s note: William C. “Bill” Friday, who shepherded the UNC system through three decades of tumultuous change and rapid growth as one of the nation’s longest-serving university presidents, died peacefully in his sleep Friday morning at age 92. E. Norris Tolson is president and CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. 

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – President Bill Friday’s death earlier today is a terrible loss to me – and to the people of North Carolina.

It was a transition we know to expect with every life – especially a life that spans eight or nine decades. But this is especially difficult because Bill Friday was not only a very good friend, but also one of those rare people for whom the impact of their lives can only be measured by history.

I remember meeting Bill Friday and Gov. Terry Sanford at the same time, when I was student body president at N.C. State and we got to work together on some activities involving N.C. State and UNC.

It was immediately obvious to me that these were both unique and significant people. They are among the great leaders who have had an enormous impact on our state – visionaries. I include Governors Jim Hunt and Luther Hodges among them.

Fortunately for all of us, Bill Friday’s life was devoted to education. Even so, he had a unique ability to cut across all opportunity venues within the state – not only the academic world, but also business, politics, athletics, economic development, the general well-being of people throughout the State of North Carolina.

Make no mistake. There were times when some people didn’t agree with Bill Friday. But they’d respect him. He’d hold your feet to the fire for results. And even then, you always knew where Bill Friday stood on an issue. He never minced words or equivocated.

He was always interested in people first – in who they were and who they could be, not in their status in life. His focus was always on how to help the average citizen. As a result, his successes are immeasurable, surpassing those who might achieve celebrity as inventors, politicians, business people, athletes or entertainers.

Bill and Ida Friday were married for 70 years. She too has been a significant partner in building North Carolina’s greatness.

I know many other North Carolinians share my gratitude that we’ve had Bill Friday’s friendship and selfless leadership for so many years. Our challenge is to live up to his legacy.