RALEIGH (December 29, 2021) – 2021 was slightly less chaotic than 2020, with distribution of vaccines that temporarily calmed the coronavirus pandemic before new variants began to emerge. The state also saw its first new budget in three years, with much-needed raises for higher education faculty and staff and generous investments in capital projects. It’s… READ MORE
John Sanders: Giant of NC civic life
By Eric Johnson CHAPEL HILL (October 14, 2021) – I don’t remember what first prompted John Sanders to come looking for me in The Daily Tar Heel office, but I know he was carrying a book. He was always carrying a book, usually with a type-written note paper-clipped to the front, directing wayward undergrads to… READ MORE
Basnight: ‘That bridge for all of us’
RALEIGH (Sept. 22, 2021) – State senators from both parties paid tribute yesterday to Marc Basnight, who led the NC Senate for 18 years and directed billions in state support to North Carolina’s university and transportation systems. “Marc came from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential leaders in our state’s history,” said… READ MORE
Brian Long: Far too soon
RALEIGH (March 17, 2021) – We are deeply saddened by the death of Higher Ed Works Board Member Brian Long, whose work in public affairs ranged from agriculture to community colleges, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. First and foremost, Brian was a great guy – always cheerful, always upbeat. For 14 years, he… READ MORE
King Prather: We are all ancestors of ourselves
By N. King Prather My insides have been in knots since I heard Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama, on Jan. 6, say that today is the day “we kick ass and take names.” His audience included a significant number of hate groups, and not long after, these groups assaulted the U.S. Capitol. I have roots… READ MORE
State leaders pay tribute to Marc Basnight
RALEIGH – In the days following his death Dec. 28, political, education, business leaders and others across North Carolina paid tribute to former NC Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight: Gov. Roy Cooper, NC Senate, 1991-2001 North Carolina lost a giant today with the passing of my friend, Senator Marc Basnight. His positive influence on… READ MORE
Basnight helped North Carolinians for generations to come
By David RiceExecutive DirectorHigher Ed Works Marc Basnight was not formally educated. But Marc Basnight was a learned man. Basnight, the former NC Senate president pro tempore who died Monday (Dec. 28) after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), regretted his entire life that he didn’t go to college. But Basnight was a… READ MORE
John Sanders – “as far as practicable … free of expense.”
North Carolina’s constitution includes an unusual provision that requires the state legislature to provide North Carolinians with a college education for “as far as practicable … free of expense.” John Sanders, the man who wrote those lines in the state’s 1971 constitution, talks about the history of the provision, as well as what might happen… READ MORE