We are proud to be named in honor of William Friday, former president of the University of North Carolina system, and his wife, Ida, who were passionate advocates and leaders in education for over 50 years.
Bill Friday was a visionary leader and a guiding force for public education in North Carolina as well as an education advisor to Presidents Johnson and Carter. Ida Friday promoted the arts through her work with a number of North Carolina organizations. The state of North Carolina honored Dr. and Mrs. Friday with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine for their extraordinary service in 2004.
Each day, every one of us must do something, large or small, to make a difference in the kind and quality of the education our children receive.
William Friday
Former President of the University of North Carolina System
When Dr. Friday first met with our founding executive director, Hiller A. Spires, he said to always remember two things:
1) Talk with teachers first. Teachers are the heart and soul of our educational system. They deserve all the support we can provide.
2) Make sure you reach out and develop relationships with our rural and underserved schools across North Carolina.
