UNC, the nation's first public university, turns 230

Posted Feb 13, 2025
The University of North Carolina opened its doors for students Jan. 15, 1795 as the first public university in the nation. When the school first opened, many buildings were not finished being constructed and no students were enrolled until weeks later, when Hinton James arrived on campus. Today, the school has more than 20,000 undergraduate students. (Spectrum News 1)

Related: Campus Connections

Rick Dees - UNC alum, legendary radio DJ, and singer - turns 76
Rick Dees was born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Greensboro, NC. He began his radio career in high school at a Greensboro radio station...
Sun Apr 26, 2026

From a Dirt Road to a Destination: A History of Franklin Street
In Chapel Hill, Franklin Street has been the main thoroughfare for decades and a must-see destination. When residents welcome guests to town, they take them...
Fri Apr 24, 2026

Carolina is calling Eric Church home
Country music superstar Eric Church has traveled the world performing songs for millions of fans. Through it all, one thing kept him connected to North...
Thu Apr 23, 2026

UNC earns top national rankings for graduate education
Numerous UNC graduate programs received high rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” list, with 20 placing among the top 10...
Wed Apr 22, 2026