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

UNC-Chapel Hill announces plans to develop campus extension in Carolina North
UNC is proud to announce the development of a new campus extension in Carolina North, a generational investment in its academic mission, public impact, and...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

He's Not Here postcard mural sends visitors lasting scenes of Chapel Hill's charm
In 2013, local Chapel Hill artist and UNC graduate Scott Nurkin completed the iconic Chapel Hill postcard mural by the back entrance of He’s Not...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

Two UNC Alums Earn Forbes 30 Under 30 Nods
Two University of North Carolina graduates, media entrepreneur Anne Marie Hagerty ’18 and tech innovator Sheel Patel ’24, were named to the 2026 Forbes 30...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

UNC startups create $8 billion in yearly economic impact
UNC-affiliated startups and commercialization activities generated nearly $8 billion in economic impact across North Carolina over the past year, according to the University’s innovation and...
Mon Jan 19, 2026