Giacinta MorettiEdward Kidder Graham served as the 11th president of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1930 to 1949. His inaugural address, delivered on October 15, 1930, outlined his vision for the university’s future and emphasized the importance of academic freedom, faculty excellence, and student engagement.
1. Important Points
Academic Freedom: Graham believed that academic freedom was essential for the university to fulfill its mission of teaching, research, and public service. He stated that “the university must be a place where men and women can think and speak freely, without fear of reprisal.”
Faculty Excellence: Graham emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining a world-class faculty. He believed that “the quality of a university depends upon the quality of its faculty.” He also stressed the importance of providing faculty with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Student Engagement: Graham believed that students should be actively engaged in their own education. He encouraged students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, and student government. He also emphasized the importance of experiential learning, such as internships and research opportunities.
Legacy: Graham’s presidency was a period of great growth and progress for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He oversaw the construction of several new buildings, including the Davis Library and the Student Union. He also helped to establish the university’s first graduate school and its first professional schools. Graham’s legacy continues to shape the university today.
Youtube Video:
