Light on the Hill: A History of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

by William D. Snider

In 1795 the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill became the first state university in the United States to open its doors to students. As the celebrated institution prepared to observe its bicentennial, William Snider provided a rich chronicle of its history.

Snider describes the signal events of the university's first two hundred the chartering and siting of a charming campus and village; the trying years of the Civil War and Reconstruction, during which the University closed its doors; the period of remarkable renewal in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; the achievement of national and international stature in the 1920s and 1930s; the challenging 1960s; and the period of expansion and innovation in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Throughout, Snider provides fine portraits of individuals prominent in the life of the university, from William R. Davie and Joseph Caldwell to Harry Woodburn Chase, Frank Porter Graham, and William C. Friday. His book evokes for all who have been part of the Chapel Hill community memories of their own associations with the campus and a sense of the greater history of the institution of which they were a part.

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In a bicentennial history of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, William D. Snider leads us from the chartering and siting of a charming campus and village in 1795 through the struggles, innovations, and expansions that have carried the school to national and international prominence. Throughout, Snider provides fine portraits of individuals significant in the life of the university, from William R. Davie and Joseph Caldwell to Harry Woodburn Chase, Frank Porter Graham, and William C. Friday. His book evokes for all who have been part of the Chapel Hill community memories of their own associations with the campus and a sense of the greater history of the institution of which they were a part.

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Genres: Nonfiction

215 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1992

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to its excellent coverage of the University, this book is a great source of information about North Carolina social, cultural, and political history. The battle between the forces of progressive enlightenment and suspicious narrow-mindedness has been there from the beginning, and tragically shows no sign of ending. I am deeply grateful to the University and its brave leaders for fighting the good fight, and helping North Carolina to realize its potential.

[Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great survey history of the University of North Carolina. Focuses mostly on the accomplishments of each era through the chancellors and presidents of the University at that time. My only complaint is that there is not an updated edition of the book (it was written in 1992) covering new construction, the increased national presence, and accomplishments in athletics. Recommended reading for any UNC grad.