The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a leading global public research university, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators, and leaders in NC, throughout the nation, and around the world. Carolina’s nationally recognized teaching, groundbreaking research, and dedication to public service continue a legacy that began when the University was chartered in 1789 and opened to students four years later. As the nation’s first public university, Carolina is committed to and is a leader in providing access to a high-quality, affordable education to students from all backgrounds.
North Carolina left the Southern Conference in 1953, opting to become a founding member of the newly formed Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tar Heels won their first ACC baseball title in 1960. The program's first College World Series appearance also came in 1960. In 1964, the Tar Heels won their second ACC baseball title, posting an undefeated record in conference play. No other team in ACC baseball history has ever been undefeated in conference play.[2]
The program's first recorded game took place in 1867, when the Tar Heels defeated a Raleigh all-star team, 34-17. Although baseball continued to be played at UNC, there exists a gap in record-keeping during Reconstruction, despite the noted existence of the UNC baseball team. The program's next recorded games were played in 1891. Thereafter, the University sponsored a varsity intercollegiate baseball program on a regular basis from that season onwards.
The student-run newspaper The Daily Tar Heel is ranked highly by The Princeton Review,[200] and received the 2004–5 National Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press.[201] Founded in 1977, WXYC 89.3 FM is UNC-Chapel Hill's student radio station that broadcasts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Programming is left up to student DJs. WXYC typically plays little heard music from a wide range of genres and eras. On November 7, 1994, WXYC became the first radio station in the world to broadcast its signal over the internet.[202][203] A student-run television station, STV, airs on the campus cable and throughout the Chapel Hill Time Warner Cable system.[204] Founded in 1948 as successor to the Carolina Magazine,[205] the Carolina Quarterly, edited by graduate students, has published the works of numerous authors, including Wendell Berry, Raymond Carver, Don DeLillo, Annie Dillard, Joyce Carol Oates, and John Edgar Wideman. Works appearing in the Quarterly have been anthologized in Best American Short Stories and New Stories from the South[206] and have won the Pushcart and O. Henry Prizes.[207]
Colin Moran was batting .297 with four home runs and 19 RBI in his first 32 games, so Pirates manager Derek Shelton worried the fracture of the left pisiform bone, located on the outer half of the base of his hand, would affect not only his swing but the grip strength of one of the Pirates’ top power bats. The injury hasn’t hindered the lefty-hitting Moran. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Following a down year for Mike Krzyzewski and his Blue Devils, there was a significant amount of offseason roster movement. Leading scorer and All-ACC forward Matthew Hurt was joined by guard D.J. Steward and forward Jalen Johnson in turning pro after the season, while guard Jordan Goldwire and forwards Henry Coleman and Jaemyn Brakefield transferred out. There are quality pieces that remain. Point guard Jeremy Roach and center Mark Williams showed flashes of potential last season, while forward Wendell Moore is a key veteran. The Blue Devils brought in Marquette transfer Theo John to add depth in the frontcourt, and as always, there’s an elite recruiting class headlined by No. 2 overall forward Paolo Banchero and No. 17 overall wing A.J. Griffin.
The October 22, 2014 release of the Wainstein Report[174] alleged institutionalized academic fraud that involved over 3,100 students and student athletes, over an 18-year period from 1993 to 2011 that began during the final years of the Dean Smith era, challenged "The Carolina Way" image.[175] The report alleged that at least 54 players during the Dean Smith era were enrolled in what came to be known as "paper classes." The report noted that the questionable classes began in the spring of 1993, the year of Smith's final championship, so those grades would not have been entered until after the championship game was played.[176] In response to the allegations of the Wainstein report, the NCAA launched their own investigation and on June 5, 2015[177] the NCAA accused the institution of five major violations including: “two instances of unethical conduct and failure to cooperate“ as well as “unethical conduct and extra benefits related to student-athletes' access to and assistance in the paper courses; unethical conduct by the instructor/counselor for providing impermissible academic assistance to student-athletes; and a failure to monitor and lack of institutional control".[178] In October, 2017, the NCAA issued its findings and concluded "that the only violations in this case are the department chair's and the secretary's failure to cooperate."[178]
Platek attended North Carolina for four years, and was a member of the school’s basketball team from start to finish. He made 127 appearances for the Tar Heels, and started 11 games. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard averaged 2.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. His best season came as a junior when he boasted career-highs in points (3.9), rebounds (2.1) and assists (1.4) per game. Nine of his career starts came during that season, and he logged a career-best 18.1 minutes per game.
Platek attended North Carolina for four years, and was a member of the school’s basketball team from start to finish. He made 127 appearances for the Tar Heels, and started 11 games. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard averaged 2.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. His best season came as a junior when he boasted career-highs in points (3.9), rebounds (2.1) and assists (1.4) per game. Nine of his career starts came during that season, and he logged a career-best 18.1 minutes per game.
Society members would wear a blue or white ribbon at university functions, and blue or white ribbons were attached to their diplomas at graduation.[191] On public occasions, both groups were equally represented, and eventually both colors were used by processional leaders to signify the unity of both groups as part of the university.[192] When football became a popular collegiate sport in the 1880s, the Carolina football team adopted the light blue and white of the Di-Phi Societies as the school colors.[193]
Why North Carolina? Tyler Nickel: "It was the best for me -- me and my future. I feel like I can go in there and contribute right away. And be able to be me -- play like Tyler Nickel. When I get there, be able to contribute to a great team and win a national championship in the process of me and my development, and everyone else that's there." (Inside Carolina)
The Morehead–Patterson bell tower was commissioned by John Motley Morehead III, the benefactor of the Morehead Scholarship.[89] The hedge and surrounding landscape was designed by William C. Coker, botany professor and creator of the campus arboretum. Traditionally, seniors have the opportunity to climb the tower a few days prior to May commencement.[88]
Wolfpack veterans D.J. Funderburk, Braxton Beverly and Devon Daniels are no longer with the program, while promising prospect Shakeel Moore will suit up for Mississippi State this season. Those are big losses for Kevin Keatts, who is trying to secure his footing in a changing Triangle dynamic with two legends retiring. The Wolfpack will rely on three quality pieces in guard Cam Hayes, wing Jericole Hellems and center Manny Bates. A couple of transfers (Casey Morsell, Virginia; Greg Gantt, Rutgers) will factor into the lineup, as well as some underclassmen such as guard Thomas Allen and forward Dereon Seabron. There’s also a pair of Top-100 prospects in forward Ernest Ross and guard Terquavion Smith who could work their way into playing time for the Wolfpack.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have named Jacob Stallings the team’s nominee for this year’s Roberto Clemente Award, given to the Major League Baseball player who "best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions on and off the field." Stallings says he became emotional. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
On June 28, Colin Moran was hit by a pitch resulting in a left wrist fracture that would sideline him for an extended period of time. Moran missed all of July, but was able to rehab the injury in order to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup in early August. Since he returned to action August 5, the 28-year-old former UNC standout has been on a tear. (Keeping It Heel)
UNC-Chapel Hill's admissions process is "most selective" according to U.S. News & World Report.[106] State law requires that the percentage of in-state students per freshman class be at least 82%, making out-of-state admissions particularly selective. For freshmen entering Fall 2019, 9,610 were accepted out of 44,859 applicants, a 21% acceptance rate, and 4,183 enrolled.[107] Women constituted 61% of the incoming class; men 39%.[107]
Earl Grant, formerly of College of Charleston, has a massive rebuilding job ahead in Chestnut Hill after Jim Christian was shown the door following seven seasons. Four-year starter Steffon Mitchell graduated and a trio of sophomores – C.J. Felder, Jay Heath and Wynston Tabbs -- transferred. Grant was active in the transfer portal, bringing in Mississippi State center Quinten Post, College of Charleston guard Brevin Galloway and Drexel forward T.J. Bickerstaff to supplement his thin roster.
After reopening its campus in August 2020, UNC-Chapel Hill reported 135 new COVID-19 cases and four infection clusters within a week of having started in-person classes for the Fall 2020 semester. On 10 August, faculty and staff from several of UNC's constituent institutions filed a complaint against its board of governors, asking the system to default to online-only instruction for the fall.[64] On 17 August, UNC's management announced that the university would be moving all undergraduate classes online from 19 August, becoming the first university to send students home after having reopened.[65]
The October 22, 2014 release of the Wainstein Report[174] alleged institutionalized academic fraud that involved over 3,100 students and student athletes, over an 18-year period from 1993 to 2011 that began during the final years of the Dean Smith era, challenged "The Carolina Way" image.[175] The report alleged that at least 54 players during the Dean Smith era were enrolled in what came to be known as "paper classes." The report noted that the questionable classes began in the spring of 1993, the year of Smith's final championship, so those grades would not have been entered until after the championship game was played.[176] In response to the allegations of the Wainstein report, the NCAA launched their own investigation and on June 5, 2015[177] the NCAA accused the institution of five major violations including: “two instances of unethical conduct and failure to cooperate“ as well as “unethical conduct and extra benefits related to student-athletes' access to and assistance in the paper courses; unethical conduct by the instructor/counselor for providing impermissible academic assistance to student-athletes; and a failure to monitor and lack of institutional control".[178] In October, 2017, the NCAA issued its findings and concluded "that the only violations in this case are the department chair's and the secretary's failure to cooperate."[178]
UNC took the field last Monday at Boshamer Stadium for its first baseball scrimmage of the fall. The Tar Heels followed that up with scrimmages Friday and Saturday. After going 2-for-4 with two RBI in UNC's first scrimmage, freshman Vance Honeycutt continued to show why the San Francisco Giants picked him in the 20th round of July’s MLB Draft. (Boshamer Bulletin)
When one thinks of baseball's best players, Kyle Seager does not come to mind. He has been a solid part of the Seattle Mariners over his career, a former All Star and Gold Glove winner. However, he has gone overshadowed. That may need to change. Seager has been a solid player and more productive than some surprising players in that same span. (Call to the Pen)
For decades, UNC-Chapel Hill has offered an undergraduate merit scholarship known as the Morehead-Cain Scholarship. Recipients receive full tuition, room and board, books, and funds for summer study for four years. Since the inception of the Morehead, 29 alumni of the program have been named Rhodes Scholars.[158] Since 2001, North Carolina has also co-hosted the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, a merit scholarship and leadership development program granting recipients full student privileges at both UNC-Chapel Hill and neighboring Duke University.[159] Additionally, the university provides scholarships based on merit and leadership qualities, including the Carolina, Colonel Robinson, Johnston and Pogue Scholars programs.[160]
Notable among a number of songs commonly played and sung at various events such as commencement, convocation, and athletic games are the university fight songs "I'm a Tar Heel Born" and "Here Comes Carolina".[194] The fight songs are often played by the bell tower near the center of campus, as well as after major victories.[194] "I'm a Tar Heel Born" originated in the late 1920s as a tag to the school's alma mater, "Hark The Sound".[194] "Hark the Sound" was usually played at the end of games, but as of late it has been played at the beginning of games as well.
Tyler Nickel is ready to end his recruitment. The 6-foot-7 senior forward from Elkton (Va.) East Rockingham said he will announce his decision Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 2:45 p.m. at his high school. He planned to officially visit all his finalists but only visited Blacksburg and Chapel Hill, signifying that the Hokies and Tar Heels are the two left standing. (Inside Carolina)