Former UNC system president upgraded to fair condition
University of North Carolina President Emeritus William Friday has been upgraded to fair condition at UNC Hospitals, three days after receiving a permanent pacemaker.
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Hospital spokeswoman Stephanie Mahin released no additional details Sunday.
The 91-year-old was president of UNC for 30 years, leading the school through integration, the sponsorship of the state education network and its growth into a 16-campus university system. He also helped with the formation of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Since retiring as president in 1986, Friday has pushed to keep college affordable and supported programs to reduce poverty and illiteracy. He also has a television show, and he taped his UNC-TV program "North Carolina People" earlier this month.
In 2009, Friday had a heart valve replaced two months after suffering a mild heart attack.
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