CHAPEL HILL -- Former UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor William B. Aycock passed away over weekend. He led the school from 1957 until 1964.

Current chancellor Carol Folt issued a statement on Aycock’s passing:

“Chancellor Aycock was an inspiring Tar Heel who took the reins of our University during a time of tremendous growth and challenges. His last public visit to Carolina was just several weeks ago when he attended a ceremony at our law school naming Martin Brinkley our new dean. I was glad to have one final opportunity to greet Chancellor Aycock and thank him for being such an indelible part of our University’s long history.

Chancellor Aycock dearly loved Carolina and served it in many capacities. In 1948, he graduated first in his class from UNC Law School where he was also editor-in-chief of the North Carolina Law Review and joined the faculty the same year. He would retire from the Law School in 1985. He also holds a master’s degree in history from Carolina. A North Carolina native, Aycock earned his bachelor’s degree in education from North Carolina State University where he was also a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He was a decorated Army officer during World War II.

During his 40-year association with the University, Chancellor Aycock earned many recognitions and honors: first recipient of the UNC School of Law’s McCall Teaching Award, a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece, recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award, an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Lifetime Achievement Award from the UNC Law Alumni Association, the William R. Davie Award from the UNC Board of Trustees, the University Award from the UNC Board of Governors, and the Liberty Bell Award from the North Carolina Bar Association. In 1998, the School of Medicine created the William B. Aycock Distinguished Professor of Family Medicine position.

In celebrating Chancellor Aycock’s life and legacy, we send our condolences to his family and join in grateful appreciation for his service to our University and our state.”