Hope Williams, President, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities

In an interview with Invest:, Hope Williams, president of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, discussed the role of private higher education in workforce development, affordability, and economic growth across North Carolina. “Higher education is constantly changing, even if that evolution is not always visible from the outside,” Williams added.

How has the role of independent colleges and universities evolved in supporting North Carolina’s economic development priorities?

Private, nonprofit colleges and universities have been a critical part of economic development in North Carolina since their founding. Salem College dates back to 1772, and our institutions have continued to expand their academic offerings and enrollment over time.

Today, they provide the educated graduates that North Carolina’s workforce needs. The impact continues to grow, particularly in healthcare and engineering. For example, our institutions award 90% of the physician assistant degrees in North Carolina. We have also seen growth in fields such as occupational therapy and physical therapy, and a new medical school is being established. As those programs expand, so does the contribution of our colleges and universities to the state’s economy.

What skills and competencies are becoming most important for today’s graduates?

Employers are looking for employees who can think critically, analyze situations, and make difficult decisions. That requires more than knowledge alone. It also requires the ability to evaluate circumstances and determine the right course of action.

One way we emphasize those skills is through the NCICU Ethics Bowl, where students examine case studies and discuss the ethical response to real-world situations. This year’s theme will be Ethics in Everyday Life, focusing on the kinds of decisions students themselves may face.

Students entering the workforce will encounter situations they have never faced before. We need to help them feel grounded and confident in themselves and equip them with the skills to analyze situations and determine the right path forward.

How are North Carolina’s colleges adapting to prepare graduates for a changing economy?

One of the strengths of independent colleges and universities is their ability to respond quickly to workforce needs. We work closely with employers, evaluate emerging trends, and adapt programs accordingly.

As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, whether through AI or other developments, institutions can add majors, expand existing programs, and equip students with the skills needed for those opportunities.

Healthcare fields continue to change rapidly, and educational programs must remain current so graduates are prepared not only for today’s workforce but also for future advances in science and technology.

Higher education is constantly changing, even if that evolution is not always visible from the outside. Programs are continually adjusted and improved to meet current and future needs.

How are institutions approaching AI while ensuring students continue to develop critical thinking and ethical judgment?

AI is a major topic of discussion across higher education. We have incorporated AI-related sessions into meetings with faculty and administrative groups, and much of the conversation focuses on helping students use AI appropriately.

The goal is not for AI to replace learning. Students need to understand both its value and its limitations. There have already been many examples of AI producing inaccurate information when users fail to verify results.

Like any technology, AI can extend what people are able to do, but students still need the knowledge and judgment required to use it correctly. That includes understanding how to evaluate information and apply it ethically.

What trends are you seeing regarding college access and affordability?

One challenge for private nonprofit institutions is that many families focus on the sticker price of tuition. Unlike public institutions, private colleges do not receive the same state subsidies that help keep tuition costs lower.

We encourage students and families to look beyond the sticker price and speak with financial aid offices about available resources. Most students receive a combination of federal aid, state aid, institutional aid, family contributions, and sometimes loans.

Our students receive approximately $100 million annually in Pell Grants, more than $91 million in state financial aid, and our institutions contribute about $1.3 billion in institutional aid.

What is important is helping students understand that college can be affordable. Nearly half of our North Carolina students receive Pell Grants, which are available to lower-income students. That demonstrates that students from a wide range of financial backgrounds are able to access higher education opportunities.

What role do partnerships play in creating stronger pathways from education to employment?

Collaboration is essential. One initiative currently in beta testing is a transfer pathway software portal that will help graduates from community colleges and Louisburg College identify transfer opportunities within our institutions and understand the coursework required to complete their degrees.

North Carolina was selected to lead this effort because of the strong relationships that exist among higher education partners throughout the state. We hope the model can eventually be replicated elsewhere.

We are also collaborating with the UNC System, the North Carolina Community College System, and the Department of Public Instruction through NC College Connect. The program sends letters to eligible students informing them that they have already been accepted by participating institutions.

The initiative helps students understand that college is possible and encourages them to explore available opportunities and financial aid resources. It also supports the state’s goal of increasing educational attainment and workforce credentials.

Looking ahead, what opportunities and challenges will have the greatest influence on the future of higher education and workforce development in North Carolina?

One of the biggest concerns involves access to funding for graduate and professional education. Recent changes at the federal level have limited some funding opportunities that students have traditionally relied upon.

This is particularly important for high-demand fields such as physician assistants, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Many students need financial assistance to complete graduate and professional programs, and those programs help address significant workforce needs.

We do not want to move backward in terms of educational access. North Carolina employers need highly trained professionals, and students should continue to have pathways into those careers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One important point is the broader impact of independent higher education across North Carolina. Many of our institutions are located in rural communities, where they often serve as major employers and economic anchors.

A recent study found that independent higher education contributes $38 billion to North Carolina’s economy. Our institutions, together with Duke Health System as part of Duke University, employ approximately 69,000 people, making us the largest private employer in the state.

Beyond employment and education, our campuses also contribute to the cultural life of their communities through concerts, performances, and other public events.

When you take a statewide view, it becomes clear that independent colleges and universities contribute not only to workforce development, but also to the economic and cultural vitality of North Carolina.