The only U.S. President who was an alumnus of the University of North Carolina (UNC) was James K. Polk.
Presidents with UNC Connections
While James K. Polk is the sole UNC alumnus to achieve the presidency, another future president briefly attended the university.
James K. Polk: The UNC Alumnus President
James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, holds the distinction of being the only alumnus of the University of North Carolina to reach the nation's highest office. He graduated from the university in 1818. Polk hailed from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and went on to serve a single term as president from 1845 to 1849, during which the United States saw significant territorial expansion.
Gerald Ford: Brief Attendance at UNC
Another president, Gerald Ford, also had a brief connection with the University of North Carolina. Ford, who later became the 38th U.S. President, enrolled for summer classes at the law school in 1938. His attendance was not as a degree-seeking alumnus but rather for a summer session.
The table below summarizes the connection of these two presidents to UNC:
| President | Connection to UNC | Year/Details |
|---|---|---|
| James K. Polk | UNC Alumnus (graduated) | 1818 graduate; from Mecklenburg County |
| Gerald Ford | Briefly attended (summer classes) | 1938, enrolled for summer classes at law school |
