The Park Scholars’ class of 2013 presented Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, with the William C. Friday Award Monday afternoon in Hunt Library.
The William C. Friday award was established in 2000 and named for the former president of the University of North Carolina system. It is an annual honor presented by the senior class of Park Scholars on behalf of the entire Park Scholarships program.
The award honors Bill Friday’s legacy by recognizing people who exhibit dedication and excellence in leadership, scholarship, character and service.
Past recipients of the award include Jim and Ann Goodnight; General Hugh H. Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Larry Monteith, chancellor emeritus of N.C. State; James A. Joseph, former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa; as well as the namesake of the award, Friday himself.
Hicks was the first recipient to be chosen since Friday’s death, as the former system president passed away October 2012.
Virginia Ross Taylor, who served as executive assistant to Friday for eight years, was also in attendance. Since Friday’s passing, Taylor has served as community and university relations coordinator at the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Taylor described Hicks as a “savvy and astute political mind” who holds “a deep dedication to his Cherokee tribe.”
Prior to being elected chief 10 years ago, Hicks worked as certified public accountant in New York City, where he established a successful career.
Hicks was drawn back to his Cherokee roots and was excited to use the skills he learned in the financial sector to help his own people.
With a staff of 4,600 people, the Eastern Band has one of the largest payrolls in North Carolina, and is the largest single-site employer west of Charlotte. Under Hicks’ leadership, the economy of the Cherokee has grown significantly.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee has partnered with private companies to finance a fiber-optic system for western North Carolina to help recruit more businesses to the area. It has also partnered with Southwestern Community College in Sylva, N.C. to structure the project.
One of Hicks’ largest plans is to improve education and social services in the area. His plans include bringing more skilled individuals, such as doctors, nurses and engineers to the area to stimulate even more growth.
“Growing up, I never had any intent of becoming chief,” Hicks said. “I wanted to use my education to help the tribe, and it just so happened my expertise was what the tribe needed.”
Hicks discussed his faith extensively as it related to leadership.
“You are put into certain positions for certain reasons by faith,” Hicks said, “and only the good Lord above knows best.”
Arianna Nasser, a junior in engineering, was pleased with the committee’s choice this year, and felt Hicks well represented the values of North Carolinians.
“Chief Hicks is an eloquent and charismatic speaker and represents his community well. He speaks to the strength of North Carolina’s communities and its dedication to education,” Nasser said.
