In memoriam: William “Bill” Edward Self, champion of Carolina Nursing

Four people stand together indoors, smiling at the camera. Two women on the left wear a checked dress and a sweater with birds, while the woman on the right wears a black dress and the man on the far right wears a dark suit. — *Bill and Barbara Self with scholarship recipients Claire Masonis and I’mani Barnes, April 2025*

William “Bill” Edward Self, BSBA ’57
Faithful Friend, Dedicated Volunteer, and Champion of Carolina Nursing

The UNC School of Nursing mourns the passing of William “Bill” Edward Self, BSBA ’57, who passed away on October 29, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina. A devoted Tar Heel, accomplished professional, and steadfast advocate for nursing education, Bill’s impact on Carolina Nursing will be felt for generations to come.

A 1957 graduate of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Bill brought his Carolina pride and business acumen into a distinguished career as a certified public accountant and owner of Self & Associates in Durham. Alongside his beloved wife, Barbara Hedberg Self, BSN ’57, he devoted his life to service, community, and philanthropy, values that defined his personal and professional legacy.

In 2007, to celebrate Barbara’s 50th Carolina Nursing reunion, Bill and their family surprised Barbara by establishing the Barbara Hedberg Self Endowed Nursing Scholarship, which has since supported more than twenty undergraduate nursing students. Through this enduring gift, he transformed his admiration for the nursing profession into tangible opportunities for future generations of Carolina Nurses.

A longtime advocate and volunteer leader, Bill served on the UNC School of Nursing Foundation Board, first as Treasurer and then as President in 2014. He then became the inaugural Chair of the School’s Board of Visitors, offering wise counsel, humor, and unwavering support through two successful fundraising campaigns—Carolina First and the Campaign for Carolina. Serving through the transitions of three deans, his leadership strengthened the School’s philanthropic foundation and helped advance its mission to prepare nurses who lead the profession and improve lives for the public good.

In recognition of his extraordinary commitment, service, and generosity, Bill was honored with the Carolina Nursing Honorary Alumni Award in 2022, presented to non-graduates who demonstrate distinction in the nursing profession through their continuous dedication and support.

Beyond his formal roles, Bill was cherished for his warmth, integrity, and quiet determination to make things better—qualities that inspired everyone privileged to know him. He believed deeply in the power of education, the importance of caring professions, and the enduring spirit of Carolina.

To Barbara, their children and grandchildren, and all who were touched by his kindness, we extend our heartfelt condolences and gratitude. The UNC School of Nursing community is profoundly better because of Bill Self’s leadership, generosity, and example. His legacy lives on in every Carolina Nurse whose education was made possible by his vision and in the enduring friendship he shared with this School he so dearly loved and served so well.

The family has requested that memorial gifts be made to the Barbara Hedberg Self Nursing Scholarship, UNC School of Nursing, c/o UNC Gifts Processing, PO Box 309, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.