b) The University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina, founded in 1789, holds the distinction of being the oldest public university in the United States. As the first state university to open its doors, UNC became a model for public higher education in the country. It represented a shift in educational philosophy, emphasizing the importance of accessible education for all, rather than just the privileged few. The university’s establishment was a significant step in the democratization of education in America, laying the foundation for the extensive public university system that exists today.