 He was named president of the University in 1876 and served ably until 1891, when he resigned to become Alumni Professor of History.He became a distinguished historian and compiled a significant body of scholarly work, the most prominent piece being his two-volume History of the University of North Carolina which is still today considered a significant study.In fact, the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, the oldest student group on UNC's campus, hosts a lecture every year on University Day named in his honor.