William Clyde Friday (July 13, 1920 – October 12, 2012) was an American educator who served as the head of the University of North Carolina system from 1956 to 1986.

Friday served in the United States Navy Reserve during World War II.

Friday was the founding co-chairman of the Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics[2] and served in this role from 1989 to 2005.

The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is located on the campus of North Carolina State University at Raleigh.

The William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.