Navy blue was added to the traditional gold and white University colors.

A new program offering a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies was inaugurated as the only such degree in the University of North Carolina system.

A year-long renovation began on the four Dining Halls - Spencer, West (renamed Spartan), South (renamed State), and North.

The name of the School of Home Economics was changed to the School of Human Environmental Sciences.

The School of Business and Economics was named for Joseph McKinley Bryan of Greensboro.

The University began to upgrade and expand its athletic program with the goal of reaching NCAA Division I in 1991.

Under the direction of coach Michael Parker, the men's soccer team became the first in NCAA history to win three consecutive national championships in 1985, 1986, and 1987.

Barnes & Noble began operating the campus bookstore.