Higher education is important to the economy and East Carolina plays a dynamic role in the development of the region, the state's top university administrator told business leaders in Greenville on Tuesday.

"Higher education is critical if we want a prepared work force," University of North Carolina system President Tom Ross told guests at the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Brook Valley Country Club.

In the future, "most jobs will require a post-secondary degree," Ross said. "If we're going to compete in the world, we have to have a prepared workforce. The university system is important to the future  of the state."

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