They are a way for a big university to enhance its research capacity, enhance its ability to discuss and bring together people for learning, and advancing knowledge that’s not strictly classroom instruction.

In general, what they allow folks like me to do is take what I’ve learned and the resources of the university and connect them to the greater society.

That’s what eventually pushed North Carolina over the divide. It gave Governor Easley an argument: Why should our people be paying for schools in Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina?

The lottery has become the white noise of society. It doesn’t stand out as it once would have. As long as people here keep the lottery cool and don’t offend the North Carolina sensibility as...