RALEIGH (March 17, 2021) – We are deeply saddened by the death of Higher Ed Works Board Member Brian Long, whose work in public affairs ranged from agriculture to community colleges, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

First and foremost, Brian was a great guy – always cheerful, always upbeat. For 14 years, he was the spokesman for the NC Department of Agriculture.

“There’s a face we are missing this morning,” the NC State Fair posted on its Facebook page Monday.

“For many of you, Brian Long was the person who brought you the latest and greatest rides and attractions at the Fair. Powdered sugar flying, he was always the first one to volunteer when a (TV) station wanted someone to try the newest deep fried treat live on-air…a task not many willingly sign up for.

“For those of us who worked with him, he was a friend, a mentor, a craft beer aficionado, a music lover, a staunch Tar Heels fan, a teller of stories and snappy one-liners and beloved father, husband and son.”

NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said that from live 6 a.m. TV updates during the fair to a media onslaught after an accident on a fair ride, Long handled everything professionally. Troxler recalled how after recording his radio show, he and Long would routinely have lunch at the same Raleigh restaurant.

“He’s just a great family person, a great guy,” Troxler said.

In 2017, Long moved to the NC Community College System, where he focused in particular on rapid growth of the system’s apprenticeship program. 

“Brian Long was a dedicated public servant who helped highlight the good work of the state’s community colleges and ApprenticeshipNC,” said Maureen Little, vice president of economic development at the Community College System.

“He believed in the power of education and workforce programs to lift North Carolinians to better lives and livelihoods. Brian was a friend to all at the NC Community College System, and we will miss him dearly.”

Yes we will – he was taken far too soon. Our hearts go out to his family and his many, many friends.