Carrying Carolina Across Generations: The Pulliam Family

September 1, 2026

Mebane ’98 and Cooper ’94 Pulliam’s love for Carolina began long before they were husband and wife, and it’s now carrying forward through their daughters. Alongside Cooper’s own deep Carolina roots, their girls represent the fourth generation of Mebane’s family to call themselves Tar Heels.

Here, the Pulliams reflect on how their own time as students, as well as their daughters’ journeys, have shaped their philanthropy in the College of Arts and Sciences.

What first brought each of you to Carolina?

Mebane: I was born a Tar Heel. I vividly remember sitting on my dad’s shoulders at age seven, watching the 1982 UNC men’s basketball team win the NCAA tournament on Michael Jordan’s buzzer beater. I was dressed in the Rameses costume my mom made for me — I wore it for at least three Halloweens and to many basketball games!

Cooper: My brother, eight years older than me, played tennis at UNC. I remember going to his matches, visiting his dorm at Ehringhaus and meeting his roommates. From those memories I started forming my love of Carolina, and the goal of becoming a student athlete there myself.

What has it been like watching your daughters create their own Carolina experiences?

Mebane: It’s incredible to walk through campus and see Carolina through our girls’ eyes! Our oldest daughter has loved the Hussman School of Journalism — professors who were truly invested in her success reached out to help her explore graduate programs, prepare for interviews and even check in when she missed class. It made Carolina feel like a small school (with big school resources). Our younger daughter is still finding her path and enjoying everything a liberal arts education offers. We’re encouraging her to participate in as many types of classes as possible, so she has a well-rounded experience. Of course, she’s also enjoying Club Tennis along the way.

Cooper: It’s been exciting, and a little surreal. It’s hard to believe that they’re in the position I was in as a student — it doesn’t seem that long ago! But, having the insight into what a special place UNC is, both academically and culturally, and watching them go through some of those same experiences, has been extremely meaningful. I find myself wanting them to experience as many things as possible. That’s a function of the realization of how many amazing people and resources there are at UNC.

What does “legacy” mean to your family?

Mebane: UNC is a thread that connects generations of my family — from my grandfather to my father and uncle, to my cousins, to me, my husband, and now my daughters. Legacy is sharing stories about our Carolina experiences, looking through old Yackety Yack yearbooks and seeing the faces, traditions and memories that have been passed down through the years. It’s the feeling that while each generation creates its own Carolina story, we’re all connected by the same spirit and love for this place (and beautiful shade of blue!) Watching my daughters on their own journeys at UNC has given me an even deeper appreciation for what this University represents. Legacy isn’t just about preserving what has always been — it’s about making sure UNC continues to grow, so future generations have the same opportunities, pride and meaningful experiences that have shaped our family for decades.

Cooper: It’s really amazing to have a family tradition related to UNC, with both my brothers, my wife and me, and now our daughters. Our children will share a love for Carolina and have shared experiences for their entire lives, which is really cool.  It makes our connection to the school feel that much more intimate — and raises the topic of giving back as a way to celebrate that family connection. I’d like to see the cycle repeat, with our daughters developing a love for the University after they graduate and supporting the school over time.

Why do you give back?

Cooper: It’s the honest realization and appreciation of how important my time at Carolina was to my success, both professionally and personally. With that comes a sense of responsibility to give back. I waited longer than I should have, partly because I lived out of state — but that’s no excuse. The earlier you get involved, the more you learn about the areas that can benefit most from your specific giving. I started with the tennis program, and I want to keep evolving into other areas, including academics. The school is so big and there are so many different areas that could use financial resources. I think Mebane and I are still trying to figure out where our giving might have the biggest impact. If Carolina is to become the top public university, which I think is a worthy goal, they clearly need financial support outside of what the state provides. And I believe they need not only the financial resources, but also the shared intellectual resources of their alumni.

Mebane: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is, to me, the most incredible university in the country and I think now, more than ever, having a liberal arts education where you learn to communicate effectively, think critically and foster life-long learning is so important. We need to support the infrastructure, retain incredible professors and create space to grow the student body. It’s a bit overwhelming to think of all the needs but if we all come together as a community, we can help the University continue to grow and support our children. This school is world-class because of the quality of the students and the parents who are interested in what their children are learning and what the professors are doing. There is no better investment.

Mebane and Cooper live in Atlanta, Georgia, and give to the Arts and Sciences Fund at the Margaret Harper Society tier of the Dean’s Circle. Cooper serves on the University’s Board of Visitors and Mebane plays an active role within the College’s volunteer leadership as a member of the Deans’ Arts and Sciences Leadership Council.