SWAN QUARTER — Hyde County manager Bill Rich recently graduated from the UNC School of Government, a process he said strengthened his resolve and dedication for the county’s agenda.

On April 11, Rich graduated from the school’s Municipal and County Administration continuing education course, which spanned eight months and required Rich to be on campus in Chapel Hill for four consecutive days per month, according to Rich. The curriculum covered a broad scope of municipal facets from public works to financing. That, along with his background, has helped align Rich to become a county official that is in-touch with the needs of the county.

“I grew up in Hyde County,” Rich said. “I’ve always had a love for Hyde County. One day my wife said to me, ‘You would make a great county manager.’ They needed one at the time — she talked me into it — so I applied for the job and interviewed for it and got it. I just finished my first year.”

According to Rich, during that year one of his mentors, Paul Spruill, a former Beaufort County manager, told Rich about the course and encouraged him to enroll if he could get in. Rich was not only accepted, but also received a scholarship for the school.

“The scholarship was really helpful for Hyde County because we don’t have a lot of money,” Rich said. “I was probably the only county manager there but you had about 100 people from all different aspects from county and city government. You get them all together with these professors who were just outstanding. It was just a wonderful experience. You learn everything that is represented in local government and get exposed to it.”

Rich said that he plans to continue his education regarding his role in Hyde County’s local government.

“I was fortunate to be able to take it and do it and I plan on doing a lot more of it,” Rich said. “There are two more programs that they offer that I’m going to enroll in and hopefully get accepted and continue that part. I think it’s very important to keep the fellowship going and the communication and the education and there’s no better place to do it than the Chapel Hill School of Government.”

In January, the Hyde County Commissioners voted to renew Rich’s contract as manager through June 2018, according to Rich. After nine months as county manager, Rich has worked enthusiastically to improve the quality of life on both sides of the Pamlico Sound by strengthening regional partners, securing funding and increasing awareness of Hyde County’s assets. The commissioners’ decision, according to a press release, will help ensure the continuity of dependable leadership and proved stability to Hyde County projects and programs.

Rich spoke further on his focus for the county.

“The most important thing is the youth,” Rich said. “I would love to be able to create an environment where the young people can stay in Hyde County and work. To do that, it’s economic development, it’s job creation, it’s keeping the family farms intact and keeping the fishing businesses so kids can take over where their parents left off. Part of my job is to protect the family businesses in Hyde County and keep the federal government as far away as I can. When young people see the dedication that their parents have given to the county and we can create something for them to stay for, they’re going to do it because no one wants to leave Hyde County, if they can help it.”