Queens University and Elon University have announced a merger, aimed at strengthening higher education from North Carolina and Charlotte’s workforce.
Charlotte, NC – In a historic announcement for the Landscape of Higher Education of North Carolina, the University Queens of Charlotte and the University Elon revealed plans for a collaborative merger during a press conference on Tuesday morning, marking what the officials called a “historic day” for the region.
The acting president of the University of Queens, Jesse Cureton, announced the agreement, describing it as a decision “based on the vision which is daring and amplifies the forces of the two universities”.
The merger received unanimous support from the boards of directors from the two universities.
Preserve the inheritance while building the future
Cureton stressed that the fundamental values of the 170 -year -old institution would remain intact throughout the transition.
“The values that have defined us – the service and dialogue and innovation of the inclusive campus – will continue to thrive while new opportunities are created for our students, our teachers, our elders and the future charlottes,” he said.
The current students of the Queens will not undergo any disturbance of their education, continuing the same teachers while accessing the committed learning model of Elon and a network of old students extended.
Vision of Charlotte’s growth
The president of the University of Elon, Connie Book, underlined the potential impact of the merger on the continuous expansion of Charlotte.
“Elon University with Queens is excited and honored to provide leadership for the future of higher education in one of the largest and dynamic and dynamic cities in America,” said the book.
The combined institution aims to strengthen Charlotte’s talent pipeline and workforce preparation. Cureton noted that Elon already has more than 3,000 former students living and working in Charlotte.
The book cited the success of Tia Hudgins, who attended Queens before obtaining his Elon Law diploma and was recently appointed district judge by governor Josh Stein, as the example of the educational trajectory that the merger hopes to create.
Hugh McColl, who was chairman of the Queens board of directors for two decades, approved the merger as “exactly the type of daring and prospective step that Charlotte needs to strengthen her institutions”.
McColl called him “a huge gift” for Charlotte who will help future generations, labor and city status “as a leader in education and innovation”.
University leaders have announced plans for a listening tour from October, inviting contribution to the community to shape the implementation of the merger.
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