University Convocation: Spotlight on ‘The Difference is Charlotte’

The city of Charlotte is more than the location of its top-tier research university. At University Convocation, Thursday, Aug. 14, Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber heralded UNC Charlotte’s connection to the Queen City.

“Charlotte isn’t just where we are — it’s part of who we are,” said Gaber. “When our students, faculty and partners engage with the challenges and opportunities of our city, they gain the experiences and insights to create impact on a national and global scale.”

“The Difference is Charlotte” — a bold, new messaging platform — drives home how Niner Nation creates unmistakable value and the qualities that set it apart from other colleges and universities.

“We are showing what we are — and why we are the better, first-choice university for more students, families and partners across the state and beyond,” said Gaber.

The chancellor, addressing faculty and staff at her sixth University Convocation, noted each has felt “like the start of something new.”

Convocation attendees previewed the chancellor’s annual report video that captured significant milestones from the 2024-25 academic year: record-setting enrollment, escalating research expenditures, fundraising successes and Charlotte’s highest-ever national ranking, No. 81 among public universities.

And, the game-changer, achieving R1 research status, held by only 187 universities nationwide.

“We’re the only institution driving the growth in North Carolina’s largest, most dynamic city,” said Gaber. “We’re in elite company.”

Jennifer Troyer, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, welcomed 92 new faculty members and highlighted three key initiatives: The Charlotte Model, which encompasses how the University supports students in their academic journeys; growth in Charlotte Online, which is expanding its offerings to meet working adult learners where they are; and the use of AI in research, teaching and learning, based upon recommendations from the AI Task Force on Teaching and Learning.

John Daniels, vice chancellor for research; Rich Amon, vice chancellor for business affairs; and Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for student affairs, also spoke. The annual faculty meeting followed.

View a rebroadcast of the 2025 University Convocation at https://ucomm.charlotte.edu/livestream/ or photos at https://www.photos.charlotte.edu/EVENTS-2025-26/Convocation-25.