Work of urbanCORE Moving Under Urban Institute

The work of urbanCORE, UNC Charlotte’s hub for engaged scholarship, is moving under the University’s Urban Institute effective immediately.
As part of the Urban Institute, urbanCORE will continue to facilitate community-engaged faculty research and student engagement related to the university’s academic mission.

The expanded Urban Institute — the region’s applied research and community outreach center — will collaborate with urbanCORE to strengthen community partnerships that address the complex challenges facing the Charlotte region.

“Integrating urbanCORE under UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute is a strategic realignment that will leverage the strengths of both units, serving as a catalyst and connector for meaningful community impact,” said Provost Jennifer Troyer. “This alignment reflects the Urban Institute’s long-standing role as a trusted community research partner and convener, while honoring the relationships built more recently by urbanCORE and preserving its essential function as a connector and capacity builder.”

Lori Thomas will continue to lead the Urban Institute as executive director. Thomas, an associate professor of social work, joined the UNC Charlotte faculty in 2008 and has led the Urban Institute since 2022.

Tamara Johnson will remain the director of urbanCORE and will join the senior leadership team at the Urban Institute. She was appointed interim director of urbanCORE in July.