Charlotte Achieves Highest USNWR Ranking, Chancellor Receives World Citizen Award, Honeywell Investment and more
UNC Charlotte Earns Highest-ever U.S. News Public Ranking
UNC Charlotte continues its rapid ascent among the nation’s top research universities, achieving its highest-ever ranking among U.S. public institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings released Tuesday, Sept. 23. Charlotte rose seven spots to No. 74 among public research universities and climbed nine spots to No. 143 among all national universities.
- Building on Momentum: Since 2020, Charlotte has climbed 85 spots overall, the fastest rise among any national university in the Carolinas.
Chancellor Gaber Receives World Citizen Award
Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber is the 2025 recipient of the World Citizen Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. This prestigious honor recognizes her leadership and commitment to strengthening Charlotte’s role on the global stage.
what you need to know: faculty and staff
- International Music Performance: The campus community is invited to a closing performance by 23 students from Tohoku University (Japan) at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, in Rowe Arts Building, Room 140. The group will perform at the 2025 International Festival at 1:15 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in Halton Arena.
- Bloom Watch: The Botanical Gardens are on bloom watch for their corpse flower, Cadavera. Check out the “Bloomstream” on YouTube.
what you need to know: students
- Congrats Chancellor Gaber: Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber is the 2025 recipient of the World Citizen Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. This prestigious honor recognizes her leadership and commitment to strengthening Charlotte’s role on the global stage.
- Nourish and Flourish: Join the Center for Wellness Promotion for a relaxing self-care swap from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30. Engage in journaling, arts and crafts and sensory activities, or bring your own self-care activity and win an exclusive prize.
- 2026 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award: Did you recently complete a master’s thesis? Apply for the 2026 Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award by Monday, Oct. 13.
the difference is charlotte
UNC Charlotte and Honeywell announced a $10 million investment that will expand STEM workforce development, accelerate innovation in the Charlotte region and transform Burson Hall into the state-of-the-art Honeywell Innovation Hub. The gift also supports scholarships for high-achieving students, integrated research opportunities and endowed faculty positions that strengthen research and teaching excellence.
upcoming events
Niner Nation Week: Homecoming 2025 is Oct. 12-19, and this year is packed with traditions, music, games and plenty of 49er spirit. Mark your calendars for the following celebrations and visit the website for a full list of events.
- Paint the Campus Green: Kick off Homecoming by covering the campus in green starting at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, Monday, Oct. 13.
- Student Homecoming Kickoff Event: Celebrate the start of Niner Nation Week with music, games and free swag at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the CHHS/CoED Plaza.
- Homecoming Carnival: Return to CHHS/CoED Plaza at 4:40 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, for the annual Homecoming Carnival.
- 2025 Homecoming Football Game: Wear all green to Jerry Richardson Stadium to watch the 49ers take on the Temple Owls Saturday, Oct. 17.
professional development: faculty and staff
- Legal Affairs Training: Learn more about the rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape at an upcoming virtual training from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30. Register to receive a Zoom link.
- SoTL Grants on AI: Want to study how AI is changing the way we teach? Apply for a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning grant by Wednesday, Oct. 1.
- urbanCORE Incubator Presentation: Learn how the Central Avenue/Albemarle Road Community Innovation Incubator team co-designed a project with local partners and how to join the next cohort at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Sycamore Hall, Room 306.
- Final Reminder: The deadline to submit applications or nominations for sponsorships to attend the Leadership Development Program offered through the Center for Creative Leadership is Friday, Oct. 3.
to-do list: faculty and staff
- Attend International Festival: The 2025 International Festival is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center; don’t miss out!
- Schedule a Flu Shot: No one has time for the flu. Schedule a flu vaccine at one of the convenient campus clinics happening throughout October.
- Gear Up with Niner Pride: Visit Barnes & Noble Charlotte in the Popp Martin Student Union to take advantage of faculty and staff discounts on apparel, gifts, accessories and more.
to-do list: students
- Attend International Festival: The 2025 International Festival is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center; don’t miss out!
- Schedule a Flu Shot: No one has time for the flu. Schedule a flu vaccine at one of the convenient campus clinics happening throughout October.
- Bloom Watch Live: The Botanical Gardens are on bloom watch for their corpse flower, Cadavera. Check out the “Bloomstream” on YouTube.