May 2026

5 Cool Things

Shannon, Madison, Brendon and Kenny White at Shannon's graduation

Family Ties

After cheering on her husband and children at UNC Charlotte commencements for years, Shannon Culler White finally crossed the stage herself this spring. The first-generation student, mother and grandmother completed a decades-long journey to earn her degree — and continue a family tradition rooted in Niner pride.

Fall Forecast

Charlotte Football’s 2026 schedule is here, featuring matchups against Ole Miss, App State, Memphis and Navy, plus Family Weekend and Niner Nation Week: Homecoming 2026. With renewed momentum under head coach Tim Albin, ticket packages and game-day plans are rolling out now.

Insight Engine

UNC Charlotte has launched the North Carolina Economic Impact Center, a new initiative designed to deliver real-time economic insights for business, government and community leaders across the state. Housed in the Belk College of Business, the center will help translate complex data into practical decision-making for North Carolina’s future.

Patent Power

From AI disaster-response drones to breakthrough cancer therapies, UNC Charlotte researchers are turning bold ideas into real-world technologies. The 2026 Invention of the Year Awards highlighted the University’s growing national reputation in innovation, patents and commercialization.

Smiling woman in a floral jumpsuit stands beside a large painted Easter egg sculpture during the Easter Eggs on Parade public art exhibit.

A Lot to SHOUT About

As the Ideas Pillar Sponsor of Charlotte SHOUT!, UNC Charlotte helped bring thought leadership, creativity and innovation to the center of Uptown this spring. From immersive experiences to student, faculty and alumni involvement, Charlotte’s presence helped shape one of the city’s biggest cultural celebrations.