Chancellor engages on Connect NC bond

Chancellor Philip L. Dubois has been busy briefing civic groups in Union, Iredell and Gaston counties on the Connect NC bond. The $2 billion measure, if approved by voters on March 15, would bring $90 million to UNC Charlotte for a science building and a total of $135 million to the Charlotte region.

Dubois has said that the funds are critically important to the continued growth of the University and the long-term economic vitality of North Carolina.

“UNC Charlotte has grown from 11,000 students to 28,000 since the current science building was built in 1985,” he said. “More students are choosing science-related majors, with more than 50 percent of students in sciences, engineering and math. Investments through the bond package across the UNC system are focused on STEM-related buildings.”

Dubois has been active throughout the Charlotte region in educating groups about the need for and practicality of the bond. He spoke Feb. 25 to the Rotary Club in Gastonia and met with officials at CaroMont Health. On Feb. 24, Dubois was in Mooresville to address the South Iredell Chamber board of directors and meet with the president of Mitchell Community College.

The chancellor also made presentations on Feb. 17 at the Union County Chamber Public Policy Luncheon and at earlier events in January and February; he has plans for two more presentations in early March. On Feb. 26, Robert Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development will carry a similar message to the Shelby Rotary in Cleveland County.

Learn more about the Connect NC bond on the University’s 49er Democracy Experience website.

Photo: Chancellor Dubois with (from left) alumnus Patricia Goble, RN, CaroMont Health; Nancy Fey-Yensan, dean of the College of Health and Human Services; and Doug Luckett, CEO and president, CaroMont Health.