Creating a better future for Charlotte: Chancellor’s Convocation message underscores ‘a great city needs a great university’

Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber’s fourth Convocation speech to UNC Charlotte faculty and staff focused on the University’s amazing strides accomplished during the 2022-23 academic year.

“What’s happening here, collectively or simultaneously, isn’t happening anywhere else, and you are a part of something great,” said Gaber. “This is our time. We are a great University, and we’re only getting stronger to be the university our city and region needs.”

As the University welcomes what it expects is the largest incoming class, Gaber noted Charlotte will focus on three key goals:

• Delivering the best education to students while growing enrollments and increasing graduation rates
• Accelerating the University’s path to top-tier research status
• Growing external support for the institution

With the transition this fall to the American Athletic Conference, UNC Charlotte will be given a “bigger stage,” from which to expand awareness for the entire institution as the region’s public research university.

Contributing to the region and state

As the University continues its trajectory toward top-tier status, Gaber emphasized economic mobility, societal growth and cultural vibrancy.

“Together, through your hard work, knowledge and collaboration, we are making a lasting positive impact on the Charlotte region and beyond,” Gaber stated. “We are creating a better future for Charlotte. And you are an essential part of this transformative journey.”

The Chancellor’s Annual Report for 2022-23 provides additional details on the University’s progress toward meeting the goals of the strategic plan.