The University of
North Carolina
at Charlotte
CHANCELLOR
SEARCH PROFILE
UNCC.EDU
Together, we make Charlotte
BRIGHTER We are all Niners
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a proud member of The University of North Carolina System, announces the search for its next chancellor
Contents About The University of North Carolina at Charlotte............................................... 2 A Growing Emphasis on Research............................................................................. 4 The Queen City............................................................................................................ 6 Scholarly Engagement with the Community............................................................. 8 Strategic Initiatives.................................................................................................... 10 Quality Academics/Committed Faculty and Staff.................................................. 14 A Diverse Student Body............................................................................................ 16 A Welcoming Campus.............................................................................................. 18 Governance................................................................................................................ 20 The Role of the Chancellor....................................................................................... 21 Opportunities and Challenges................................................................................. 22 Desired Qualifications and Characteristics.............................................................. 26 1
About The University of North Carolina at Charlotte Located within the state’s largest and most dynamic city, UNC Charlotte is the fastestgrowing institution and a leading urban research university within the 17-campus UNC System. The University’s mission is to leverage its location to offer internationally competitive programs of research and creative activity; exemplary undergraduate, graduate and professional programs; and a focused set of community engagement initiatives. As the state’s urban research university, UNC Charlotte maintains a particular commitment to addressing the cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health and social needs of the greater Charlotte region. In fulfilling its mission, the University’s vision is to provide accessible and affordable highquality education that equips students with intellectual, professional and critical-thinking 2
skills; ethical principles and an international perspective; a strong foundation in liberal arts and opportunities for experiential education to enhance students’ personal and professional growth; a robust intellectual environment that values social and cultural diversity, free expression, collegiality, integrity and mutual respect; and a diverse, team-oriented, ethically responsible and respectful workplace environment that develops the professional capacities of faculty and staff. A Proud History The history of the institution is important to understand its mission and evolution. Founded in 1946, the Charlotte Center of the University of North Carolina served the educational needs of returning World War II veterans. Three years later, the institution formally became the two-year Charlotte College, responding to the
Being part of Niner Nation means I can take pride in who I am, no matter who I am, and I will always be a part of our diverse family. Carson Davis, history and secondary education major
need for public higher education in the city. In 1965, an act of the State General Assembly transformed Charlotte College into UNC Charlotte, the fourth campus of The University of North Carolina System. The later addition of master’s degree programs and, in 1994, doctoral programs allowed UNC Charlotte to become the city’s only research and doctoral granting institution. Since its founding, the University has awarded more than 149,500 degrees with particularly remarkable growth in undergraduate student enrollment of 40 percent over the last decade. This fall, the University enrolled 29,615 students and experienced record growth with its graduate programs, enrolling the largest class in UNC Charlotte’s history. The undergraduate first-year class is one of the most diverse and academically strongest, with an average GPA of 4.0.
True to its origins, UNC Charlotte continues to serve veterans and remains the largest transfer institution in the state; the recently established 49erNext program provides seamless transfer from participating North Carolina community colleges. In fact, UNC Charlotte was awarded the APLU 2019 Degree Completion Award in recognition of its innovative approaches to improve retention and degree completion. Enrollment growth is attributed to UNC Charlotte’s expanding reputation as an outstanding university that recruits faculty and staff who are truly committed to student success; offers prodigious opportunities in academics, research, community engagement, the arts and athletics; and delivers an unparalleled college experience. UNC Charlotte is recognized as a key partner in the growth and success of the Charlotte region. The Chancellor of the University plays a leadership role in the region’s economic, civic and social life. 3
A Growing Emphasis on Research Research is fundamental to the mission of UNC Charlotte as new knowledge and creative works change the world and shape the future of the University as well as the region. UNC Charlotte places a special value on the translation of research results that affect societal, cultural and economic communities, and strives to advance the quality, diversity and growth of research at the institution. UNC Charlotte’s new external research awards for the 2019 fiscal year, which ended June 30, reached an all-time high of $51 million. This represents a 27 percent increase over a four-year period. Research expenditures, a more universal measure of overall research productivity, also peaked last year, placing UNC Charlotte in the top three among the 17 UNC System institutions. In building successful programs in education and research, UNC Charlotte has strategically aligned its efforts with the major economic sectors in the Charlotte region, engaging the business community in developing a highly trained workforce and a research portfolio of particular relevance to the community. 4
Core areas of funded research excellence include: • Data science and analytics • Cyber defense, security and resilience • Advanced manufacturing and precision measurement • Energy production and infrastructure • Life sciences and bioinformatics • Smart cities and smart transportation • Real estate These and other new emerging areas of research strength are supported by numerous interdisciplinary centers and institutes that provide an exceptional environment for UNC Charlotte’s innovative and interdisciplinary graduate programs. They focus on bioinformatics, biomedical science and engineering, cyber defense and cybersecurity, data science and analytics, data visualization, energy production and infrastructure, freeform optics, geographical information science, mathematical finance, metamaterials, motorsports research, organizational science, optoelectronics and optical communications, precision metrology, public policy, risk management, robotics and sensing and transportation studies.
TOP 5
nationally for number of startups per million dollars of research funding
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The Queen City The third fastest-growing city in the United States, Charlotte is currently the country’s 17th most populous city and the second largest in the Southeast. Serving as a major center for the finance industry (Charlotte is the nation’s second-largest center for banking and finance) as well as for the motorsports and energy industries, the region hosts headquarters for six Fortune 500 companies and 14 Fortune 1000 companies. Among them are Bank of America, Lowe’s, Honeywell International, Duke Energy, Nucor, Sonic Automotive and Sealed Air. Equally significant is the commitment of more than 200 additional Fortune 1000 companies that have placed one or more facilities within the Charlotte region. Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and six major professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the 6
NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the 10th-largest airport in the United States based on passenger totals, provides easy access to domestic and overseas destinations. The city also offers a range of cultural amenities, including the Charlotte Symphony, Charlotte Ballet, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Mint Museum, Harvey Gantt Center, McColl Center for Art + Innovation, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Levine Museum of the New South, a growing landscape of outstanding restaurants and a dynamic, thriving private art gallery scene. For those who enjoy exploring the outdoors, the U.S. National Whitewater Center provides a range of activities, and Charlotte offers easy access to mountainous terrain to the west, as well as the Atlantic coast to the east.
LIGHT RAIL
connects UNC Charlotte to the heart of the city
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Scholarly Engagement with the Community The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has designated UNC Charlotte a community-engaged institution, based upon its institutional commitment to this work. The University’s synergy with the CharlotteMecklenburg community dates to its earliest days as a city-funded college, and is conspicuous in its array of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs that serve the community. Areas of distinction include UNC Charlotte’s leadership statewide in the preparation of teachers as well as innovative programming in new teacher support and teacher professional development. Faculty in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences collaborate with Johnson C. Smith University and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools on the Charlotte Teachers Institute, a highly regarded, interdisciplinary professional development program for in-service teachers. The Cato College of Education is nationally recognized for research and doctoral education in special education and child development and recently became the first in the nation to launch an online master’s degree in urban education.
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Programs across the University have long and deep collaborative histories with cultural organizations in the region, as these examples illustrate: the Department of Art and Art History celebrates an artist-in-resident program with the McColl Center for Art + Innovation to create artwork for public exhibitions in response to social issues; the Department of Dance and Charlotte Ballet offer a professional training certificate; the City.Building. Lab (CBL) within the School of Architecture recently has engaged the City of Lumberton on resiliency planning initiatives as well as with the West Side Community Land Trust in Charlotte. The University has a special relationship with the Levine Museum of the New South in its programming around social justice issues. The Charlotte region’s business community has long turned to the Belk College of Business for insightful expertise and innovative partnerships. Since 1981, the Barings/UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast has provided quarterly economic data and insights for business leaders. The Childress Klein Center for Real Estate holds several successful public outreach events each year; for instance, the Center recently held a summit on the state of
A COMMUNITYENGAGED UNIVERSITY recognized by The Carnegie Foundation
housing in Charlotte around the issue of affordable housing. Through the CEO Speaker Series, the Entrepreneurial Decisions Speaker Series and the Women in Business signature events, the business community, faculty and students directly engage to build and share knowledge. Given its urban orientation and co-location with some of the finest health care systems in the country, UNC Charlotte is uniquely positioned to be a primary leader in the state and in the region on a broad spectrum of health and human service-related matters. The College of Health and Human Services has a formal partnership with the Mecklenburg
County Health Department that includes resource matching through co-hiring of shared faculty, the development of co-managed interventions and grant submissions and a variety of applied research and outreach activities that utilize vertical teams of academic and community resources, including faculty and students of all levels. Additionally, the Academy for Research in Community Health, Education and Services (ARCHES) leads evidence-based and collaborative solutions (research and outreach) to promote equity and social justice related to health access, health care service delivery and health outcomes, and reduces the health disparities that are common in the greater Charlotte community. 9
Strategic Initiatives With deliberate and strategic leadership from Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, UNC Charlotte has developed key initiatives, each carefully designed to enhance a particular aspect of the University experience for its students, faculty, staff, alumni and community. These are direct outgrowths of previous institutional plans and the current Institutional Plan 2016-2021, and emphasize the priorities of the University and its understanding of the needs of the community. Diversity, Access and Inclusion As the Charlotte community and the student population grow increasingly diverse, it is more important than ever to ensure the campus community is inclusive and inviting. In 2006, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois affirmed the University’s commitment to an inclusive environment by building an infrastructure to support meaningful diversity and inclusion efforts. He appointed the Council on University Community (CUC), which assembled the University’s first comprehensive Plan for Campus Diversity, Access, and Inclusion to bring coherence, visibility and accountability to these efforts. 10
Also established was the Chancellor’s Diversity Challenge Fund, which supports faculty, staff and student initiatives that promote the value of diversity in the intellectual life of the campus. To date, mini-grants totaling $1.45 million have been awarded from the Fund. Community and Civic Engagement UNC Charlotte’s Civic Action Plan outlines a sustainable and long-term approach to activate UNC Charlotte’s mission to address the unique needs of the Charlotte region. It provides a strategy to improve social outcomes by organizing resources, community-based research, student experiences and community collaborations to effectively address regional needs. The University maintains close collaborations with arts and cultural organizations, local school systems and nonprofit agencies to connect all aspects of student interest and University expertise to the community. Data Science Initiative The Data Science Initiative (DSI) at UNC Charlotte is an industry-university-state partnership, combining aspects of computer
I feel support from both inside and outside of the classroom. For me, Niner Nation provides another family where everyone wants to see you succeed in all aspects of life. Gabby Hutter, marketing major
science, business analytics, applied mathematics and statistics. DSI brings academia and industry together to turn data into knowledge and knowledge into actionable insight. As a hub for economic activity in banking, energy, retail and health care, Charlotte provides the perfect backdrop for big data research, not to mention countless partnership opportunities with local industry leaders who recognize DSI’s value and potential. PORTAL Building on UNC Charlotte’s history of leadership in technology transfer, the Partnership, Outreach and Research to Accelerate Learning (PORTAL) facility opened in 2014 to simplify universityindustry collaboration, support startup companies and prepare future entrepreneurs. PORTAL, along with the space dedicated to the Millennial Campus, brings industry research to campus, facilitates research partnerships, eases access to faculty and student research and, in some cases, provides space for major corporations to set up shop during relocation to Charlotte. Energy Production and Infrastructure Center The Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) was conceived in response to a recent energy industry “boom” in Charlotte.
Through collaborative partnerships with industry leaders such as Duke Energy, Siemens, AREVA, Westinghouse, EPRI and others, UNC Charlotte is making strides in addressing the energy industry’s pressing needs for human capital and performing fundamental and applied research to improve the security and continuity of energy. Light Rail Extension The expansion of CATS light rail in March 2018 to University City transformed UNC Charlotte’s main campus connection to its Center City building and all of uptown Charlotte. Providing convenient and much-needed access for students, faculty and staff members, the light rail has made the University’s resources, including cultural and athletic events on campus, highly accessible to residents throughout Charlotte. Campus Safety and Security The safety and security of the campus and the faculty, staff and students who live and work here are of paramount importance. Over the past decade, more than $70 million has been invested in technology, planning and training to ensure that UNC Charlotte’s campuses are as safe as possible. The Campus Safety and Security Committee leads the implementation of a comprehensive plan to address the physical safety and security at UNC 11
Charlotte, monitors the plan’s progress, advises University leadership concerning safety issues and concerns and makes additional recommendations to ensure a secure environment for all members of the UNC Charlotte community. University Professional Internship Program As evidence of UNC Charlotte’s focus on engaged and applied learning, the University Professional Internship Program (UPIP) provides students with unique internship opportunities tailored to their specific majors and career interests. UPIP interns receive valuable mentoring from University faculty and administrators and have the opportunity to gain essential knowledge and experience, while contributing in a meaningful way to the inner workings of the University. This program complements the University’s programs in undergraduate research and the many internships available, through the University Career Center, in the Charlotte region. 49er Finish Responding to the growth in jobs requiring a baccalaureate degree and the presence in Charlotte of many adult learners with some credit but no degree, the 49er Finish program was created in 2005 to reach out to students who left UNC Charlotte without completing their undergraduate degrees. The program makes it possible and convenient for these former students to return to 12
the University and finish their degrees. To date, nearly 1,000 students completed degrees through this Model of Excellence award-winning program. 49er Finish is expanding to reach a broader population of adult learners with a new, flexible, competency-based degree. 49ers Football After careful study and financial analysis, UNC Charlotte introduced a football program in 2013. Now in its 7th season, this rising program has firstclass facilities and a top-notch coaching staff, led by dynamic head coach Will Healy, who joined the Niners in December 2018. Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte On June 30, 2020, UNC Charlotte will complete “Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte,” a record-breaking $200 million campaign that offered alumni, business leaders and the University community an opportunity to accelerate and inspire exponential growth on campus and in students’ lives, shaping an exciting future. The campaign was designed to increase student scholarships, improve the student experience, recruit and retain skilled faculty and support key programs. Over the course of the campaign, total University giving on an average annual basis doubled, establishing a strong base for the University’s next comprehensive effort.
College of Computing and Informatics is the
LARGEST COMPUTING COLLEGE in North Carolina
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Quality Academics/Committed Faculty and Staff Students at UNC Charlotte experience rigorous academic programs designed to meet the needs of a dynamic workforce and global society. Led by the University’s committed, accomplished and caring faculty and staff, students can expect to receive a hands-on approach to innovative learning and explore groundbreaking research opportunities. As part of the University’s commitment to remain nimble in an evolving higher education landscape, there is continuous exploration of emerging teaching and learning methods, including online education and distance learning. More than 1,100 full-time and almost 500 parttime faculty members account for an average 19:1 student to faculty ratio, providing personalized attention and teaching relationships that can persist for a lifetime. The faculty and staff are dedicated to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, community outreach and the growth and development of the University experience for all students. UNC Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In December 2013, the University received its reaffirmation of SACSCOC accreditation for the next 10 years. Disciplinespecific accreditations within UNC Charlotte span the University’s offerings and demonstrate 14
its commitment to high-quality educational opportunities. UNC Charlotte offers more than 160 undergraduate programs across seven colleges: College of Arts + Architecture; Belk College of Business; College of Computing and Informatics; Cato College of Education; The William States Lee College of Engineering; College of Health and Human Services; and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The Graduate School offers more than 150 graduate programs, including 24 doctoral programs, with more than 5,000 students enrolled. In 2016, UNC Charlotte was classified as a doctoral granting institution with higher research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Many graduate programs are top-ranked and rising in rankings. U.S. News & World Report recently named the UNC Charlotte part-time MBA program in the top 20 percent nationally and the no. 1 ranked public part-time MBA program in North Carolina; both the UNC Charlotte Master of Social Work program and Master of Public Administration program are ranked in the top 25 percent nationally. The Financial Engineer has ranked the M.S. in Mathematical Finance program no. 14 in the nation and the Master of Accountancy program in the top 25 percent nationwide.
The campus is beautiful, the city is opportunistic, the people are genuine, and the culture is electric. Evan Shirreffs MBA student
The Office of International Programs is the locus of leadership and responsibility as well as a catalyst for change for the international role and mission of the university. To this end, OIP promotes curriculum development, faculty research and program implementation in the various colleges; administers the University’s English Language Training Institute; and coordinates campus activities related to international students and scholars, education abroad, international exchange, cross-cultural training and world affairs education. In the last five years, faculty have received national and international recognition for their scholarly contributions by various learned societies and research organizations: fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, American Council of Learned Societies, National Humanities Center, American Association for the Advancement of Science and Fulbright Scholarship Program. Faculty also have received National Science Foundation CAREER and a National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award. Two faculty members have been recipients of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa and the Humboldt Research Award. 15
A Diverse Student Body As Charlotte and the University have rapidly grown over the years, so has the rich diversity of the student body. The campus community represents a mixture of backgrounds and cultures that help enrich the learning atmosphere and create an environment where all students feel that they belong. In 2019, UNC Charlotte enrollment was 29,615 students, encompassing approximately 24,070 undergraduates and 5,545 graduate students. Students come from 47 U.S. states, with about 2,000 international students originating from 105 countries. Of the entire student body, 49 percent are female; 33 percent are with racialized identities. Seventy-five percent of students receive financial aid and 41 percent of those students receive Pell Grants totaling more than $44.4 million annually. UNC Charlotte is the leading campus in the UNC System for community college transfers and 37 percent of freshmen are first-generation college students. The University’s student success 16
initiatives have eliminated gaps in graduation for underrepresented populations and have increased the four-year graduation rate from 24 to 42 percent. The diversity of the University’s student body also extends into its broad array of student activities. UNC Charlotte has more than 400 student clubs and organizations, 15 intramural sports and 18 NCAA Division I sports teams competing in Conference USA. In the past year, more than 400 student-athletes completed nearly 4,300 hours of community service. In addition, 62 percent of student-athletes earn a 3.0 GPA or better. Student perspective is valued at UNC Charlotte and is included in various decision-making processes. Currently, a Tuition and Fees Advisory Board, composed of 21 undergraduate and graduate students appointed by the Chancellor and Student Body President, hears and reacts to student fee increase requests from a variety of campus administrators, and advocates for student interests.
29,615 students
24,070
undergraduates
47 states and 105 countries
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A Welcoming Campus UNC Charlotte’s main campus is in University City, approximately eight miles from uptown Charlotte and accessible via light rail. The picturesque campus sits on nearly 1,000 wooded acres with 10 acres of outdoor botanical gardens, hiking trails, the McMillan Greenhouse and a tropical plant courtyard. Approximately one-quarter of UNC Charlotte students choose to live on campus and within walking distance to classes, labs, libraries, light rail, theaters, concerts, art galleries and sports facilities. Students have a choice of 17 residence halls, including Greek organization housing and learning communities. Personalized dining options offer the ultimate in choice and convenience with traditional dining halls and specialty restaurants. UNC Charlotte has a permanent presence in Charlotte’s Center City, a 143,000-square-foot facility with 25 classrooms and design studios, 18
meeting and performance spaces and an art gallery, adjacent to a four-acre city park. UNC Charlotte Center City is the only University of North Carolina building conceived and designed specifically to serve the people, organizations and businesses of an urban center. UNC Charlotte is an active participant in the city’s business and cultural district, bringing the University’s considerable intellectual resources to the heart of the Charlotte community. To support and foster academic inquiry, research collaboration, executive education and other campus activities, the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center will open in March 2021 adjacent to the main campus. This 226-room full-service hotel also will house a 15,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art conference space. The UNC Charlotte Foundation is the developer of the project and Sage Hospitality, a Denver-based hotel management firm, will serve as hotel operator.
144,000 current alumni;
76,271
in the Charlotte region
UNC Charlotte’s Center City Building offers classes, community events and convenient access to professional development opportunities.
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I feel as if UNC Charlotte is where I am supposed to be. I became part of Niner Nation as a young girl, and I am proud to still be a part of Niner Nation today. Katie Shue McGuffin graduate, nursing faculty
Governance UNC Charlotte is one of 17 constituent institutions comprising the University of North Carolina System. The System is overseen by a 24-member UNC Board of Governors, elected by the North Carolina General Assembly to four-year terms. The Board has responsibility for the policy-making, planning, management and overall governance of the UNC System, and elects the System’s president to serve as the chief administrative and executive officer. The Board also selects each institution’s chancellor, upon the nomination of the president. Each institution within the System also has its own Board of Trustees, which is delegated extensive authority and power over operations and academics on campus. UNC Charlotte has a 13-member Board of Trustees. Eight members are elected to four-year terms by the UNC Board of Governors, four members are appointed by the North Carolina General Assembly and the president of the student body serves a one-year term as an ex officio member. 20
The Role of the Chancellor Under the supervision and direction of the UNC System President, UNC Charlotte’s Chancellor executes the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees, while overseeing the University’s strategic direction. The Chancellor has eight direct reports: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs, Director of Athletics, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity and General Counsel, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Chief of Staff, and Senior Executive Assistant. Learn about the Chancellor’s entire leadership team here. The Chancellor works closely with UNC System leaders to ensure alignment between UNC Charlotte’s strategic initiatives and UNC System priorities as well as with the University’s senior leadership team to assure University initiatives and resources are appropriately matched. In concert with
the University’s academic leaders, the Chancellor drives pedagogical, programmatic, research and student experience initiatives while identifying opportunities to advance the institution’s academic mission and overseeing high-level planning and execution of new and evolving academic programs. The Chancellor serves as the public face of the University, providing leadership for fundraising, enrollment, and communications and marketing as well as community, government and UNC System relations. With primary fiscal responsibility for the institution, the Chancellor oversees an annual operating budget of more than $700 million, which is funded by state appropriations (35 percent), tuition and fees (30 percent), non-capital gifts and grants (13 percent), auxiliary enterprises (12 percent), grants, contracts and other (10 percent), and total endowments of more than $225 million. Here are UNC Charlotte’s most recent audited financial statements. 21
Opportunities and Challenges Building upon the success that has been realized under a decade and a half of outstanding leadership from Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, the next Chancellor will lead the University with particular focus on the following opportunities and challenges: Identify and implement the next set of strategic initiatives Through a collaborative and transparent process, the Chancellor will lead a comprehensive strategic planning process to identify major specific initiatives that speak to the aspirations of the UNC Charlotte community grounded in the realities of the current and future higher education landscapes. Strategic planning efforts will focus on all facets of the UNC Charlotte experience, including teaching, research, student success, community engagement, social justice and athletics. The Chancellor will work closely with UNC Charlotte stakeholders as well as University System leaders to ensure a 22
collaborative, transparent process resulting in the implementation of initiatives that continue to move the University forward, while ensuring alignment with overall System initiatives. Solidify UNC Charlotte’s position as a top-tier, nationally recognized university Through the strategic planning process, the Chancellor will cement the University’s identity as a nationally competitive institution, with particular focus on research and program growth. The University will celebrate its 75th anniversary in September 2021, affording the new Chancellor a platform to identify opportunities to further strengthen the University’s reputation as a premier learning environment, positioning it to attract the most talented students, faculty, administrators and staff. The Chancellor will work collaboratively with the community to clarify the core values of the University and then develop a strategy to promote its position externally.
Develop and execute a fundraising strategy The Chancellor will serve as chief fundraiser for the University and will work closely with the Division of University Advancement to develop and execute a strategy around fundraising and constituent engagement. The Chancellor will engage regularly with internal and external stakeholders and will secure funds in support of the academic mission of the University, including research dollars. Considering the current trend in state appropriations, the Chancellor will identify opportunities to improve and add revenue streams for the University. Strengthen and oversee the enrollment strategy In light of challenging demographics, intensifying competition and rising costs, the Chancellor will work with the admissions and communications teams to develop a high-level enrollment strategy to navigate those challenges. With continued focus on attracting a talented and diverse student population, the Chancellor will ensure that every effort is made to position the University so that it is attractive and accessible to students from Charlotte and beyond. Continue to strengthen and steward the University’s financial resources The Chancellor will oversee budgeting and resource allocation, working closely with UNC Charlotte administrators as well as University System leaders. With particular focus on managing and minimizing tuition increases, the Chancellor will develop a plan
for financial sustainability into the future, focused on increasing non-tuition revenue, controlling expenses and investing in areas of opportunity with focus on technological enhancements. UNC Charlotte is deeply committed to making its degrees and programs reachable for a wide range of traditional and nontraditional students, and the Chancellor will develop a financial strategy that effectively aligns resources with strategic goals, including continued commitment to championing and improving access. Further strengthen UNC Charlotte’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment The University has prioritized diversity, equity and inclusion as essential components of the community, and that commitment must continue under the leadership of the next Chancellor. Through collaboration with faculty, administrators, staff, students and external partners, the Chancellor will ensure that UNC Charlotte continues to celebrate diversity in all forms and will provide strategic oversight to help ensure all members of the UNC Charlotte community continue to thrive. The Chancellor will have the ability and the interest in enhancing international understanding and global awareness as a fundamental aspect of a university’s mission. The UNC Charlotte community prides itself on being open and welcoming to people from all identities, and the Chancellor will support and promote efforts to further strengthen this commitment. 23
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Enhance the student experience The Chancellor will collaborate with student life leaders to identify ways to enhance the student experience inside and outside the classroom. UNC Charlotte serves a range of traditional and nontraditional students, and the Chancellor will oversee efforts to ensure that all student profiles are valued as strategic initiatives emerge. With attention to safety, intellectual engagement, support systems, experiential learning and physical, mental and emotional well-being, the Chancellor will ensure that the UNC Charlotte student experience remains a top area of focus.
needs of the University community and those who would benefit from new discoveries. The Chancellor will work with academic leaders and external community members to identify ways that UNC Charlotte can further contribute to the economic development needs in the city and surrounding regions through graduate curricula. Understanding the contributions of the humanities and the arts to human flourishing and the well-being of diverse and democratic societies, the Chancellor will reaffirm and expand the University’s commitment to humanities and arts scholarship and program areas.
Advance and support the University’s research agenda and graduate education The Chancellor will work closely with academic leaders and others within the community to identify and capitalize on opportunities to advance research and grow the University’s programmatic breadth at the graduate level. The Chancellor will help the academic community think creatively about securing additional research dollars and expanding the scholarship agenda to address the
Make faculty and staff recruitment and retention a top priority The Chancellor will demonstrate a commitment to recruiting, supporting, developing, and retaining a diverse and high-quality faculty and staff. This will include a focus on providing market competitive compensation for all UNC Charlotte employees. Promote a culture of lifelong learning Recognizing that students must be prepared to thrive in an unpredictable world where change is
The University offers a path to selfdiscovery through knowledge, and I can honestly say that my life was forever changed by the experiences I’ve been fortunate to have while attending this school. Jordan Scott exercise science major
the only certainty, the Chancellor must provide an intellectually dynamic environment in which both students and faculty thrive. The Chancellor will support innovation and risk-taking among the faculty so they can continue to develop curricula and pedagogy based on new ways of knowing and thinking, with the goal of helping students become original thinkers, creative problem-solvers, empathetic individuals and committed global citizens. With liberal arts and sciences as the backbone of the undergraduate curriculum, UNC Charlotte will prepare its students for a future of work that predicts a person will change jobs 12 times in a lifetime. Students will develop the capacity for lifelong learning, confidence in their own intellectual agility, and enduring curiosity about the world in which they live. Serve as the public face of the University, identifying opportunities to further strengthen connections with the Charlotte community With particular focus on enriching the student experience and identifying opportunities to support Charlotte and North Carolina, the
Chancellor will engage regularly with the leaders of communities the University serves. Community engagement remains an essential component of the UNC Charlotte mission, and the Chancellor will identify and capitalize on opportunities to build even stronger bridges between the University and its surrounding communities. The Chancellor will engage leaders in the nonprofit, for-profit, NGO and government sectors throughout the Charlotte region to build and strengthen connections, tapping into opportunities to collaborate with the growing number of organizations that call Charlotte home. Provide leadership, vision, and oversight for UNC Charlotte’s Division I athletics program The Chancellor will work closely with the Director of Athletics to promote a sustainable, academically responsible model. The Chancellor will ensure that student-athletes are supported, safe and successful, on and off the playing surfaces. There also will be focus on further strengthening 49er pride and ensuring that UNC Charlotte athletes are celebrated in the ways they deserve. 25
Desired Qualifications and Characteristics The ideal candidate should possess an earned terminal degree, demonstrate depth and breadth of understanding in the higher education landscape and possess an outstanding record of teaching and research, exceptional leadership skills and experience, or have demonstrated successful leadership in complex environments at the highest levels with a proven understanding of and commitment and passion for higher education. This leader should be able to demonstrate: • A clear appreciation for the academic mission, with evidence of supporting initiatives around teaching, learning, research and civic engagement; • A clear understanding of the evolving higher education landscape, with particular focus on public institutions and system dynamics; • An orientation for collaboration and effective management within a complex system environment;
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• Evidence of moving an institution along an upward trajectory within the context of uncontrollable external forces, both national and global; • A collaborative leadership style, with a demonstrated appreciation for shared governance; • Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external constituents; • A record of securing resources in support of operations, capital projects and research;
• An entrepreneurial approach to leadership with an ability to think beyond the status quo and bring bold ideas to the table;
• Success with effectively managing budgets in a complex environment and within the context of competing interests;
• Success with identifying, planning and implementing high-level strategic initiatives;
• Success with attracting, developing and retaining talented leaders;
• A clear commitment to enhancing the student experience and continuously seeking opportunities to strengthen campus life and culture;
• A record of external engagement with demonstrated success in building and strengthening bridges between an institution and its surrounding communities; and,
• A record of advancing initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive learning environment;
• The highest level of integrity, patience, flexibility and a sense of humor.
NO. 1
in the UNC System for transfer students
40%
Nearly of freshman are first-generation college students
For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications to:
Tom Fitch, Partner Julie Tea, Partner Jim Sirianni, Partner Ethan Dubow, Principal N. Will Anyu, Junior Associate Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates LP CharlotteChancellor@storbecksearch.com The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an equal opportunity employer and, in compliance with federal and state laws and University policy, is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Individuals from traditionally underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.