News Briefs
www.UNCC.edu
‘Education leader to watch’ named UNC Charlotte’s fifth chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, Ph.D., was appointed UNC Charlotte’s fifth chancellor by the UNC Board of Governors on April 28. Gaber, who will join the University on July 20, has been president of the University of Toledo since 2015, where she was nationally recognized for her efforts to increase enrollment, improve graduation and retention rates, keep education affordable, and make the campus environment diverse and inclusive. Education Dive, a leading publication devoted to K-12 and higher education, named her one of five higher education leaders to watch in 2018 and beyond. Mike Wilson ’93, chair of the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees and the Chancellor Selection Committee, stated, “This is a historic moment for UNC Charlotte at a historic time in our nation and in higher education. We are fortunate to have found a strong, innovative and accomplished leader like Sharon Gaber to guide UNC Charlotte through the next chapter in its history and to solidify our position as a top-tier, nationally recognized university.” Gaber mentioned that the connection and camaraderie she already feels with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members make UNC Charlotte feel like home. “It is the dedication and commitment of each of you to serve the needs of others and the critical role UNC Charlotte plays as an economic engine for this growing region. I hope to continue that legacy.” She added, “UNC Charlotte is well-positioned to impact the city, region and state. I am impressed with UNC Charlotte’s outstanding reputation in academics, its growing research capabilities and its diverse student population.” Interim UNC President Bill Roper, who selected Gaber for approval by the UNC Board of Governors, said her impressive career at each level of education makes her the ideal candidate to lead UNC Charlotte. “Her many past achievements and future goals will benefit both the UNC System and UNC Charlotte,” stated Roper. “I have great confidence that UNC Charlotte will continue to grow and develop under her strong leadership.” Prior to being named the 17th president of the University of Toledo, Gaber served six years as provost
4
UNC CHARLOTTE magazine
|
Summer 2020
and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas. In addition, she held faculty and administrative positions at Auburn University, including interim provost, and was a faculty member and administrator at the University of Nebraska. A graduate of Occidental College with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Gaber earned a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University.
