29 minute read
The Dubois Legacy: 15 Years of Visionary Leadership
15 years of visionary leadership at UNC Charlotte
BY PHILLIP BROWN
UNC Charlotte’s ascension as an innovative, urban research university is the result of strategic leadership and dedication by countless individuals. The University’s unprecedented growth in mission and commitment to the region during the past 15 years, though, is attributable to the vision exhibited by Chancellor Philip L. Dubois.
From its founding as the Charlotte Center to its evolution to Charlotte College to its inclusion in the UNC System as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University benefited from the right leader needed for the time. Since July 15, 2005, Phil Dubois has fit the bill.
As an institution, UNC Charlotte is a much different place than the campus Dubois knew as provost, a position he left in 1997 to serve as president of the University of Wyoming. Certainly, since his return and during his tenure as chancellor, the campus has grown in numbers of students and has added world-class academic, research, athletics and campus living facilities.
More important, the University has forged a stronger connection to the city of Charlotte and the greater Mecklenburg region. The sense of Niner Nation pride has never been more pervasive.
Building a responsive University
Pat McCrory, as mayor of Charlotte and governor of the state, worked closely with the chancellor. He recognized early that Dubois had a vision for how the University would be integral to the growth of Charlotte, not only in respect to light rail, which would arrive on campus in 2018, but as an important resource in meeting the workforce needs of the region.
“Charlotte and the state of North Carolina will continue to feel the positive impacts of his vision and the strategy employed to implement that vision,” said McCrory. “Chancellor Dubois recognized the importance of meeting industry needs for greater numbers of well-trained engineers and scientists, which led to my initiating the Connect NC bonds for the UNC System (as governor), the largest in state history dedicated to STEM.”
Provost Joan Lorden credited Dubois with the tremendous growth in the University’s research enterprise, which has doubled since 2005, and the
launch of programs designed to meet the demands of several of Charlotte’s key economic sectors: health care, engineering, energy and computing and informatics.
“Of course our core academic programs support all we do, but in advocating for the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), as one example, the chancellor helped create a strong research program to meet the workforce demands for a vital industry in the region. This has enabled the University to forge important research partnerships for our faculty and students,” she said.
Connecting the University and the Queen City
Dubois, from his earliest days as chancellor, sought ways to connect the University to Charlotte’s dynamic urban core. The introduction of light rail and the creation of UNC Charlotte Center City were key to better positioning the University to address the cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health and social needs of the greater Charlotte region.
Faculty expertise and University resources are fundamental to addressing unique challenges and issues associated with a metropolitan area. Internships created through partnerships with Charlotte’s leading employers provide outstanding opportunities for the University’s growing undergraduate and graduate populations, not to mention students’ chances to conduct handson research projects and develop networks with business and community leaders.
Wade Bruton
-PAT MCCRORY FORMER N.C. GOVERNOR
Wade Bruton
–MIKE HILL, ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
Light rail makes it easier for the greater Charlotte community to enjoy all the resources of an urban research university, not only in terms of applied research and academics, but cultural amenities and a robust intercollegiate athletics program. UNC Charlotte Center City, beyond housing a number of the University’s key graduate programs and continuing education offerings, has proven to be an important convener of community-oriented events, programs, exhibits and more.
“A deep connection with the city and surrounding areas enables growth in internships, civic engagement and other forms of experiential learning,” said Lorden. “UNC Charlotte Center City has enabled partnerships that provide the basis for problem-oriented, community-engaged research valued by UNC Charlotte throughout its history.”
Invigorated pride in Niner Nation
UNC Charlotte was ready at the time of Dubois’ arrival to shed its longstanding reputation as a commuter or “suitcase” school and transition into a place that students consider home. To do so, the chancellor presided over a number of initiatives that made possible a campus renewal that astounds Charlotteans, University alumni and prospective students and parents.
In the early 2000s, student leaders identified the need for a lively and inviting gathering place on campus. The chancellor and his executive team crafted plans to fund a new student union, now known as the Popp Martin Student Union.
Strategically located where the paths of thousands of students converge daily, the student union is headquarters for student engagement with access to more than 400 registered student organizations, up from approximately 245 when Dubois arrived as chancellor in 2005. It also houses several dining options, including the popular Crown Commons, meeting spaces for students, a movie theater, art gallery and Barnes & Noble at UNC Charlotte, not to mention Starbucks and other retail shops. The University Recreation Center, which opened in January 2020, is adjacent.
More than 2.3 million visits were logged to the Popp Martin Student Union by students, faculty, staff and others in 2018-19. The highest-ever-usage day—when 20,156 constituents passed through its doors—was Aug. 20, 2019, the first day of classes for the fall semester.
A central hub on campus that has become a “living room” of sorts, the student union, which was ranked by Best College Values as one of the “30 Most Amazing Student Unions,” has fostered a noticeable sense of community among UNC Charlotte students.
“The Popp Martin Student Union provides a space on campus focused solely on enhancing educational, cultural and developmental social interaction through programs and events hosted by us, the student body,” said Chandler Crean, president of the Student Government Association for 2019- 20.
Major accomplishments of the Dubois Era
Drove the work of two five-year institutional strategic plans, the Campus Master Plan for facilities development and land use, and nearly 20 studies to accommodate rapid enrollment growth
Led the largest facility construction and renovation program in UNC Charlotte’s history, exceeding $1.2 billion (page 25)
Created the Council on University Community and the Chancellor’s $150,000 Challenge Fund to support campus diversity activities and led the implementation of two five-year plans related to diversity, access and inclusion (page 24)
Supported the 2016 Connect North Carolina bond measure, influencing a favorable public vote and making possible funding for a new science building to open in 2021
Collaborated with elected officials and CATS leadership to make possible the construction of nearly 10 miles of light rail line from Uptown Charlotte to the UNC Charlotte campus (page 20)
“Last August, we celebrated its 10-year anniversary; I can only imagine how student life looked before it opened. A student union is the core of campus life, which is what we needed for a university of our size, and Chancellor Dubois was committed to addressing the needs of the student body.”
49ers football kicks off
Collegiate football on the UNC Charlotte campus kicked off with the inaugural game on Aug. 31, 2013. Gridiron action continues to energize students, alumni and the community.
Retired athletics director Judy Rose said while the 49ers had explored football for several years, Chancellor Dubois made it happen. However, Rose noted, he was deliberate in his approach, conducting independent research and working with alumni, civic and community leaders to develop a plan that would make football feasible from a financial standpoint.
In just seven years, the Charlotte 49ers, competing first as an FCS independent team, then moving to FBS as members of Conference USA, made their first post-season appearance, playing in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl in December 2019.
“There is no question that our recent competitive ascent is because of the support of Chancellor Dubois,” said Athletics Director Mike Hill. “We would not have been able to hire Ron Sanchez, Will Healy and all of our great coaches without him. He understands the value of athletics and how they can be fuel to help propel the institution. Athletics enhances campus life for our students and University community, and it engages and inspires our alumni and friends, rallying them around the collective pride of Niner Nation.”
Gene Johnson ’73, the first alumnus to chair the University’s Board of Trustees and as the current chair of Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte, has worked closely with Dubois. He credits Dubois’ leadership in transforming the campus.
“The University is not the same place it was,” said Johnson. “Look at the incredible breadth and depth of our academic programs, especially those at the graduate level. Our athletics program has grown, and the student experience is much-changed. And through it all, Phil has led with integrity.”
Leading through difficult times
The economic downturn of 2008, the campus shooting in 2019, and most recently, the coronavirus global pandemic required extraordinary responses from the University. Dubois steered the course by focusing on the people affected the most, applying the same compassionate leadership he demonstrated at the University of Wyoming in October 1998 when gay student Matthew Shepard was murdered in a hate crime, and, again in September 2001, when eight student-athletes died in a car accident.
“My simple rule is to keep focused on the families of the injured or dead and not get too distracted by all the other issues … Focus on the needs of the families and how to support them,” said Dubois.
During the Great Recession, Dubois managed campus affairs under the mantra “hope for the best, plan for the worst.” During the worst of the economic recession, the University lost more than $53 million in state appropriations with minimal cuts in employee positions and modest tuition increases. In doing so, UNC Charlotte fared better than the majority of UNC System schools.
The April 30 campus shooting seemed inconceivable, but it left two students killed and four injured. Dubois again would place the needs of the students affected and their families as the priority. The University’s response resonated with the campus and the community. The chancellor recently spoke of the vigil held May 1, 2019. He said the memory of the scene endures. “It was both tragic and gratifying that our students, faculty, staff and the community could come together.”
Finally, the coronavirus pandemic of spring 2020 necessitated unprecedented actions to mitigate the spread of the disease. Dubois, acting in the best interests of the campus community, quickly adopted social distancing practices for the University. Traditional classes became virtual, and teleworking was implemented for employees.
“None of the achievements of the past 15 years would have been possible without the talent and commitment of our faculty and staff, and the generous contributions of time and treasure from our trustees, campus advisory boards, alumni, friends, and community partners,” said Dubois. “We have celebrated great times together, and we’ve also weathered difficult times. If adversity makes one stronger, then Niner Nation is stronger than ever.”
Phillip Brown is assistant director of internal communications in University Communications and editor of this publication.
Led the plan to start a Division I FCS-level football program in 2013 and its entry into Conference USA at the FBS level in 2015 (page 28); and for establishing a drum corps and marching band
Oversaw UNC Charlotte’s largest private fundraising campaign that met its goal to raise $200 million. The campaign included support to create the Levine Scholars Program and 10 new endowed chairs and professorships
Oversaw implementation of 10 bachelor’s, 17 master’s, 10 doctoral and multiple graduate certificates; externally funded research awards achieved a record level in 2019, reaching nearly $51 million (page 22)
Created the Office of Parent and Family Services, Scholarship Office, Call Center, Transfer Student Center, Niner Central and the Office of Undergraduate Research
Collaborated with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to create two “early colleges” for grades 9 through 13—one whose focus is science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and one for students interested in teaching
Wade Bruton
Uptown Legacy
The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City
BY PAUL NOWELL
UNC Charlotte, whose presence in uptown Charlotte is marked by its distinctive, 11-story glass structure at the corner of 9th and Brevard Streets, recognized the legacy of retiring Chancellor Philip L. Dubois and First Lady Lisa Lewis Dubois by renaming the University’s Center City Building in their honor. With this update, the building, regarded as a centerpiece to Dubois’ 15-year term as chancellor, will be known as The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City (The Dubois Center).
The $50.4 million facility, which opened in fall 2011, is the only University of North Carolina classroom building conceived and designed specifically to serve the business, organizations and people of an urban center. Its 25 state-of-the-art classrooms and design studios accommodate more than 1,300 students annually who earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees in business, architecture, urban design, education, public administration or health administration, plus about 2,600 more who participate in certificate and other continuing education options. In addition, The Projective Eye Gallery, located near the lobby, regularly exhibits the work of artists known locally, nationally and internationally.
“Phil came to me with this audacious idea of starting a new campus right in the middle of uptown Charlotte,” said Erskine Bowles, who was the UNC System’s president when the concept was first proposed. “Over time we were able to convince the legislature this building could make an enormous difference, that it could
drive business and opportunities for Charlotte and the region for decades to come.”
Proximity to the University’s highly ranked part-time MBA evening program, acclaimed Master of Public Administration program and continuing education programs for those who live and work uptown, as well as to more than 1,800 University, corporate and community events every year fulfill Dubois’ original vision to elevate the University’s profile in the Charlotte region and beyond.
“We knew we needed to have a more substantial and visible presence,” Dubois said. “That led to the decision to make our No. 1 campus construction priority a new building in Center City.”
Dubois’ foresight has been confirmed by the subsequent development of the surrounding neighborhood, which includes installation of popular First Ward Park, positioned between The Dubois Center and the city’s thriving business district, and a new light rail station, which provides a direct connection to the University’s main campus in University City. (Trains make 100 stops daily at the two UNC Charlotte stations.)
Throughout the city, including on the main campus, there is evidence of the civic contributions of Lisa Lewis Dubois, efforts that extend far beyond the traditional role of a university first lady. A passion for providing a platform for women led to serving as co-chair of the CharlotteMecklenburg Women’s Summit, whose outcomes guided the implementation of the Women+Girls Research Alliance, which collaborates as a University entity with the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. Her imprint is evident on numerous education and cultural efforts that have made a difference in the lives of countless Charlotteans.
“The legacy of Chancellor Phil Dubois and First Lady Lisa Lewis Dubois is not limited to their leadership within the walls of the UNC Charlotte campus,” said Michael L. Wilson, ’93, chair of the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees. “They have worked diligently to connect UNC Charlotte to the greater Charlotte community; as the city grew, UNC Charlotte grew with it.”
For the chancellor, The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City is more than just a building; it’s an embodiment of the reputation earned as North Carolina’s urban research university.
“The change in the University’s visibility has paid real dividends,” Dubois said. “I feel
Erskine Bowles championed the chancellor’s vision for UNC Charlotte to have a visible footprint in the heart of the Queen City.
good about leaving UNC Charlotte in a strong position as an integral partner in this great city.”
To read more about the Dubois’ leadership at UNC Charlotte, visit inside.uncc.edu/the-dubois-legacy.
Paul Nowell is a senior communications manager for University Communications.
Wade Bruton
UNC Charlotte Center City provided an anchor for neighborhood development; University, government and community leaders participated in the groundbreaking for First Ward Park.
Wade Bruton
Light rail’s connection fuels future growth
BY JARED MOON
“B efore Philip L. Dubois, the northern extension of the light rail line was dead in its tracks,” said former Gov. Pat McCrory, who was Charlotte’s mayor from 1995 to 2006.
In the mid-1990s, McCrory and others had initiated the vision, strategy and funding to extend the city’s light rail from Uptown to University City. After nearly a decade of planning, it had become clear that without UNC Charlotte as a partner, there would be no way for the city to qualify for the federal funding that was necessary for the project.
Fortuitously, the overall strategic vision of the University’s new chancellor, Philip L. Dubois, included deepening the University’s connections with the Queen City. During his first week as chancellor, Dubois visited McCrory at his office in Uptown Charlotte as a courtesy call to reintroduce himself to the mayor.
“Phil saw the vision immediately, the importance to campus and the connectivity to Charlotte,” said McCrory. “I was able to go back to Washington, D.C., and say that UNC Charlotte was on board, guaranteeing 50 percent funding for the extension.”
When the first light rail train pulled into the UNC Charlotte Main Station in March 2018, it marked the culmination of nearly two decades of committed collaboration, constant dedication and tireless hard work by Dubois and countless city, state and federal partners, including McCrory, who went on to serve as North Carolina’s governor from 2013 to 2017, to bring the project from concept to reality.
It’s easy to see how light rail access has forever changed daily campus life. Students access the city’s business, cultural and entertainment offerings with the ease of a short train ride. And Charlotte residents throughout the city are granted a convenient link to a variety of opportunities located on campus.
“Of the three most significant decisions I’ve made as Chancellor—including building the Center City campus and launching football—implementing light rail is the most transformational project for the future of UNC Charlotte,” said Dubois.
Jared Moon is features manager for University Communications.
EPIC’s High Bay Lab enables researchers to conduct large-scale structural design and testing.
Wade Bruton
Academics and research expand to meet regional needs
BY PHILLIP BROWN
Like 40 percent of UNC Charlotte undergraduates, Chancellor Philip L. Dubois was a first-generation college student; first, as an undergraduate at the University of California, Davis, then as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He knows firsthand the power of a college degree to transform lives and the opportunities that public universities offer toward upward mobility.
In fact, it was access to public education that provided the foundation for his career. After completing a doctorate in political science, Dubois joined the faculty at UC Davis, rising through academic and administrative ranks to full professor and various administrative posts, including associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.
When he became UNC Charlotte’s chancellor in 2005—after serving as its provost from 1991-97 followed by eight years as president of the University of Wyoming—he was eager to undertake what his predecessor Jim Woodward described as “the best job in higher education.”
At that time, UNC Charlotte was perched on the precipice of unprecedented growth—in enrollment, academic programming and research. Between 2005 and 2019, enrollment expanded from 20,772 to
29,615, with graduate students making up more than 5,000 of the total, including a record 1,073 doctoral students in 2019. During the same period, the University added 37 new degree programs: 10 bachelor’s, 17 master’s and 10 doctoral.
New programs address workforce demands
Dubois has been intentional in engaging with Charlotte leaders to confirm the workforce needs of a city on the move—and develop programs that align with them. Three initiatives implemented under his leadership stand out for propelling the University’s academic and research capacity and boosting its value as a regional partner:
The Energy Production and Infrastructure
Center (EPIC) was conceived to respond to growing regional energy industry demand in the early 2000s for engineers—and as an academic and research program for energy solutions through applied investigations. Today, EPIC is regarded as an energy think tank, where regional business partners turn for creative solutions, and as a vital engine driving Charlotte’s efforts to become “America’s New Energy Center.”
The Data Science Initiative (DSI) began in 2013 as a result of grant funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and the UNC Board of Governors. In January 2020, DSI transitioned to become the Carolinas’ first School of Data Science (SDS) (page 34). Its interdisciplinary approach recognizes the evolution of data science and the need for multiple skill sets among business managers, social scientists, statisticians and health analysts. An SDS priority is to provide intellectual capital and outreach activities to meet employers’ needs for interpreting and applying data.
The Partnership, Outreach, and Research
to Accelerate Learning (PORTAL) building spurs business growth and job creation, promotes research and innovation, and supports Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its location near J.W. Clay Blvd./UNC Charlotte Station, one of two CATS light rail stops that serve the campus, promotes collaboration with nearby UNC Charlotte research centers for bioinformatics, metrology, motorsports, biomedical, optoelectronics and energy production.
UNC Charlotte’s Bioinformatics Building
Since 2014, PORTAL has served as a launching pad for entrepreneurial endeavors (i.e. Saprex Advanced Solutions on the 2019 INC 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States), illustrating the University’s commitment to helping the region’s entrepreneurs harness the power of an urban research university.
Building research capacity to drive innovation
Strategic investment between 2005 and 2019 in research facilities and infrastructure, and the recruitment of distinguished and productive researchers and scholars have established UNC Charlotte’s strong research culture.
Research capacity widens
Since 2005, research awards received by UNC Charlotte faculty have more than doubled, exceeding $51 million in 2019, and the University ranks third in the UNC System and fifth in North Carolina for research expenditures.
The University’s achievements are consistently recognized among the top five in the United States for the number of patents issued and the number of new startup companies formed based on research dollars expended.
Richard Tankersley, vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development, describes UNC Charlotte as “well-positioned to play an increasingly significant role in the innovation economy of the state and nation, and continue to make lasting, positive contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Charlotte region.” “By the time I retire on June 30, we will have awarded 96,000 degrees during my chancellorship. This means 96,000 lives made better.”
–PHILIP L. DUBOIS
Toward a more inclusive campus
BY PHILLIP BROWN
“U NC Charlotte is preparing its graduates to become leaders and thriving citizens in a pluralistic and multicultural society,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “We should provide students opportunities to interact with individuals from different backgrounds as well as to engage them in a range of ideas and perspectives.”
Beginning with his 2006 installation, Dubois identified campus diversity and inclusion as a priority. He announced reconstituting the Council on University Community (CUC), composed of members of his Cabinet, to accelerate efforts. The CUC developed the UNC Charlotte Plan for Campus Diversity, Access and Inclusion, the institution’s first comprehensive diversity plan, and guides divisions as they work toward their goals.
The Chancellor’s Diversity Challenge Fund, a grant program that supports programs to broaden campus and community exposure to the dimensions of diversity, underscores Dubois’ intentions. So far, more than $1.36 million in funding has supported the development of related campus programs.
Grants have supported programming related to gender equity and gender expression, age, class, culture, differing physical and learning abilities, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and veteran status. Thousands of students have attended 325-plus workshops, lectures, presentations, films and performances made possible by this funding.
“Diversity enriches the educational experience for all students, and in an ever-increasing interconnected global environment, it’s crucial for students to learn from those whose experiences differ from theirs,” said Kevin Bailey, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “In addition, Chancellor Dubois has acted upon recommendations from students to change single-use bathrooms across campus to gender-neutral ones.”
Preparing students to succeed The Organizational Science Summer Institute (OSSI) — This oneweek program primes undergraduate students from underrepresented populations to attend graduate school through intensive learning, GRE preparation, research activities and networking opportunities. Sophomore Ashley Rankin said it helped solidify her career prospects. “Even though the goals and interests of the participants were different, we all had the same overarching interest in organizational studies and the desire to prepare for future careers. OSSI put graduate study into perspective and gave me an idea about what I would have to do to prepare,” she said.
Dismantling racism
Racial Equity Workshops and Racial Equity Skill Building
Caucus — These sessions on campus and in the community enable participants to increase their knowledge of how to build racial equity by reflecting on their beliefs and practicing new skills. “Diversity, access, inclusion, anti-racism, intersectionality and equity are
Wade Bruton
complex concepts. It takes time to raise awareness of these terms and even longer to build trust so authentic truths can be shared,” said Social Work Professor Susan McCarter, the workshops’ organizer. Participants have called them eye opening. Mary Webb from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools said, “What I thought I knew and believed about racism was challenged by the information presented. It challenges me to review my own thinking to improve the futures of our children of color. Racism means something completely different to me now.”
Work continues
“We have made significant progress in creating and sustaining an inclusive campus environment that values people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas,” said Dubois. “But we have more work to do.”
To speed the CUC’s work, the Council on University Community Working Group (CCWG) was formed in 2017 to raise the visibility, coordination and impact of the diversity plan. The CCWG oversees and coordinates diversity programming within Academic Affairs and coordinates with other divisions to advise the provost on how resources, policies and practices can be used to advance goals related to diversity.
Chance Lewis, the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education, chairs the CCWG as the institution’s inaugural Faculty Fellow for Diversity, Access and Inclusion. “Positive change happens when stakeholders from throughout the University have a seat at the table of decision-making,” he said.
Wade Bruton
Unprecedented Campus Growth
BY PHILLIP BROWN
More than five million square feet of space—the equivalent of nearly six Bank of America Corporate Centers (Charlotte’s largest structure)—have been added to UNC Charlotte’s campus under Chancellor Philip L. Dubois’ visionary leadership.
Since 2005, UNC Charlotte has invested more than $1.2 billion in new facilities to meet the growing demand for access to higher education that has helped fuel the region’s economic growth. Because the University plays a key role in providing workforce talent for Charlotte, a metropolitan hub for finance, business, technology and energy industries, these capital investments are vital to the region’s sustained ability to compete for resources and talent.
Experiential learning spaces in new and renovated classroom buildings, advanced laboratories in research centers, collaborative spaces to foster entrepreneurial ventures, and the light rail extension are examples of the University’s efforts to reshape how students learn and how faculty members conduct important applied research and to connect to the greater Charlotte community.
In the heart of Uptown, the University opened UNC Charlotte Center City in 2011. It houses a number of the University’s graduate programs, convenient for working professionals in Uptown, and the Continuing Education Office, which offers a wealth of professional development opportunities.
The chancellor presided over the addition of several campus amenities designed to equip students with skills to thrive emotionally, physically and socially. A number of new residence halls have transformed South Village and other housing areas on campus. The Popp Martin Student Union has become the hub of campus life. And the adjacent University Recreation Center is dedicated solely to students’ health and wellness. A state-of-the-art Student Health Center, which opened in 2007, and the Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, dedicated in October 2017, also address the importance of health and well-being to the success of any UNC Charlotte student.
Growth in Charlotte 49ers athletics necessitated additional campus facilities, including the Robert and Miriam Hayes Baseball Stadium, Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex and Jerry Richardson Stadium and its accompanying Judy W. Rose Football Center. Under construction are a new science building, possible through the Connect NC bond referendum championed by the chancellor, and the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The science building will reshape the way science is taught and studied at North Carolina’s urban research university. And the conference center will bring to Charlotte research symposia and academic conferences that the city currently cannot accommodate. Adding first-class conference space to University City, Charlotte’s second-largest employment hub, is projected to generate new business for the city’s nearby hotels and retailers.
BUILDING A CAMPUS OF DISTINCTION Chancellor Dubois presided over $1.2 billion in construction and renovation projects adding 5,030,546 square feet of space to campus.
College of Health and Human Services
Harris Alumni Center
2006 2007
Student Health Center
Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium Popp Martin Student Union
Bioinformatics
2008 2009 2011
Motorsports 2 North Deck Miltimore Hall Judy W. Rose Football Center
UNC Charlotte Center City
2012
Main Entrance Dickson Gate
Jerry Richardson Stadium Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex CRI Deck
EPIC
Hunt Hall
Belk Hall
South Village Dining Laurel Hall Hauser Alumni Pavilion
Johnson Band Center
2013 2014 2015
Martin Hall South Village Deck
PORTAL
Levine Hall
2017
CATS Blue Line Extension Light Rail Stations
Facilities Operations and Parking Services Complex and Receiving and Stores Warehouse Union Deck Expansion Baseball Indoor Training Facility
2018 2019 2020
Softball Indoor Training Facility Popp Gate
Gage Undergraduate Admissions Center
University Recreation Center
Wade Bruton
BY SUSAN MESSINA
Greeting fans after practices and games, marking success with the turnover “Dunk Can,” and post-win locker room “Club Lit” celebrations.
These traditions are fast becoming part of Charlotte 49ers football lore—for a team that emerged eight short seasons ago and is quickly becoming known as much for its off-field esprit de corps as its gridiron grit. It is a team that prior to the 2019 season posted an overall 22-48 win-loss record—and then capped its most recent one with a bowl game appearance.
From its 2013 start, 49ers football steadily has helped raise UNC Charlotte’s profile throughout the city and region. Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, knowing the potential of high-profile sports to create overall awareness for their University among prospective students, community and business leaders, local fans and alumni, made introducing football (and creating the infrastructure to support it) a strategic priority.
That included raising funds for and constructing the Football Stadium Complex, which comprises 15,000-seat Jerry Richardson Stadium (expandable to 40,000 seats); the Judy W. Rose Football Center; McColl-Richardson Field and practice fields as well as press and university boxes; television and radio booths; a field house for coaches offices, meeting
rooms, locker rooms, and weight and training rooms; an academic center and hospitality deck.
Since the arrival in December 2018 of head coach Will Healy, the program’s promise has seemed realistically attainable. Regarded throughout college sports as a “coach to watch,” Healy exudes undeniable, electric energy that has been noted even by Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s legendary football leader. He is known as a motivator who not only celebrates big wins with post-game “Club Lit” revelry, but makes a point of elevating players’ everyday, incremental progress. The team cites Healy’s enthusiasm as a factor in its winning attitude and the season outcomes that led to competing in the 2019 Makers Wanted Bahama Bowl.
“Coach Healy emphasizes passion, energy and just being yourself,” senior running back Benny LeMay (page 48) told the Charlotte Post at the start of last season, “We play this game to have fun and enjoy it ... I’m loving it.”
Early struggles led to eventual collective and individual successes. The team finished the 2019 season 7-6. And four 49ers have been drafted by NFL teams, including Larry Ogunjobi (2017), Cleveland Browns; Nate Davis (2019), Tennessee Titans; and in April 2020, Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers; and Cameron Clark, New York Jets. (Benny LeMay was picked up by the Browns as a free agent.)
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season due to coronavirus, season tickets are in demand, the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band hopes to take the field and student and alumni fans are eager to cheer on their 49ers. To read more about 49ers football, visit: charlotte49ers.com/ sports/football.
Susan Messina is director of news and information for University Communications.
Slamming the football into the “dunk can” is part of the celebratory experience encouraged by head coach Will Healy during football practices.
Ryan Honeyman
49ers Football Pride Points 2013-20
ACADEMIC STRENGTH
• 81 Football team graduates • 535 Total mentions to the Athletic Director’s
Honor Roll (3.0 semester) • 219 Total mentions to the
C-USA Commissioner’s
Honor Roll (3.0 cumulative GPA)
Wade Bruton Will Healy’s arrival as head coach in December 2018 brought sustainable energy to the 49ers; he led the team to its first postseason appearance—the 2019 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.
ATHLETIC POWER
• 33 All-Conference USA selections • 1 Football Bowl
Subdivision (FBS) bid • 4 NFL Draft Picks
FAN FERVOR
• 561,333 Total fans at home games • 36,506 Total season tickets holders • ~1,000 Niner Nation fans at first bowl game.
